there were many of superior merit, and a selection might be extracted from it, that would form a volume of miscellanies well worthy of separate preservation. The work undoubtedly rendered service to our literature, and aided the diffusion of good taste in the community. It was one of the first efforts of regular criticism on American books, and it suffered few productions of the day to escape its notice. Some repining and dissatisfaction arose amongst some of the authors who were the subjects of remark, but the public at large generally assented to the principles and decisions of the critics. Circumstances of various kinds growing out of the publication produced a correspondence with several individuals; all of which, together with the regular records of the club have been preserved, and will at a future day, be deposited among the papers of the Historical Society. If in the next century some collector of literary anecdotes should examine these documents, he will find materials connected with the early state of American literature which may then be interesting. Whatever may have been the merit of the Anthology, its authors would have been sadly disappointed if they had looked for any other advantages to be derived from it than an occasional smile from the public, the amusement of their task, and the pleasure of their social meetings. The publication never gave enough to pay the moderate expense of their suppers, and through their whole career they wrote, and paid for the pleasure of writing. Occasionally a promise was held out, that the proceeds of the work would soon enable them to proceed without assessments, but the observance never came. The printers were changed several times, and whenever they paid any thing, it was an omen of ill. luck to them. No one felt a particular interest from any expectation of either fame or profit to extend the circulation of the work, and therefore it cannot be compared in this respect with other undertakings, where these impulses may be felt. Yet it serves to furnish an instance in addition to so many others, to warn those persons who engage in literary labour with any view to direct profit, that they will be certainly disappointed, and if the pleasure of the employment, and the satisfaction of doing the state some good will not suffice, they had better never engage in the pursuit, for they will be ready to say at last, that to write, in the words of Spencer on a different subject, is To lose good days that might be better spent, The most important and lasting benefit of the Anthology, will be that noble institution the Boston Athenæum, which originated in this society. It was first intended to form a Reading Room and Library, to be called the Anthology Reading Room. This plan was proposed by Mr. Shaw, who afterwards followed up the subject very zealously, and has since devoted so much of his time and attention to the growth and support of the Athenæum, which now contains one of the most valuable and extensive libraries in the country. When it was talked about in the club, several of the members volunteered at once, a gift of books, and a considerable number of volumes were thus immediately obtained. It is but justice to mention, that in the beginning of this business the Rev. Dr. Gardiner contributed much to its success, both by his decided opinion in its favour, and by his liberal present of books. When the plan was afterwards extended, and many public spirited individuals joined in a subscription, that made the establishment at once solid and respectable, the members of the Anthology, in consequence of the books they contributed and various periodical works which were received in exchange for their journal, were admitted to a life-right in the institution; several of the members became besides proprietors by subscription. Some merit is due to them, for their agency in bringing forward this measure, and as this excellent institution flourishes, it will serve to perpetuate the memory of the Anthology Club. P. S. The following list contains the titles of all the magazines that have been published in Massachusetts. They are placed in the order of their dates, the first part containing those which have been discontinued. American Magazine & Historical Chronicle, 3 vols. 1740 to 1743. Royal American Magazine, 1 vol. 1774. 1 vol. 1784. 8 vols. 1789 to 1796. 1 vol. 1800. 1 vol. 1802. 10 vols. 1803 to 1811, 2 vols. 1805 & 1806. Cabinet & Repository of Polite Literature, 1 vol. 1811. General Repository and Review, Panoplist, (Calvinistic) monthly, 4 vols. 1812 to 1813. 28 vols. 1806 to 1820. Journal, 1816. The Christian Disciple, (Unitarian) every two months, The Gospel Advocate (Episcopalian) monthly. American Baptist Magazine, monthly. The Missionary Herald, monthly. This last is a continuation of the Panoplist, but containing only the details that relate to Missions, which have now become so numerous and important than their concerns furnish matter enough to fill a monthly magazine. In addition to these periodical works, there are publications by three learned societies: 1. The "American Academy" has printed four volumes 4to, and completes a volume in two parts in about four or five years. 2. The "Historical Society" has now in press its nineteenth volume, the form is octavo. 3. The "Antiquarian Society" has published its first volume in octavo. OBSERVATIONS ON MADAME DE STAEL'S CORINNA. From the Anthology, September, 1808. THE name of Madame de Stael has long been familiar in French Literature. Two ladies of this name rank high among their female writers. The present Madame de Stael Holstein has published several works, the last of which, Corinna, will do more for her glory than all the others. Perhaps it may not be amiss to give some account of the author, before reflecting upon her work. She is the daughter of the late M. Necker, who played so conspicuous a part at the commencement of the French Revolution; and the widow of the late Baron de Stael Holstein, who was ambassador from the King of Sweden during the time of the Directory. Her children are brought up in Switzerland, the country of her family; and it is one of the reproaches of her enemies, that she has always kept them at a distance from herself. She is not hand |