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18 finished, however, the opinions and solicitations of her friends prevailed over he own earnest wishes, and the volume was given to the world in 1822. The original intention of this book led the author to give special prominence to topics of a questionable character for a professed novel, and the unfavourable portraiture which she gives, both here and elsewhere, of New England Puritanism, has naturally brought upon her some censure. The limited plan of the story did not give opportunity for the display of that extent and variety of power which appear in some of her later productions. Still it contains passages of stirring eloquence, as well as of deep tenderness, that will compare favourably with anything she has written. Perhaps the chief value of “The New England Tale” was its effect upon the author herself. Its publication broke the ice of diffidence and indifference, and launched her, under a strong wind, upon the broad sea of letters.

“Redwood” accordingly followed in 1824. It was received at once with a degree of favour that caused the author’s name to be associated, and on equal terms, with that of Cooper, who was then at the height of his popularity; and, indeed, in a French translation of the book, which then appeared, Cooper is given on the title-page as the author. “Redwood” was also translated into the Italian, besides being reprinted in England.

The reputation of the author was confirmed and extended by the appearance, in 1827, of “Hope Leslie,” the most decided favourite of all her novels. She has written other things since, that in the opinion of some critics are superior to either “Redwood” or “Hope Leslie.” But these later writings have had to jostle their way among a crowd of competitors, both domestic and foreign. Her earlier works stood alone, and “Hope Leslie,” especially, became firmly associated in the public mind with the rising glories of a native literature. It was not only read with lively satisfaction, but familiarly quoted and applauded as a source of national pride.

Her subsequent novels followed at about uniform intervals; “Clarence, a Tale of our Own Times,” in 1830; “Le Bossu,” one of the Tales of the “Glauber Spa, in 1832; and “The Linwoods, or Sixty Years Since in America,” in 1835.

In 1836, she commenced writing in quite a new vein, giving a series of illustrations of common life, called “The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.” These were followed, in 1837, by “Live and Let Live,” and afterwards by “Means and Ends,” a “Love Token for Children,” and “Stories for Young Persons.”

In 1839, Miss Sedgwick went to Europe, and while there, wrote “Letters from Abroad to Kindred at Home.” These were collected after her return, and published in two volumes.

She has written also a “Life of Lucretia M. Davidson,” and has contributed numerous articles to the Annuals and the Magazines. Some of