Imperial Magazine

        Part 1 of Review of John Hughes, Horae Britannicae, or Studies in Ancient British History (1818/1819).

        This article examines a newly discovered historical structure dating from the Roman period. Adrian’s Mound (Hadrian’s Wall), Severus’s Wall, and Agricola’s Rampart are examined with great detail to their appearance and dimensions.

        Offers the content of each volume of this work and states who wrote each volume and praises the work for its accuracy and useful information.

        Part 2 of review of John Hughes’ 1819 book.

        This article briefly discusses the life of Richard Plantagenet, by tradition the natural son of Richard III. Events occurring in both men’s lives are discussed.

        Part 3 of review of book by John Hughes.

        An article providing general observations on how to look at history. It is stated that the experience of other states, particularly in politics and government, should be attended to, . Only actions that create beneficial results should be repeated. The author warns, however, that certain actions apply to particular situations, meaning that beneficial results cannot occur from a single action. Also of importance is a knowledge of the history of one’s own country, which leads to understanding of its laws and practices.

        This article discusses the introduction of the potato to Europe in 1623, and ideal soil conditions for its growth. Also discussed is the potato’s popularity among the peasant class, and its role as a delicacy among the upper classes.

        This article describes a Protestant clergyman coming under the protection of Louis XIII of France.

        The reviewer quickly summarizes this 1822 book, and commends it for its message and usefulness to its readers.

        Briefly discusses this 1821 book by Josiah Walker, offering excerpts and concluding that it will be useful.

        This article discusses the humble beginnings and later life of Catharina Alexowna (1691-1727) who married Peter the Great.

        This article discusses the methods of measuring time, moving from the ancient use of fluids dripping into a vessel (clepsydra or water clocks), to sun dials to watches. The author also raises debate over who invented the first timepiece; he suggests Boethius or Pacificus.

        Briefly reviews an 1824 work on the church by Mary Ann Rundall. Claims the work is well arranged, contains good information, is well thought out and written with much passion for the subject but may only be considered interesting to those truly interested in the subject at hand.

        Examines Adam Taylor’s work on the Baptists by commending his well-researched, interesting, and unbiased account.

        In purportedly reviewing this collection of biographies, the reviewer merely seems to explain how one comes to be considered worthy of the immortality of having a biography written. The anonymous author is identified as: Author of ‘Practical Wisdom’.

        Examines James Townley’s collection of essays on the Christian religion and states that although the work can often seem imposing and inconclusive it does shed considerable light on its subject.

        Very brief discussion of Scottish history books used primarily to teach children in school. States that although these works do lack some information, and could benefit from additions, they suit their purpose sufficiently. Under review: Robert Simpson, History of Scotland, and Oliver Goldsmith. History of Greece, of Rome, and of England, abridged, and the latter continued by the same author.

        Robinson demonstrates the importance of history, which is its utility in areas such as morals and virtue. Robinson also briefly discusses biography. He states that biography serves a higher purpose than teaching goodness, because it enforces and persuades.

        This article discusses English coins, tracing them back to the first English coin in the time of Ethelbert. Also discussed is the print on the coin, the introduction of new coins caused by the separation of land, and coins introduced by various rulers. The author also mentions the origins of gold and copper coins, along with their value. The coverage is from the thirteenth century to 1821.

        This article discusses the many aspects of history and mythology according to groups such as the Goths, Hindus and Chinese. Countless interpretations of the creation story, the primitive state (first inhabitants), the serpent story, the redeemer and the giants are incorporated. Also discussed is the scriptural flood and the destruction of Sodom.

        Examines the 1826 work of William Ellis, which focuses on the landscape, inhabitants, and traditions of Hawaii. In describing the content of the work and offering lengthy excerpts the reviewer judges the book to be of great merit and well-known among missionary publications.

        Examines the 1826 work of A. Watmough on the local history of Methodism in Great Yarmouth. States that this work is narrowly focused on one region and may only be interesting to locals; moreover its sources are scant. Nevertheless its structure for studying local history is very effective and may be useful for others to take notice of.

        Offers a brief summary of topics and claims that although Mary Martha Sherwood’s chronological narrative does run into some problems it is overall entertaining and instructive. Full title: Mrs Sherwood. Chronology of Ancient History, illustrated by Parallel Streams of Time; or an Historical and Geographical Account of the various Nations of the Earth, from the Deluge to Birth of Christ. (1826).

        The author states that we must look beyond history and biography to consider the consequences of human action. To overcome this problem, A.N.B. incorporates the stories of characters throughout history where the consequences were not considered; characters such as Brutus, Antony and Octavius, etc.

        Reviews John Scott’s 1826 continuation of Milner’s Church History, 1533-1546, summarizing content and summarizing the appendix , commenting on the use of sources and writing, and stating that although this work only examines 16 years and needs to be further continued, it is still useful.

        Review of Alexander Stewart’s 1826 work on the history of Scotland states that all the essential elements of Scottish history are present without being overdone and this book will prove to be useful to students learning the basics of Scottish history.

        This article discusses Parliament from its first assembly in England in 1116, with comments on the components of parliament, the duration of a parliament and causes for a parliament to end. The author also includes a chart that shows the duration of each parliament beginning at the time of Henry VIII and ending with George IV.

        Examines the 1827 work of Thomas Morell, noting the structure of the book, its focus, and the content and usefulness of information. States that this work is very useful for general knowledge of its subject area but lacks in-depth discussion of specific subjects and omits various important areas.

        Examines the 1827 second edition of Lachlan Shaw’s history of the province of Moray, in Scotland. Looks at the new additions to this edition and commends the work on its further merit in providing a history of this Scottish region. Also briefly discusses the problems faced when writing local history.

        Examines second (1827) edition of Mary Martha Sherwood’s work centred on ancient history and claims it to be as effective and well laid out as the first edition. Also claims that this work is useful for a foundation of ancient history for scholars and curious youths alike.

        Very briefly discusses the content and merit of this 1827 work, which is a compilation from Rollin, Prideaux, and others.

        Discusses Alexander Stewart’s 1827 collection and applauds the author for his efforts in presenting Scottish history in a complete and entertaining manner.

        This article discusses the history of Peterborough and includes information such as the history of ruling families in that area and the construction of the monastery of Medeshamstead (Peterborough) by these families. Also discussed is the different abbots of the monastery, beginning with Saxulph in 660 A.D.

        Discusses Vol. II, Part 1. (1828) of John Scott’s continuation of Milner’s Church History, stating that although its geographical focus is limited its sources are of much merit that the work is overall very useful and satisfactory.

        In the reviewer’s view, although this 1828 book by Esther Hewlett does not have much academic value, it is straightforward, entertaining and is a useful addition to any juvenile library.

        Although it is very brief and sweeps over, or ignores, important events Thomas Rose’s 1829 book, in the reviewer’s eyes, contains useful illustrations and is beneficial to its target audience.

        Discusses in great detail the contents of this 1829 book by George Oliver, offering lengthy excerpts, but states little about its merits.

        Identifies the subject as a daunting task and states that this 1829 book is interesting, useful, intelligent, and faithful. Anonymous author described as ‘the author of “Reformation”.’

        The reviewer commends biographer Rev. Thomas Morgan ’s commitment to the primary sources in his 1828 book, not to mention his devotion to the memory of the subject.

        This article attempts to discuss humankind in all ages, in all countries, in all situations, and under a variety of circumstances. The author discusses the rise and fall of certain kingdoms and the different states of society. The states of society include one that was ‘rude and uncultivated,’ followed by ‘rude and warlike’ and finally a state of society which began when a powerful people were possessed of mild and competent laws.

        The author discusses the progression of literary style in poetry including the use of the lyric.

        Examines W. C. Taylor’s 1829 work designed for use in schools to teach ancient history. Examines its content and commends its structure and usefulness in aiding learning.

        States this 1830 book by Henry Belfrage is useful as a tool for history and also as a work that promotes moral values.

        States that although this 1830 work covering the creation of the world to the birth of Christ is well-written, its question-and-answer style is problematic in presenting a clear history to its targeted youth audience, although it may be entertaining for adult readers.

        The author states that moral and intellectual improvement can result from the study of recorded history.

        States William Pinnock’s book, targeted at educating young students, offers useful information, demonstrates useful illustrations and has a beneficial structure.

        Mainly discusses what is contained in parts 7 to 12 (1832) of John Howard Hinton’s book , providing a chapter-by-chapter explanation . Notes areas given too much coverage, or not enough, and also offers historical context for the work being examined.

        States that Thomas Thomson’s book is well-written, unbiased, and overall well done.

        States that G.P.R. James’s 1830 book is entertaining but is not very useful in academic terms.

        States that although not much new information is ever expected from a Bible history, this 1831 work by Rev. G. R. Gleig offers a useful account and presents a good argument with solid source material.

        This article traces the origins of navigation, going back to the time of Noah. Other examples of navigation, by figures such as the Argonauts, Odysseus the Phoenicians, are among the examples offered.

        States the work by John Howard Hinton is well illustrated, uses excellent sources, and is an overall excellent addition to previous editions and is well done. This review covers parts 7-12, published 1831.

        Examines third volume (1831) of Scott’s continuation of Milner’s history of the church, offering excerpts and insight into the usefulness and relevance of the work’s content.

        Discusses the content of William McGavin’s 1831 compilation of Knox’s writings; states that it does an excellent job of immortalizing the work.

        This review of parts 13-15, published 1831, mainly focuses on the value and attractiveness of the plates used in John Howard’s work to discuss U.S history and topography.

        Praises the physical elegance of the 1831 book by Edward Baines, the illustrations, and the value and presentation of the information.

        States that William Jones’s 1831 work will be useful and entertaining to all readers, despite its failure to criticize the sources its proves to be erroneous.

        Discussing parts 16-20 of John Howard Hinton’s book, the reviewer regards the information as well-analyzed and unbiased.

        Continuing from the May 1831 issue, this article discusses the voyages of the Phoenicians. The author also incorporates information on navigators and discoverers, with remarks on Nearchus, Pytheas and Herodotus.

        This review of parts 21-25 (1831) of John Howard Hinton’s book praises the work for its continued excellence in terms of the illustrated plates and the quality of information. Also notes that the plates in these sections are increasingly well-described , presented in detail and with elegance.

        Regards this work as credible, concise, entertaining, and useful. Commends the author for in-depth research and for supplying excellent information while avoiding irrelevant details. Anonymous author of this 1832 work identified as ‘The author of “History of all Ages”.’

        Parts 26-30 (1832) of John Howard Hinton’s book, like those before them, are reviewed as useful, interesting and well illustrated.

        Observes that although this book by James Bennett is not very profound (despite dating ’from the Creation to the Consummation of all things’) it can be useful as a general historical text.

        Describes this 1832 work by Thomas Timpson as diverse, valuable, and a well-made compilation of information. Also offers a summary of content and excerpts.

        Critiques the art exhibit at Exeter Hall, with comments on several individual works; regards the exhibit as well-done and entertaining.

        Parts 31-40 (1832) of John Howard Hinton’s work continue to display attention to detail and contain excellent illustrations as well as intelligent and useful information.

        Judges this 1832 work by the Rev. T. Milner to be one of the most useful and interesting books on the topic, which is ‘designed to show the fulfilment of Prophecy.’

        Although this 1832 book by George Fisher lacks proper references (which brings its validity into question), the reviewer notes that it is full of useful information and will be of use to many generations to come.

        The review presents a summary of the content and theories found in this 1832 book by the Rev Calvin Colton.

        The review offers a brief overview of Charlemagne and his accomplishments and states that G. P. R. James’s 1832 book is a good biography which also offers useful contextual material on French history.

        Regards this 1832 book by the Rev. J. Young, the first on its subject, as well-organized, well-sourced, and interesting. States that it will be useful to readers of all ages.

        John Dove’s 1833 study is judged well done in that it is well-arranged, moderately priced and of overall utility.

        The review of this 1833 second edition of David Bogue’s and James Bennet’s book offers a detailed historical context for the work as well as a lengthy summary of the content, including excerpts.

        The review states that William Howitt’s 1833 book is very controversial; it must be read by people of all religious beliefs.

        Review ends with a recommendation, but mainly consists of a summary of Andrew Crichton’s 1833 work, including many excerpts.

        Reviewer states that this book by Heinrich Zschokke (1834) is a comprehensive, complete, instructive, and entertaining history and that it is translated well. It is thus highly recommended to readers of all ages.

        The reviewer finds Napier’s work (1834) to be well-written, well-sourced, and unbiased. The reviewer then offers a detailed account of the contents.

        States that this 1834 work by Lydia Howard Sigourney is surprisingly well done considering the author’s gender; notes that it is plain and carefully and pleasingly narrated. Reviewer believes it will be beneficial to the school children it is written to educate. Subtitle of the book: Comprising portions of the History of Assyria, Egypt, Tyre, Syria, Persia, and the Sacred Scriptures; with Questions, arranged for the use of Family Circles.

        Reviewer states that the book by Thomas Rose is a well-done history and applauds its attempt at using Mnemonics as a style of learning.