Those vices and virtues live, move, and have a being in the written page, which holds up the mirror of men to men. In a work of this kind, the wise and the good may be said to erect their own monuments, and to read the inscriptions of their honourable qualities, their talents, and their labours, on tablets more durable than marble; and on the other hand, the base may be taught the unworthiness of their characters, and ere yet too late may make atonement to the community they have injured, so as still to merit a redeemed reputation, and even an honourable place in the temple of Fame. In every possible view, therefore, no asperity of criticism, nor any ill-founded complaints, we may receive from the disappointed, or the vain, can deprive us of the firm persuasion, that the principle and the object of this annual offering is not of the utmost importance to morals, genius, and virtue in a word, that it is not one of the most effectual instruments both of precept and example; for the imitation, or for the warning of the LIVING WORLD. CON Page WE have as usual inserted some outline sketches of those Persons of whom we could readily procure correct Portraits. We offer these to the Public simply as rude characteristic sketches, conveying only general ideas, and probably not in every instance equally fortunate. We flatter ourselves, however, that in most instances these outlines will be readily recognized by those persons who know the parties, and to posterity and those who do not know them, will convey an impression sufficiently accurate. Page 454, line 19, for "brain," read "burin." Already Published, in one large Volume O&tavo, (embellished with Thirty outing Portraits) Price Eight Shillings and Sixpence in Boards, PUBLIC CHARACTERS of The Earl of Moira Sir John Sinclair Mr. Rofcoe The Earl of Liverpool Mr Abraham Newland Mr. Pitt Dr. Darwin Lord Hood Sir G. L. Staunton The Bishop of Rochester - The Abp of Canterbury Mr. Jackfon, of Exeter The Eifhop of Llandaff Sir W. Sydney Smith Mr. Curran Mr. Dunes Barrington Dr. O'Leary Lord Yelverton 1798-1799. Mr. Juftice Grofe Mifs Seward The Lord Chancellor of Mr. Cumberland Sir Archibald Macdonald The Bishop of Salisbury The Duke of Norfolk Lord Thurlow The Marquis Cornwallis Mifs Move Mr. Alderman Boydell Mr. George Dyer Mr. D'Ifraeli Mr. David Williams Mr. Gilbert Wakefield Mr. Opie Lord Rokeby Lard Nelfon. Alfo the Second Volume, for 1799-1800, Price 9s. in Boards, Critical Opinions upon the preceding Volumes of this Work. "This work excites much curi-fity because it profeffedly treats of living characters, and we infer that its information is impartial and correct. It is but juftice to own that we have been altogether amufed by the publication. British Critia. "A fpirit of candour and moderation evidently pervades the prefent publication. Some of the characters are drawn with great difcrimination, and display an acutenefs of powers, and a felicity of expreffon, not to be found in the fleeting productions of the day. In fort, the work abounds in moral and critical obfervations that evince correctnefs of judgment, and delicacy of taste" London Reviero. "This work difcovers refpectable traits of diferimination, and has the merit of being uncontaminated by the virulence of party fpirit." Critical Review. "The memo'rs contained in thefe volumes are full and accurate in point of information; judicious in their literary and critical strictures; and exhibit well drawn and appropriate char Aters of their respective fubjects. They are not written under the uniform influence of any particular theological or political bias.-New Annual Regifer. OF 1800. MR. MATTHEW BOULTON. F genius and indefatigable industry, directed by the purest patriotism, have any claim to the notice of our readers, an authentic account of this gentleman cannot fail to prove acceptable. When we contemplate the enlarged extent of his views, the wide and rapid circulation of his improvements and discoveries in the most important branches of art, and the numerous and honourable connections he has formed throughout the civilized world, we shall be forced to admit that no man possesses greater claims to the attention and gratitude of his country. Matthew Boulton, Esq. son of Matthew Boulton, by Christian, daughter of Mr. Peers, of Chester, was born at Birmingham, the 14th of September, 1728. He received the chief part of his education at a private grammar-school, kept by the Rev. Mr. Ansted, who officiated at St. John's Chapel, Deritend. So early, we believe, as the year 1745, Mr. Boulton, having lost his father, who left him in flourishing circumstances, distinguished himself by the invention of a new and most ingenious method of inlaying steel. Buckles, watch chains, and a great variety of other articles wrought at his manufactory, were exported in large quantities to France, where they were eagerly purchased by the English, who affected to have no taste for the productions of their own country. 1800-1801. B The |