Edinburgh Review

Definition

The Edinburgh Review was a significant literary and critical journal founded in 1802, known for its influential role in the development of literary criticism and cultural discourse during the Romantic period. It provided a platform for reviewing and discussing contemporary literature, including poetry, novels, and essays, shaping public perception of authors and their works while reflecting the intellectual currents of its time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Edinburgh Review was established by Francis Jeffrey, William Brougham, and other intellectuals as a reaction to the need for a serious critical voice in literature.
2. It published reviews that often influenced public opinion about significant works, including those by major Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge.
3. The journal was noted for its rigorous standards of critique and was influential in promoting the Romantic ideals of emotional expression and appreciation for nature.
4. It served not only as a literary platform but also addressed social, political, and philosophical issues of the time, reflecting broader cultural shifts.
5. The Edinburgh Review's legacy continues to impact literary criticism today, emphasizing the importance of critique in shaping literary movements.

Review Questions

• How did the Edinburgh Review influence the reception of Romantic poetry during its publication?
  • The Edinburgh Review played a crucial role in shaping the public's reception of Romantic poetry by providing a platform for critical engagement with works like 'Lyrical Ballads.' Through its detailed reviews, it elevated the status of poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge by highlighting their innovative use of language and themes. This exposure helped solidify the Romantic movement's presence in the literary landscape and influenced readers' understanding of emotional expression in poetry.
• In what ways did the Edinburgh Review reflect the cultural and intellectual climate of its time?
  • The Edinburgh Review reflected the cultural and intellectual climate of its time by addressing contemporary social issues and promoting Romantic ideals such as individualism and emotional depth. Its critiques were not limited to literature but also engaged with philosophy, politics, and science, showcasing a holistic approach to culture. This alignment with emerging thoughts of the era allowed it to resonate with its readers while influencing other literary critics to adopt similar comprehensive perspectives.
• Evaluate the impact of the Edinburgh Review on modern literary criticism and how it set a precedent for future journals.
  • The Edinburgh Review's impact on modern literary criticism is profound, as it established standards for rigorous critique that many contemporary journals still follow. By emphasizing clear analysis and intellectual discourse over mere opinion, it set a precedent for how literature is discussed in academic and public spheres. Furthermore, its integration of various disciplines into critiques paved the way for interdisciplinary approaches in literary studies today. This legacy continues to influence how critics engage with texts, advocating for thoughtful analysis that considers broader cultural contexts.

Related terms

Romanticism: A literary and artistic movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, which emerged as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

William Wordsworth: A key figure in Romantic poetry who, along with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, published 'Lyrical Ballads,' marking a significant shift in poetic style and subject matter.

Literary Criticism: The evaluation and interpretation of literature, which became more prominent during the Romantic period through journals like the Edinburgh Review.