The Quarterly Review

The Quarterly Review was a prominent British literary and political magazine that played a significant role in shaping public opinion during the 19th century, with notable contributors including Walter Scott, Robert Southey, and Thomas De Quincey. The magazine was known for its conservative views, often aligning with the Tory Party and Duke of Wellington, while also featuring articles on various subjects such as Napoleonic Wars, Industrial Revolution, and Oxford Movement. As a major publication, it competed with other notable magazines like the Edinburgh Review, which was founded by Francis Jeffrey, Henry Brougham, and Sydney Smith. The Quarterly Review's influence extended to various fields, including English literature, History of England, and Politics of the United Kingdom, with contributors like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Hazlitt.

● History

The Quarterly Review was first published in 1809 by John Murray (publisher) and quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality articles and reviews, often discussing topics related to University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and the Royal Society. The magazine's early success can be attributed to its talented contributors, including Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Mary Shelley, who wrote about various subjects such as French Revolution, War of the Second Coalition, and Congress of Vienna. As the magazine grew in popularity, it became a platform for discussing major events like the Battle of Waterloo, Reform Act 1832, and the Opium Wars. The Quarterly Review's history is also marked by its connections to notable figures like Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Queen Victoria, and Benjamin Disraeli, who played important roles in shaping British Empire policies.

● Founding_and_Early_Years

The Quarterly Review was founded by John Murray (publisher) and William Gifford, with the aim of creating a conservative alternative to the Edinburgh Review, which was seen as too liberal and aligned with the Whig Party and Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey. The magazine's early years were marked by a series of notable articles and reviews, including those written by Jane Austen, Mary Wollstonecraft, and William Wordsworth, who discussed topics related to English Romanticism, French Enlightenment, and Industrialisation. The Quarterly Review's founding and early years were also influenced by major events like the Napoleonic Wars, Congress of Vienna, and the Rise of the British Empire, with contributors like George Canning and Robert Peel playing important roles in shaping the magazine's editorial policy.

● Editorial_Policy_and_Controversies

The Quarterly Review was known for its conservative editorial policy, which often led to controversies and debates with other publications, including the Westminster Review and the London Review. The magazine's editors, including John Gibson Lockhart and William Gifford, were criticized for their harsh reviews and articles, which sometimes targeted notable figures like Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Despite these controversies, the Quarterly Review remained a prominent platform for discussing major issues like Slavery Abolition Act 1833, Reform Act 1832, and the Chartist Movement, with contributors like Thomas Carlyle and John Stuart Mill playing important roles in shaping public opinion. The magazine's editorial policy was also influenced by its connections to notable institutions like the Church of England, University of Oxford, and the Royal Society.

● Notable_Contributors

The Quarterly Review featured a wide range of notable contributors, including Walter Scott, Robert Southey, and Thomas De Quincey, who wrote about various subjects such as English literature, History of Scotland, and Opium Wars. Other notable contributors included Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Hazlitt, and Charles Lamb, who discussed topics related to Romanticism, Lake Poets, and English poetry. The magazine also featured articles and reviews by notable figures like Duke of Wellington, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and Benjamin Disraeli, who played important roles in shaping British politics and British Empire policies. The Quarterly Review's contributors also included notable women like Mary Shelley, Jane Austen, and Mary Wollstonecraft, who wrote about topics related to Women's rights, Feminism, and English literature.

● Impact_and_Influence

The Quarterly Review had a significant impact on British literature and British politics during the 19th century, with its articles and reviews influencing public opinion on major issues like Reform Act 1832, Slavery Abolition Act 1833, and the Chartist Movement. The magazine's influence extended to various fields, including English literature, History of England, and Politics of the United Kingdom, with contributors like Thomas Carlyle and John Stuart Mill playing important roles in shaping public opinion. The Quarterly Review's impact was also felt in other countries, including the United States, where it was widely read and discussed by notable figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. The magazine's influence can be seen in the work of notable authors like Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, and Anthony Trollope, who were all influenced by the Quarterly Review's articles and reviews.

● Decline_and_Legacy

The Quarterly Review's decline began in the late 19th century, as the magazine faced increasing competition from other publications, including the Fortnightly Review and the Contemporary Review. Despite its decline, the Quarterly Review remained a prominent platform for discussing major issues like Women's suffrage, Labour Party (UK), and the British Empire. The magazine's legacy can be seen in its influence on British literature and British politics, with its articles and reviews continuing to be studied by scholars and researchers today. The Quarterly Review's legacy is also marked by its connections to notable institutions like the British Library, National Archives (UK), and the University of Oxford, which continue to preserve and promote the magazine's archives and legacy. The Quarterly Review's impact on English literature and British politics is still felt today, with its articles and reviews remaining an important part of British cultural heritage.

Category:British magazines