Page:The New Monthly Magazine - Volume 100.djvu/16

2 prose and verse;, with his eloquently descriptive pen, the author of the greater part of the "Sketches of the Irish Bar;" his gifted countrywoman, Lady , contributing charming chapters` on "Old Dublin" and more modern "Strawberry Hill;" her husband. Sir, serious and useful, though a thought too heavy; , with liveliness enough to float a folio; , the veteran dramatist, cheerfully narrating the events of his chequered life; and a crowd of writers beside, who shrouded their gaieties and gravities beneath initials and pseudonyms whose mystery it is needless now to pierce. During this period, also, were several poetical contributors, one of whom,, had already taken her place in the literature of her country; and the names of others, amongst them Mrs. , Miss , and Miss (L. E. L.), were destined also to endure. Nor should the results of these ten years be told without reference being made to, the editor's other self, whose skill and industry moulded the Magazine into a real, readable shape. This gentleman, we are happy to state, is even now connected with it.

In 1830, retired from the editorship, and his place was supplied by Mr. (now Sir ), but under whichever designation one of the leading novelists of England.—About the same period, however, Mr. had just entered parliament, and he found it difficult to avoid infusing a political element into that which would have thriven better had it been distinguished only by its purely literary character. This circumstance led to his abdication after a reign of one year and nine months, but during his sway, several first-rate contributors were added to the New Monthly, including Lord —on the verge of bidding adieu to his literary career for a more brilliant political one,—Archdeacon, the elegant Latinist,—, the Corn Law Rhymer,—, popular from his "Highways and Byways,"—, the Irish novelist,—, the lightest songster of his day,—Miss , Mrs. , , Lady , who supplied a new attraction in her "Conversations with Lord Byron,"—, and Mr. , who maintained the reputation of "Vivian Grey" and "Contarini Fleming" by the brilliant audacity of "Ixion in Heaven" and the "Infernal Marriage." This was the era of Magazine portraiture, and besides that of the Editor himself, appeared—strikingly contrasted—the likenesses of Lord and the Hon. Mrs., with the fresh wreath of "Rosalie" round her brow,—and of , , Miss , and one or two more.

In 1834, broke ground in a new direction, publishing as a serial in the New Monthly one of his admirable comic novels. He began with "Gilbert Gurnev," and a few years later—in 1840—when he undertook the actual duties of editorship—produced "Fathers and Sons,"—the last of his works. In the interim, he contributed occasional papers, and while his connexion with the Magazine lasted, additional force flowed in from various quarters. Thus, in 1834, Mrs. and Mrs. joined the New Monthly. In the following year, —a name never breathed without a sigh by those who knew him—put on for the first time the mantle of "," and worthily wore it to the end. In 1836, were added, fresh from his "Pencillings," , , and , of whom Manchester is now so deservedly proud. The year 1837 was fruitful in, overflowing with the sharp satire and