This is only one among a hundred
instances of the disadvantage under which the periodical novelist
labors. When his work is done, he never fails to observe a thousand
defects which he might have remedied, and a thousand alterations, in
regard to the book as a whole, which might be made to its manifest
improvement.
But of the conception of this story deserves praise, its execution
is beyond all- and here the subject naturally leads us from the
generalization which is the proper province of the critic, into
details among which it is scarcely fitting that he should venture.
The Art of Mr. Dickens, although elaborate and great, seems only a
happy modification of Nature. In this respect he differs remarkably
from the author of "Night and Morning." The latter, by excessive
care and by patient reflection, aided by much rhetorical knowledge,
and general information, has arrived at the capability of producing
books which be mistaken by ninety-nine readers out of a hundred for
the genuine inspirations of genius. The former, by the promptings of
the truest genius itself, has been brought to compose, and evidently
without effort, works which have effected a long-sought
consummation- which have rendered him the idol of the people, while
defying and enchanting the critics. Mr. Bulwer, through art, has
almost created a genius.
Pages:
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117