INTRODUCTION.
The present age seems to be characterized partly by a superficial, partly by a calculating, spirit. Hence the prevalence of dogmatic, but incorrect judgment, and of low-toned estimates. Prejudice usurps the place of impartial examination; while mere hear say is often adduced as evidence for opinion. Great evils must necessarily be the result of such a state of things,—evils which spread themselves more or less through every department of the social system.
We have now only to do with one province,—that of the literary life. It is impossible not to see that the spirit of the age has intruded within the pale of literature; and while it has sometimes defied the intellectual spirit to open combat, at others it has tried to gain its own ends by insinuation, by imperceptibly pervading with its cold and withering influences the genial atmosphere of bright thoughts and warm emotions. In the one case it has attacked the genius of literature; in the other the supporters of that genius: with the latter it may sometimes be successful; with the former, never.
From these partial successes originates the difference between literary fame and general opinion. An individual signalizes himself or herself as a son or
