The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe [1206]
H. S. Legare
The name of H. S. LEGARE is written without an accent on the final e, yet is pronounced as if this letter were accented, — Legray. He contributed many articles of high merit to the " Southern Review," and has a wide reputation for scholarship and talent. His MS. resembles that of Mr. Palfrey of the " North American Review," and their mental features appear to us nearly identical. What we have said in regard to the chirography of Mr. Palfrey will apply with equal force to that of the present Secretary.
R. W. Griswold
Mr. GRISWOLD has written much, but chiefly in the editorial way, whether for the papers, or in books. He is a gentleman of fine taste and sound judgment. His knowledge of American literature, in all its details, is not exceeded by that of any man among us. He is not only a polished prose-writer, but a poet of no ordinary power; although, as yet, he has not put himself much in the way of the public admiration.
His MS. is by no means a good one. It appears unformed, and vacillates in a singular manner; so that nothing can be predicated from it, except a certain unsteadiness of purpose.
George Lunt
Mr. GEORGE LUNT of Newburyport, Massachusetts, is known as a poet of much vigour of style and massiveness of thought. He delights in the grand, rather than in the beautiful, and is not unfrequently turgid, but never feeble. The traits here described impress themselves with remarkable distinctness upon his chirography, of which the signature gives a perfect idea.
Jos. R. Chandler
Mr. CHANDLER'S reputation as the editor of one of the best daily papers in the country, and as one of our finest belles Iettres scholars, is deservedly high. He is well known through his numerous addresses, essays, miscellaneous sketches, and prose tales. Some of these latter evince imaginative powers of a superior order.
His MS. is not fairly shown in his signature, the latter being much more open and bold than his general chirography. His handwriting must be included in the editorial category — it seems to have been ruined by habitual hurry.
Fitzg. Tasistro
Count L. FITZGERALD TASISTRO has distinguished himself by many contributions to the periodical literature of the day, and by his editorial conduct of the "expositor," — a critical journal of high merit in many respects, although somewhat given to verbiage.
His MS. is remarkable for a scratchy diminutiveness, and is by no means legible. We are not sufficiently cognizant of the literary character, to draw any parallel between it and his chirography. His signature is certainly a most remarkable one.
H. T. Tuckerman
H. T. TUCKERMAN has written one or two books consisting of " Sketches of Travel." His "Isabel" is, perhaps, better known than any of his other productions, but was never a popular work. He is a correct writer so far as mere English is concerned, but an insufferably tedious and dull one. He has contributed much of late days to the " Southern Literary Messenger," with which journal, perhaps, the legibility of his MS. has been an important, if not the principal recommendation. His chirography is neat and distinct, and has some grace, but no force — evincing, in a remarkable degree, the idiosyncrasies of the writer.
Dan. Bryan
Mr. BRYAN has written some very excellent poetry, and is appreciated by all admirers of "the good old Goldsmith school." He is, at present, postmaster at Alexandria, and has held office for many years, with all the good fortune of a Vicar of Bray.
His MS. is a free, sloping, and regular one, with more boldness than force, and not ungraceful. He is fond of underscoring his sentences; a habit exactly parallel with the augmentative nature of some of his best poems.
L. A. Godey
Mr. GODEY is only known to the literary world as editor and publisher of " The Lady's Book," but his celebrity in this regard entitles him to a place in this collection. His MS. is remarkably distinct and graceful; the signature affording