Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 65, No. 402, April, 1849

In this lively essay the writer surveys the evolution of English literary criticism, tracing its journey from the polished essays of Addison and Steele to the forceful, opinion‑driven pages of the Edinburgh Review. By contrasting the genteel tone of the early 18th‑century “spectators” with the passionate, politically charged commentary that followed the French Revolution, the piece reveals how a new, more vigorous style reshaped readers’ expectations.

The author also explores how this shift opened the door for the critical‑historical essay, a form that blends narrative history with sharp analysis. With vivid examples—from the moral elegance of Pope to the daring prose of Johnson—the essay invites listeners to understand why the periodical press became a crucible for public debate and why the once‑dominant, genteel reviews fell into the shadows. It’s a compelling look at a turning point in literary culture, perfect for anyone curious about the forces that forged modern criticism.