Publisher's Synopsis
Cockburn's biography of Lord Francis Jeffrey is the only publication about this infamous literary critic. Jeffrey was a founder of The Edinburgh Review and editor from 1803-1829. Cockburn provides us with a personal account of his friend and colleague that includes extracts from letters Jeffrey wrote that offer a fascinating insight into Scottish law, politics, literature and his deep affection for Scotland. First published in 1852, this book tells how Lord Jeffrey came to be the most influential critic of his time and a man who turned the world of literary criticism upside-down. He famously criticised Wordsworth and Coleridge and one review even lead to him meeting for a duel with Thomas Moore. He was not always a harsh critic however; he enjoyed Keats and Byron and towards the end of his life he became a great admirer and close friend of Charles Dickens. As a Scottish reformist he openly supported the Whigs through the pages of The Edinburgh Review. He was well educated and had a successful career in law, which eventually led to his appointment as Lord Advocate of Scotland. Everyone interested in Scottish history, politics. Law, literary reviews and life during the early 19th Century will find this book intriguing. About the Author Henry Thomas Cockburn (1779-1854), Solicitor General for Scotland, was educated at Edinburgh University. As member of the Speculative Society he mixed with fellow eminent Scotsmen, Sir Walter Scott, Lord Brougham and Lord Francis Jeffrey. In 1834 he took his seat as a judge in the Court of Session and the title of Lord Cockburn. Volume II (ISBN 1-904995-01-2) is also available. It contains over two hundred letters that Jeffrey sent to prominent politicians, authors, lawyers as well as close friends.
