Читать книгу The Employments of Women: A Cyclopædia of Woman's Work - Virginia Penny - Страница 32

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A reviewer of new books should be a rapid reader and of quick understanding. A reviewer should also be a person of judgment. The vast number of books now published might afford employment, and a good compensation, we suppose, to those so engaged. But too often publishers use a moneyed influence in giving a false reputation to their publications. Frequently the editors of magazines and newspapers are their own reviewers. We heartily wish that reviewers would endeavor to check the circulation of some of the light literature of the day. We refer not so much to that which is vapid—unsubstantial—wanting stamina—as that which is impure—immoral. Much is of a kind to open the floodgates of vice and crime. Stories cast in the old-fashioned mould of hair-breadth escapes, marvellous incidents, and impossible events, are less popular than formerly. No doubt much reading is done as a recreation—to forget one's self—to banish care—to unbend from severe study: let such reading at least be pure and chaste. Books undoubtedly exercise a great influence over the disposition, taste, and character; and reviewers have it much in their power to direct the general taste for books. They can do much toward forming a high and correct literary tone in society. The number of those who devote themselves to the review of new books in England is small—in the United States, still smaller. How they are paid I am unable to learn.