Text: H. C. Watson (?), Literary, Broadway Journal (New York), October 18, 1845, vol. 2, no. 15, p. ??

[page 232, column 2, continued:]

Editorial Miscellany.

IF ANY inference may be drawn from the constant issues of the press, poetry is ascending in America to a popular level. We have every week occasion to notice some new publication of this kind, on good paper, well bound, and altogether elegantly set forth. We have had or are to have within a very short time a sample from almost every one of the better known female writers of the country. Messrs Wiley & Putnam are about to incorporate poetical writings in their Library of American Books. Paine & Burgess, the new and spirited publishers in John Street, are issuing a Miniature Edition of American Poets, in handsome style. Mr. Redfield has lately published a neat volume. Clarke & Austin are busy in the same direction — so that the opinion we have long entertained that poetry was destined to lift its fair front, next, in America, in new and attractive forms, will not be defeated by the absence of popular sympathy or a want of a disposition on the part of our publishers to further its approaches towards the public.

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WE HAVE called attention under the Dramatic head, to the appearance of Mr. MURDOCH at the Park Theatre, next week. To that occasion we again invite the attention of our readers. The Drama is destined, we believe, to acquire a consequence in this country greater than it has enjoyed among any people since the ancient Grecians. We see on every side of us many indications of such a result. We are not sure but that the first form in which our Literature is to triumphantly vindicate itself will be in that of dramatic writing. There will be and has been exceptions, in single productions in other departments: But we are not sure that the first school to rise will not be the dramatic. In the founding of such a school, good actors are as greatly needed as great writers: and it is on this account that we hope that every genuine American and well-wisher to the hopes of the country, will sustain trials and attempts like this of Mr. Murdoch.