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LONDON J.M. DENT AND CO. BOSTON: LITTLE, BROWN AND CO. MDCCCXCV 1832, 1895
_Newton Forster, or the Merchant Service_, first appeared in the _Metropolitan Magazine_, 1832. It is one of the novels which specially suggests a comparison between Marryat and Smollett, both authors having described acts of impressment with vigour and indignation.
Jeffrey, of the _Edinburgh Review_, wrote to Mrs Marryat, January 1832:----
"That I have read it [_Newton Forster_] all through in the week I have to finish the preparation of our Scotch Reform Bill (if you will forgive me for mentioning such a thing) is proof enough, I think, that my opinion is very favourable. It is certainly very entertaining, which I take to be the first virtue of a work of this description; but it is interesting as well as entertaining, and not only shows great power of invention, but a very amiable nature and a kind heart."
The _Editor_ quoted on page 23 is presumably Marryat himself. At least the footnote occurs in the first edition, and was probably reprinted from the magazine, where the identity of editor and author was not so patent.
It is here printed from the first edition, in three volumes; motto: Honesty is the best policy. James Cochrane & Co., 1832.[1] R.B.J. [Footnote 1: Thompson has been changed to Johnson and, in another place, Robinson to Robertson, in order to let the same characters act under one name throughout the book.]
"And what is this new book the whole world makes such a rout about? ----Oh! 'tis out of all plumb, my lord,----quite an irregular thing; not one of the angles at the four corners was a right angle. I had my rule and compasses, my lord, in my pocket----Excellent critic!
"Grant me patience, just Heaven! Of all the cants which are canted in this canting world----though the cant of hypocrites may be the worst, the cant of criticism is the most tormenting!"----Sterne.
What authors in general may feel upon the subject I know not, but I have discovered, since I so rashly took up my pen, that there are three portions of a novel which are extremely difficult to arrange to the satisfaction of a fastidious public.