[Footnote 6: Fraser's Magazine.]
Having noticed Mr. Irving's principal works, we have left but little
occasion to speak of his general style. A contemporary has denominated
him the "Goldsmith of the age;" and of Goldsmith we must remember
that, in his epitaph, Dr. Johnson observes: "he left no species of
writing untouched, and adorned all to which he applied himself"--a
tribute which can scarcely be appropriately paid to any writer of
our time. However, we know not any author that Mr. Irving so much
resembles as Goldsmith: although no imitator, his style and language
forcibly remind us of that easy flow so peculiar to the Citizen of
the World. But, we have higher warrant for this parallel. "It seems
probable," observes a critical writer of considerable acumen, "that
Mr. Irving might prove no contemptible rival to Goldsmith, whose turn
of mind he very much inherits, and of whose style he particularly
reminds us. Like him, too, Mr. Irving possesses the art of setting
ludicrous perplexities in the most irresistible point of view, and we
think equals him in the variety of humour."[7]
[Footnote 7: Quarterly Review.--Such is the variety displayed in
the Salmagundi; the papers were supposed to be the joint efforts of
several literati.]
To conclude, we find the literary character of Mr. Irving illustrated
in a contemporary journal, with unusual spirit. "There never was a
writer," observes the editor, "whose popularity was more matter of
feeling, or more intimate than Washington Irving, perhaps, because
he appeared at once to our simplest and kindliest emotions.
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