Early Reviews of English Poets

The volume gathers contemporary periodical reviews of major English poets from the mid-18th to the mid-19th century, presenting original notices—often of early works—alongside an introductory survey of English literary journals, a bibliography, explanatory notes, and an index. Selected items emphasize anomalous or surprising verdicts that diverge from later critical consensus, including hostile and unexpectedly favorable assessments, with some reviews printed in full and occasional excisions indicated. The editor explains selection criteria and historical context, aiming to illustrate how early critical responses shaped and sometimes misjudged poetic reputations.