(hereafter

) was a long-running monthly periodical that published works in prose and verse, including contributions from readers. The importance of the

lies not so much in literary merit as in its almost immediate capture after its launch in early 1731 (the first issue appeared in bookshops in early February) of a large readership that was both socially and geographically broad. Many of these readers remained loyal to the magazine from childhood until old age and regarded it variously as a valuable part of the routine of their lives, as an institution, and as a friend or family member. ‘B.H.’ even called it “agreeable Miss

.” with whom he had “a long and pleasing dalliance” (

, July 1751, p. 294). This was facilitated by the editorial…

1921 words

Citation: Williamson, Gillian. "The Gentleman's Magazine". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 08 December 2017 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=19503, accessed 21 November 2024.]

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