32
INTRODUCTION.
erary journal had already been published in Bos ton, but very soon failed for want of patronage. An enterprising firm of publishers, " being desir ous that the work should be continued, applied
Reverend William Emerson, a clergy of the place, distinguished for energy and literary taste ; and by his exertions several gen
to the
man
tlemen of Boston and
its vicinity,
and zealous for
conspicuous
were in duced to engage in conducting the work, and for this purpose they formed themselves into a Soci for talent
ety.
literature,
This Society was not completely organized Gardiner was
until the year 1805, when Dr. elected President, and William
Vice-
The
Society thus formed maintained existence with reputation for about six years,
President. its
Emerson
and issued ten octavo volumes from the press, constituting one of the most lasting and honor able monuments of the literature of the period, and may be considered as a true revival of po learning in this country after that decay and. neglect which resulted from the distractions of lite
the Revolutionary War, and as forming an epoch in the intellectual history of the United States. Its records yet remain, an evidence that it was a
high-principled association of literary men, laboring harmoniously to elevate the literary standard of the time, and with a pleasant, active,
success which
may
well be regarded as remark-