Text: Edgar Allan Poe (?), Literary, Broadway Journal (New York), December 20, 1845, vol. 2, no. 24, p. ???, col. ?

[page 374, column 2, continued:]

Elinor Willys; or the Young Folk of Longbridge. A tale. By AMABEL PENFEATHER. Two volumes. Edited by J. FENIMORE COOPER. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart.

Mr. Cooper, in an Editor's preface, says very seriously:

The writer of this book is a valued female friend, who had a right to ask, and did ask, its editor's advice and assistance in presenting it to the public. That advice and assistance have been cheerfully afforded, though neither has properly extended to the literary character of the work. As the author has not wished to appear, the name of the editor has been used in obtaining the copy-right, and his assistance given in forwarding and returning proof-sheets. Over a few of the last the editor has cast his eye; but believing the author fully competent herself to superintend her own work, this supervision on the part of the editor has been very slight.

The author (real or supposititious) says afterwards in her own preface:

It will be more honest to clnfess at once, before the reader undertakes the first chapter, that the tale now beforo him is a first appearance in print, etc.

And subsequently:

If there are books which must be read, stupid or not, owing to the claim of some great name on the binding, the present story is not one of the number, etc.

All which only makes it apparent to our mind that Mr. Cooper is both author and editor. The names, as well as grammar, throughout, are exceedingly Cooperish — and the dialogue is especially so. The narrative is one of much interest.