‘Slovenly Monthly Catalogues’: The Monthly Review and Barbauld’s Periodical Literary Criticism

Abstract

Examines the literary criticism of Anna Letitia Barbauld, one of the eighteenth century’s most highly-regarded women poets, who published a large body of essays and literary reviews, most published in the Monthly Review catalogs. Claims that though scholars have paid little attention to reviews, Barbauld’s writings show that even brief articles were the work of professionals who provided an important service. Studying these articles helps to dispel some of the prejudices about reviewing and literary professionalism. Believes these reviews show that both authors and reviewers regarded literary production as a collective activity, with reviewers playing an active part; they also illuminate the evolving role of a woman writer in an increasingly professionalized literary culture.