An Oracle
Concerning pop culture, the tech bubble, the internet economy, the music industry's current state, the blogosphere, IP rights controversies, the publishing industry, the printing industry, the stock market, bankruptcies, venture capitalism, and cash cows in general, from the pages of a magazine that survived for nearly 200 years of publication...
From Google Book Search, here: The Gentleman's Magazine, June, 1825. (Pp. 483-486)
NB:I have modernized the typesetting as regards to extra spaces and replaced the fractions with decimals, but made no other changes to the corrected transcript; all italics are as-is; the only formatting I could not carry over is the original use of small caps, which I have replaced with boldface. The formatting of the "how to end up broke" table does not seem to be maintaining well, either, but you can easily compare it to the original via the Googlebooks link. (l=pounds, s=shillings, d=pennies [denarii])
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.
On Cheap Periodical Literature.
This is the golden age of literary and commercial enterprise. Never was the press more actively employed, or ampler scope allowed for the diffusion of every species of information, than at the present period. As in the mercantile world every speculation, from the golden mines of Mexico to the wash-tubs of the laundry, meets with eager supporters; so in the literary world, every bibliographical undertaking appears to receive the warmest encouragement. Never were publications so numerous, or of such varied character. There are splendid folios and quartos, for the gratification of the rich, and humble twopenny works for the amusement of the poor. Dr. Meyrick's splendid volumes on Ancient Armour sell for twenty guineas; whilst the whole of Shakspeare's Plays are published for twelve shillings. The Quarterly Review, which has obtained a patrician circulation, is sold for six shillings; whilst the Nic Nac is bought by the plebeian herd for a penny; but the former cost 6,000l. to establish it; and the latter not as many farthings!
Not many years ago the public were satisfied with annual, or monthly publications, of a literary character; but now we have our weekly and even daily ones; some of which drag on an unnatural and protracted existence ; whilst others appear like meteoric exhalations, glimmer for a moment, and vanish from the sight. Even their very being is unknown to the literary inquirer.
There was a time, when it was considered, even by the most opulent booksellers, a great hazard to undertake a periodical publication. Shareholders were convened, consultations held, and deep calculations made before the speculation could be ventured on, which occupied as much attention as a modern project for forming a railway, or cutting a canal. But how different is the spirit of enterprise now-a-days. After the "Mirror of Literature" was established, innumerable twopenny or threepenny works arose in imitation, and at one time, we believe, there were upwards of sixty in existence. So profitable were these speculations then imagined, from their apparently flourishing condition, that every literary garreteer, and broken-down bookseller s clerk, considered the establishment of a twopenny publication as a new and certain way of realizing a fortune. Indeed it may be curious to the future historian to be enabled to draw a parallel between the projectors of trading companies (or at least the majority of them) and the planners of Nic Nacs, Pic Nics, Freebooters, Bagatelles, and scores of others. The literary schemer professes precisely the same objects as the mercantile one-public advantage and utility; though he entertains, at the same time, very different views- "auri sacra fames." ["Cursed craving for gold" --Virgil]The latter one imposes on the credulity of shareholders; and whether his scheme succeeds or not, he is sure to be the gainer; for if it fails, his dupes must lose their money, and not the individual who had nothing to lose. In the former case the printer, stationer, and engraver, are the tools; if the literary adventurer succeeds, they are perhaps paid; if not, the whole goes to "profit and loss accounts." *
We shall state a case in point: Two youngsters are out of employment. One can obtain credit of the engraver and printer; the other of the stationer; This can use the scissars [sic] and paste; the other carry a board, and hawk about numbers. A twopenny work is resolved on, which is to surpass all others for public utility and general information. Three thousand copies are determined on, with every prospect of increasing to ten thousand. The cost of paper, print, and engraving is l6l.; the return for 3,000 copies 25l.; the publication, from its superior plan and extraordinary excellence, is confidently expected soon to command a sale of 10,000; the expences are then calculated at 27l. and the sale returns at 83l.; thus realizing a profit of 56l. per week, with the mere deduction of a few contingencies. O ye golden dreams of wealth! quam mortalia pectora tangunt. ["than mortality touches wickedness"--? a kludge of two Virgil quotes?] Rejoicing at the bright prospect before them, they proceed to business without further delay. The scissars and paste are in requisition; the copy, patched up from all the newspapers of the day, is hurried into the printer's hands; an old design is given to the wood engraver, and paper arrives from the stationer's sufficient for the first month; at the end of which prompt payment is promised to each tradesman. In the mean time, an obscure bookseller is appointed, placards are posted, and boards are carried along the public streets. The first number is issued ; public sensation, of course, is great! the sale glorious! fervet opus; ["the work boils," Virgil] the second number is as prosperous as could be expected! no doubt of the demand increasing; the third appears, and then the fourth. Now comes "the winter of their discontent;"--the tradesmen demand the payment of their bills, as per agreement; our adventurers are pennyless; they request the bookseller's account of the sale, and an advance of the cash in hand, apprehending that the least delay may tend to ruin a work, which, they confidently presume, is advancing to the pinnacle of popularity. The account is made up; when, lo! it stands thus:
No. I. sold 1600 copies to..........£. s. d.
the little shops, &c. at
l.5d. each (trade price).......10 0 0
No. II. sold 900 ......................5 12 6
No. III. sold 650 .....................4 1 3
No. IV. sold 320 ......................2 0 0
......................................21 13 9
Deduct 10 per cent, for
commission ............................2 3 4.5
The balance will thus stand:
Dr.
To printing four numbers
at 16l. ..................64 0 0
To printing and posting
placards, and other con-
tingencies ......................10 10 0
......................................74 10 0
Cr.
By cash, for copies sold .............19 10 4.5
By "Benefit of the Act !" ............54 19 7.5
......................................74 10 0
Thus vanishes all their airy scheems for realizing wealth: thus is the too confiding tradesman defrauded; and thus does the ephemeral trash, which signalizes the present age, vanish like a spark, after a few weeks existence; whilst to the public the projectors are never known or heard of, and are generally too contemptible to excite inquiry.
Some of these ephemerals have not been so fortunate as to exist a month. Either the speculation was considered too hopeless, or the projector could not obtain credit for a second number; for instance, the "History of the Crimes of the Popes and Cardinals of Rome," price 3d. was announced for publication every fortnight, in opposition to Cobbett's "History of the Reformation." A second number never appeared; and why? because the paper and printing for 1,000 copies, including the cover, exceeded 8l.; and the return for 300 copies, deducting trade profits, amoun ted to 2l. 10s.!
Sometimes it happens that a twopenny work, when in a rapid decline, is knavishly transferred to a new proprietor for a few pounds; and he has the satisfaction of "coming in at the death," and witnessing its last struggle. Some time ago there was a daily publication, called the "Curious Man," which was sold by hawkers in the street for 1d. The proprietor had the modesty to ask 100l. for the copyright, and the next week it was defunct! because 100 per diem were not sold.
Notwithstanding the evanescent nature of these cheap periodicals, many of which are here and gone in a week or two, there are some which have assumed a respectable character from their permanency, extensive sale, and respectability of the publishers. They promise fair, from all appearances, to be "handed down to other times;" whilst some of them, which are now struggling on, may soon give up the ghost; and without some permanent record may be consigned to eternal oblivion. For this reason, we cannot, perhaps, render a better service to the future bibliographer, than to record the principal ones now in existence. This will form a kind of Catalogue in continuation of the Quarterly and Monthly Publications enumerated in vol. xcii. ii. p. 352, 353. For this purpose we commence with the prototype of the whole, which, we believe, has been the most successful.
The "Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction," is the most popular of all the cheap weekly works. Its pages are devoted to original matter and selections from the magazines and publications of the week.
The "Portfolio" was a short time since superior to the Mirror both in plates and contents; but the bankruptcy of the publisher has considerably reduced it in value; and unless its ancient spirit be revived, it will probably, though deserving of patronage, be soon discontinued.
The "Hive," when on the eve of extinction, was incorporated with the Portfolio.
The "Nic Nac," a penny publication, cannot possibly continue long; as it is not met with at more than three shops in London, and is not published till about "three months after date."
"Oxberry's Dramatic Biography," price three-pence each number, is principally supported by its excellent copper-plates, which are now, however, becoming inferior to what they were. Its contents consist of a memoir of some distinguished performer whose portrait is given, some theatrical anecdotes, and generally a few laughable epigrams.
The "Diorama" costs sixpence; but as it is one of a series which may be regarded as the precursors of the present two-penny publications, it may be mentioned here. It is one of the most entertaining works of the kind, and abounds in excellent tales (original we believe) which are stated to have been collected on the Continent.
The "Encyclopedia of Anecdote and Wit" is amusing; but we fear that its late rise of price, from two to three-pence, will prove fatal to its tale. It consists of amusing anecdotes, and some of the shorter and lighter articles from popular magazines.
The "Universal Songster," is a collection of the most popular songs; but these are so frequently worthless, that its purchaser must expect to find at least two pages of nonsense to one of sense. The plates by Cruikshank are admirable, though too much like caricatures.
The "London Stage" is one of the best and cheapest publications extant. For the small price of threepence it furnishes the reader with the choicest productions of the British Dramatic authors, and in some cases it has gone to considerable expense for copyright. If the publishers proceed as they have begun, these handsome volumes will far surpass, in elegant appearance and cheapness, all the other editions of the flowers of the British Drama. The plays are printed as they are acted; and the passages omitted in representation are wholly struck out. A similar edition of the Parisian Stage would do honour to a French publisher, and, we think, meet with patronage on both sides the channel.
The "London Stage Edition of Shakspeare," is worthy of the Bard of Avon. To render it still more attractive, the publishers announce their intention of giving, at its conclusion, interesting notices of various particulars relating to Shakspeare, illustrated with elegant wood-cuts.
"Hone's Every-day Book, or Guide to the Year," is not so much what it professes to be, as the storehouse of a variety of curious literature, which renders its pages always entertaining. It abounds with interesting notices of rural sports in the neighborhood of London, and recollections of ancient customs. To illustrate these, wood-cut views are given, which will be invaluable to the future antiquary; and indeed the whole work will be worth more fifty years hence than now.
The "Drama" is but a poor concern; and unless the ancient editor again conducts it, it will soon sink to the "tomb of all the Capulets."
The "Iris" is a cheap magazine and review, which never aspires above mediocrity, and will not long continue to hold its head above water. The proprietor seems to be an enterprising publisher. It is a pity he has not met with better writers.
The "Mirror of The Church" is of about the same calibre as the Iris.
The "Mechanic's Magazine," and the "Mechanic's Register," with the "Register Of Arts and Sciences," are all cheap, interesting, and useful works. Their publication, and the establishment of the Mechanic's Institute, will render future workmen as superior to the present, as the present are to those of a hundred years since.
The "Pulpit" is in plan excellent, but in execution mediocre. The editor is in fact too evangelical to be impartial in his selections.
The "Seaman's Recorder" is a narration of curious and interesting shipwreckes, and is, as far as it has proceeded, very excellent.
Knapp and Baldwin's "Newgate Calendar" is by far the worst publication that could be chosen for a reprint. The plates are excellent, the contents disgusting.
The "Memoirs of Lord Byron" not only comprise an interesting account of the life of the noble poet, but the most beautiful passages in his writings. When completed, it will form a most excellent and interesting volume.
The "Terrific Register" is a collection of murders, earthquakes, plagues, and eruptions. It may answer very well for those who like to "sup full on horrors," but those who prefer pleasure to fright had better keep their money in their pockets.
"Legends Of Terror" consist of all the most approved raw-head and bloody-bone stories that have been lately published. One number is enough for any sensible reader, who will enjoy a hearty laugh at the absurd horrors of these "Legends." It is a great reproach to the literature of Germany, that most of these nursery-tales are translated from that language.
"Endless Entertainment" is far superior to "Legends of Terror," but is not half so amusing as it would be, if the editor would trust to the resources of himself and his correspondents, or abridge the sterling tales of his own country, as "Waverley," &c. instead of the wild nonsense of Germany, which he ought to introduce very sparingly indeed.
The "Literary Magnet" displays considerable originality in its articles; indeed it does not profess to be a mere compilation. Sometimes slight Reviews are introduced; and it generally embraces literature of a light description. On the whole it may be considered as one of the most respectable of the kind; but we doubt whether it pays its expenses; and its existence much longer is very problematical.
The "Linguist," or Weekly Instructions in the French and German Languages, is intended to teach these Languages without the aid of a master. How far it is likely to succeed, the purchasers can judge best; for our parts, we consider it as preposterous as a company would be for teaching languages by steam.
The "Medical Adviser" and the "Chemist" are very useful; but the most spirited and valuable production of this class is the "Lancet;" a work of considerable popularity, in consequence of the prosecution by Mr. Abernethy, for the publication of his Lectures at St. Bartholemew's Hospital.
There are various Theatrical Periodicals, such as the "Theatrical Observer," the "Dramatic Weekly Register," &c. The former of these is very popular; and is published daily. It contains, besides the Bills of the Play, spirited critiques on the performances at the Royal theatres. One thousand Copies of this are daily sold. The latter is chiefly compiled from the former; and is well patronized.
The "London Mechanics Register" is perhaps better suited for general circulation among the working classes, than any cheap publication extant.
In addition to these periodical works, several old standard publications of our language have been issued in twopenny and threepenny numbers; among them the Arabian Nights Entertainments, British Novellist, Plutarch's Lives, Tales of the Genii, Conk's Voyages, Cowper's Poems, Hume's History of England, &c. There are also, in cheap weekly numbers, the Popular Encyclopedia, Biographical Dictionary, Stewart's Dictionary of Architecture, &c.
* An industrious wood engraver lately stated to us that his business completely overwhelmed him in consequence of twopenny works; but unfortunately that he was poorer every day, because he could obtain no money, owing to the numerous failure of the projectors.
Obviously this editorial is not in the least unbiased, in the sense that it represents a successful magazine ranking its competition; and also in the fact that nobody writing editorials in the 18th and 19th and early 20th centuries even bothered pretending to be dispassionate and dissociated from their personal views, beliefs and dislikes. Snark ruled the page, when Britannia ruled the waves &c. Was the Newgate Calendar (true crime/snuff) as "disgusting" as the editors of GM, clearly not horror fans at all, declared it to be? Were the playlists of Universal Songster as full of duds and misses? Not really possible to say, at this late date, let alone the problem of tastes changing across miles and decades.
But the topics under discussion are all too familiar: quality declining as budgets suffered or staff changed; not enough value for the price of an issue; widespread availability or the reverse; too long delays between issues; high production values but mediocre content; too many knockoffs and ripoffs; inappropriately-advertised publications -- and, of course, the eternal belief that publishing is a foolproof way of legally printing money, leading to every fool starting a new rag.
You don't need to understand the old system of British currency, or the adjustments for inflation across 188 years, to see the problems with the belief that "we don't need to do anything but stick it together and the money will come rolling in" as laid out by the GM editor. True, you can't legally just cut-and-paste other people's content any more -- encapsulated in the blurb about the Lancet is one of the MAJOR intellectual property cases which shaped the copyright/recording industry landscape, as well as causing massive feuds among the British medical establishment back when -- but that doesn't stop there being an awful lot of unoriginal, regurgitated content out there.
And the problems of the costs of production, distribution, and advertising are as real now, even in the cyber era, as they were nearly 200 years ago, and so too the endless gullibility of venture capitalists. As is the mania for following and/or creating new stories, what with the theatre zines and the music zines and the fic zines that exploded off the presses of late Regency/early Victorian England...and the complaints of disappointed fans are likewise nothing new.
I dowsed across this, btw, whilst looking for a quote about "a car drawn by dragons," which I needed for another project. I never would have known about Abernathy vs. Wakley, otherwise and that the Lancet owes its popularity & success in part to having been involved in an IP scandal -- or that Samuel Johnson had once reported on Parliamentary proceedings at a time when it was illegal to do so (again, the U.S. Bill of Rights did not burst from the Founders' foreheads ex nihilo) by summarizing them as "Debates of the Senate of Magna Lilliputia"--! And of course, scanning the Newgate Calendar ought to speedily disabuse anyone who yet holds to the notion of things being happier and simpler in Ye Good Olde Dayes...
From Google Book Search, here: The Gentleman's Magazine, June, 1825. (Pp. 483-486)
NB:I have modernized the typesetting as regards to extra spaces and replaced the fractions with decimals, but made no other changes to the corrected transcript; all italics are as-is; the only formatting I could not carry over is the original use of small caps, which I have replaced with boldface. The formatting of the "how to end up broke" table does not seem to be maintaining well, either, but you can easily compare it to the original via the Googlebooks link. (l=pounds, s=shillings, d=pennies [denarii])
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.
On Cheap Periodical Literature.
This is the golden age of literary and commercial enterprise. Never was the press more actively employed, or ampler scope allowed for the diffusion of every species of information, than at the present period. As in the mercantile world every speculation, from the golden mines of Mexico to the wash-tubs of the laundry, meets with eager supporters; so in the literary world, every bibliographical undertaking appears to receive the warmest encouragement. Never were publications so numerous, or of such varied character. There are splendid folios and quartos, for the gratification of the rich, and humble twopenny works for the amusement of the poor. Dr. Meyrick's splendid volumes on Ancient Armour sell for twenty guineas; whilst the whole of Shakspeare's Plays are published for twelve shillings. The Quarterly Review, which has obtained a patrician circulation, is sold for six shillings; whilst the Nic Nac is bought by the plebeian herd for a penny; but the former cost 6,000l. to establish it; and the latter not as many farthings!
Not many years ago the public were satisfied with annual, or monthly publications, of a literary character; but now we have our weekly and even daily ones; some of which drag on an unnatural and protracted existence ; whilst others appear like meteoric exhalations, glimmer for a moment, and vanish from the sight. Even their very being is unknown to the literary inquirer.
There was a time, when it was considered, even by the most opulent booksellers, a great hazard to undertake a periodical publication. Shareholders were convened, consultations held, and deep calculations made before the speculation could be ventured on, which occupied as much attention as a modern project for forming a railway, or cutting a canal. But how different is the spirit of enterprise now-a-days. After the "Mirror of Literature" was established, innumerable twopenny or threepenny works arose in imitation, and at one time, we believe, there were upwards of sixty in existence. So profitable were these speculations then imagined, from their apparently flourishing condition, that every literary garreteer, and broken-down bookseller s clerk, considered the establishment of a twopenny publication as a new and certain way of realizing a fortune. Indeed it may be curious to the future historian to be enabled to draw a parallel between the projectors of trading companies (or at least the majority of them) and the planners of Nic Nacs, Pic Nics, Freebooters, Bagatelles, and scores of others. The literary schemer professes precisely the same objects as the mercantile one-public advantage and utility; though he entertains, at the same time, very different views- "auri sacra fames." ["Cursed craving for gold" --Virgil]The latter one imposes on the credulity of shareholders; and whether his scheme succeeds or not, he is sure to be the gainer; for if it fails, his dupes must lose their money, and not the individual who had nothing to lose. In the former case the printer, stationer, and engraver, are the tools; if the literary adventurer succeeds, they are perhaps paid; if not, the whole goes to "profit and loss accounts." *
We shall state a case in point: Two youngsters are out of employment. One can obtain credit of the engraver and printer; the other of the stationer; This can use the scissars [sic] and paste; the other carry a board, and hawk about numbers. A twopenny work is resolved on, which is to surpass all others for public utility and general information. Three thousand copies are determined on, with every prospect of increasing to ten thousand. The cost of paper, print, and engraving is l6l.; the return for 3,000 copies 25l.; the publication, from its superior plan and extraordinary excellence, is confidently expected soon to command a sale of 10,000; the expences are then calculated at 27l. and the sale returns at 83l.; thus realizing a profit of 56l. per week, with the mere deduction of a few contingencies. O ye golden dreams of wealth! quam mortalia pectora tangunt. ["than mortality touches wickedness"--? a kludge of two Virgil quotes?] Rejoicing at the bright prospect before them, they proceed to business without further delay. The scissars and paste are in requisition; the copy, patched up from all the newspapers of the day, is hurried into the printer's hands; an old design is given to the wood engraver, and paper arrives from the stationer's sufficient for the first month; at the end of which prompt payment is promised to each tradesman. In the mean time, an obscure bookseller is appointed, placards are posted, and boards are carried along the public streets. The first number is issued ; public sensation, of course, is great! the sale glorious! fervet opus; ["the work boils," Virgil] the second number is as prosperous as could be expected! no doubt of the demand increasing; the third appears, and then the fourth. Now comes "the winter of their discontent;"--the tradesmen demand the payment of their bills, as per agreement; our adventurers are pennyless; they request the bookseller's account of the sale, and an advance of the cash in hand, apprehending that the least delay may tend to ruin a work, which, they confidently presume, is advancing to the pinnacle of popularity. The account is made up; when, lo! it stands thus:
No. I. sold 1600 copies to..........£. s. d.
the little shops, &c. at
l.5d. each (trade price).......10 0 0
No. II. sold 900 ......................5 12 6
No. III. sold 650 .....................4 1 3
No. IV. sold 320 ......................2 0 0
......................................21 13 9
Deduct 10 per cent, for
commission ............................2 3 4.5
The balance will thus stand:
Dr.
To printing four numbers
at 16l. ..................64 0 0
To printing and posting
placards, and other con-
tingencies ......................10 10 0
......................................74 10 0
Cr.
By cash, for copies sold .............19 10 4.5
By "Benefit of the Act !" ............54 19 7.5
......................................74 10 0
Thus vanishes all their airy scheems for realizing wealth: thus is the too confiding tradesman defrauded; and thus does the ephemeral trash, which signalizes the present age, vanish like a spark, after a few weeks existence; whilst to the public the projectors are never known or heard of, and are generally too contemptible to excite inquiry.
Some of these ephemerals have not been so fortunate as to exist a month. Either the speculation was considered too hopeless, or the projector could not obtain credit for a second number; for instance, the "History of the Crimes of the Popes and Cardinals of Rome," price 3d. was announced for publication every fortnight, in opposition to Cobbett's "History of the Reformation." A second number never appeared; and why? because the paper and printing for 1,000 copies, including the cover, exceeded 8l.; and the return for 300 copies, deducting trade profits, amoun ted to 2l. 10s.!
Sometimes it happens that a twopenny work, when in a rapid decline, is knavishly transferred to a new proprietor for a few pounds; and he has the satisfaction of "coming in at the death," and witnessing its last struggle. Some time ago there was a daily publication, called the "Curious Man," which was sold by hawkers in the street for 1d. The proprietor had the modesty to ask 100l. for the copyright, and the next week it was defunct! because 100 per diem were not sold.
Notwithstanding the evanescent nature of these cheap periodicals, many of which are here and gone in a week or two, there are some which have assumed a respectable character from their permanency, extensive sale, and respectability of the publishers. They promise fair, from all appearances, to be "handed down to other times;" whilst some of them, which are now struggling on, may soon give up the ghost; and without some permanent record may be consigned to eternal oblivion. For this reason, we cannot, perhaps, render a better service to the future bibliographer, than to record the principal ones now in existence. This will form a kind of Catalogue in continuation of the Quarterly and Monthly Publications enumerated in vol. xcii. ii. p. 352, 353. For this purpose we commence with the prototype of the whole, which, we believe, has been the most successful.
The "Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction," is the most popular of all the cheap weekly works. Its pages are devoted to original matter and selections from the magazines and publications of the week.
The "Portfolio" was a short time since superior to the Mirror both in plates and contents; but the bankruptcy of the publisher has considerably reduced it in value; and unless its ancient spirit be revived, it will probably, though deserving of patronage, be soon discontinued.
The "Hive," when on the eve of extinction, was incorporated with the Portfolio.
The "Nic Nac," a penny publication, cannot possibly continue long; as it is not met with at more than three shops in London, and is not published till about "three months after date."
"Oxberry's Dramatic Biography," price three-pence each number, is principally supported by its excellent copper-plates, which are now, however, becoming inferior to what they were. Its contents consist of a memoir of some distinguished performer whose portrait is given, some theatrical anecdotes, and generally a few laughable epigrams.
The "Diorama" costs sixpence; but as it is one of a series which may be regarded as the precursors of the present two-penny publications, it may be mentioned here. It is one of the most entertaining works of the kind, and abounds in excellent tales (original we believe) which are stated to have been collected on the Continent.
The "Encyclopedia of Anecdote and Wit" is amusing; but we fear that its late rise of price, from two to three-pence, will prove fatal to its tale. It consists of amusing anecdotes, and some of the shorter and lighter articles from popular magazines.
The "Universal Songster," is a collection of the most popular songs; but these are so frequently worthless, that its purchaser must expect to find at least two pages of nonsense to one of sense. The plates by Cruikshank are admirable, though too much like caricatures.
The "London Stage" is one of the best and cheapest publications extant. For the small price of threepence it furnishes the reader with the choicest productions of the British Dramatic authors, and in some cases it has gone to considerable expense for copyright. If the publishers proceed as they have begun, these handsome volumes will far surpass, in elegant appearance and cheapness, all the other editions of the flowers of the British Drama. The plays are printed as they are acted; and the passages omitted in representation are wholly struck out. A similar edition of the Parisian Stage would do honour to a French publisher, and, we think, meet with patronage on both sides the channel.
The "London Stage Edition of Shakspeare," is worthy of the Bard of Avon. To render it still more attractive, the publishers announce their intention of giving, at its conclusion, interesting notices of various particulars relating to Shakspeare, illustrated with elegant wood-cuts.
"Hone's Every-day Book, or Guide to the Year," is not so much what it professes to be, as the storehouse of a variety of curious literature, which renders its pages always entertaining. It abounds with interesting notices of rural sports in the neighborhood of London, and recollections of ancient customs. To illustrate these, wood-cut views are given, which will be invaluable to the future antiquary; and indeed the whole work will be worth more fifty years hence than now.
The "Drama" is but a poor concern; and unless the ancient editor again conducts it, it will soon sink to the "tomb of all the Capulets."
The "Iris" is a cheap magazine and review, which never aspires above mediocrity, and will not long continue to hold its head above water. The proprietor seems to be an enterprising publisher. It is a pity he has not met with better writers.
The "Mirror of The Church" is of about the same calibre as the Iris.
The "Mechanic's Magazine," and the "Mechanic's Register," with the "Register Of Arts and Sciences," are all cheap, interesting, and useful works. Their publication, and the establishment of the Mechanic's Institute, will render future workmen as superior to the present, as the present are to those of a hundred years since.
The "Pulpit" is in plan excellent, but in execution mediocre. The editor is in fact too evangelical to be impartial in his selections.
The "Seaman's Recorder" is a narration of curious and interesting shipwreckes, and is, as far as it has proceeded, very excellent.
Knapp and Baldwin's "Newgate Calendar" is by far the worst publication that could be chosen for a reprint. The plates are excellent, the contents disgusting.
The "Memoirs of Lord Byron" not only comprise an interesting account of the life of the noble poet, but the most beautiful passages in his writings. When completed, it will form a most excellent and interesting volume.
The "Terrific Register" is a collection of murders, earthquakes, plagues, and eruptions. It may answer very well for those who like to "sup full on horrors," but those who prefer pleasure to fright had better keep their money in their pockets.
"Legends Of Terror" consist of all the most approved raw-head and bloody-bone stories that have been lately published. One number is enough for any sensible reader, who will enjoy a hearty laugh at the absurd horrors of these "Legends." It is a great reproach to the literature of Germany, that most of these nursery-tales are translated from that language.
"Endless Entertainment" is far superior to "Legends of Terror," but is not half so amusing as it would be, if the editor would trust to the resources of himself and his correspondents, or abridge the sterling tales of his own country, as "Waverley," &c. instead of the wild nonsense of Germany, which he ought to introduce very sparingly indeed.
The "Literary Magnet" displays considerable originality in its articles; indeed it does not profess to be a mere compilation. Sometimes slight Reviews are introduced; and it generally embraces literature of a light description. On the whole it may be considered as one of the most respectable of the kind; but we doubt whether it pays its expenses; and its existence much longer is very problematical.
The "Linguist," or Weekly Instructions in the French and German Languages, is intended to teach these Languages without the aid of a master. How far it is likely to succeed, the purchasers can judge best; for our parts, we consider it as preposterous as a company would be for teaching languages by steam.
The "Medical Adviser" and the "Chemist" are very useful; but the most spirited and valuable production of this class is the "Lancet;" a work of considerable popularity, in consequence of the prosecution by Mr. Abernethy, for the publication of his Lectures at St. Bartholemew's Hospital.
There are various Theatrical Periodicals, such as the "Theatrical Observer," the "Dramatic Weekly Register," &c. The former of these is very popular; and is published daily. It contains, besides the Bills of the Play, spirited critiques on the performances at the Royal theatres. One thousand Copies of this are daily sold. The latter is chiefly compiled from the former; and is well patronized.
The "London Mechanics Register" is perhaps better suited for general circulation among the working classes, than any cheap publication extant.
In addition to these periodical works, several old standard publications of our language have been issued in twopenny and threepenny numbers; among them the Arabian Nights Entertainments, British Novellist, Plutarch's Lives, Tales of the Genii, Conk's Voyages, Cowper's Poems, Hume's History of England, &c. There are also, in cheap weekly numbers, the Popular Encyclopedia, Biographical Dictionary, Stewart's Dictionary of Architecture, &c.
* An industrious wood engraver lately stated to us that his business completely overwhelmed him in consequence of twopenny works; but unfortunately that he was poorer every day, because he could obtain no money, owing to the numerous failure of the projectors.
Obviously this editorial is not in the least unbiased, in the sense that it represents a successful magazine ranking its competition; and also in the fact that nobody writing editorials in the 18th and 19th and early 20th centuries even bothered pretending to be dispassionate and dissociated from their personal views, beliefs and dislikes. Snark ruled the page, when Britannia ruled the waves &c. Was the Newgate Calendar (true crime/snuff) as "disgusting" as the editors of GM, clearly not horror fans at all, declared it to be? Were the playlists of Universal Songster as full of duds and misses? Not really possible to say, at this late date, let alone the problem of tastes changing across miles and decades.
But the topics under discussion are all too familiar: quality declining as budgets suffered or staff changed; not enough value for the price of an issue; widespread availability or the reverse; too long delays between issues; high production values but mediocre content; too many knockoffs and ripoffs; inappropriately-advertised publications -- and, of course, the eternal belief that publishing is a foolproof way of legally printing money, leading to every fool starting a new rag.
You don't need to understand the old system of British currency, or the adjustments for inflation across 188 years, to see the problems with the belief that "we don't need to do anything but stick it together and the money will come rolling in" as laid out by the GM editor. True, you can't legally just cut-and-paste other people's content any more -- encapsulated in the blurb about the Lancet is one of the MAJOR intellectual property cases which shaped the copyright/recording industry landscape, as well as causing massive feuds among the British medical establishment back when -- but that doesn't stop there being an awful lot of unoriginal, regurgitated content out there.
And the problems of the costs of production, distribution, and advertising are as real now, even in the cyber era, as they were nearly 200 years ago, and so too the endless gullibility of venture capitalists. As is the mania for following and/or creating new stories, what with the theatre zines and the music zines and the fic zines that exploded off the presses of late Regency/early Victorian England...and the complaints of disappointed fans are likewise nothing new.
I dowsed across this, btw, whilst looking for a quote about "a car drawn by dragons," which I needed for another project. I never would have known about Abernathy vs. Wakley, otherwise and that the Lancet owes its popularity & success in part to having been involved in an IP scandal -- or that Samuel Johnson had once reported on Parliamentary proceedings at a time when it was illegal to do so (again, the U.S. Bill of Rights did not burst from the Founders' foreheads ex nihilo) by summarizing them as "Debates of the Senate of Magna Lilliputia"--! And of course, scanning the Newgate Calendar ought to speedily disabuse anyone who yet holds to the notion of things being happier and simpler in Ye Good Olde Dayes...