"A very entertaining and well-written performance, the author of which appears to be a man of extensive knowledge and just observation, possessing also an acute discrimination of characters and manners." Monthly Review, for June, 1801. "This work affords entertainment, and may be perused with considerable profit by a numerous class of readers. The author's bill of fare will be found to contain sufficient variety, and may, perhaps, have something not ungrateful to every palate. We wish it a numerous and respectable acquaintance, and that it may do much good to the author and the public." Antijacobin Review, for September, 1801. "Such works, when well executed, which this is in a considerable degree, act as supplementary to the laws; and men may be sometimes shamed out of the follies of fashionable life, who would cling more closely to them if they were prohibited by authority.' New Annual Register, for 1801. This is the second edition of a work which we have already noticed with approbation, present impression is so much improve 1, seemed to claim this brief notification same time we are induced to give a shor for the profitable perusal of our fair c men." Monthly Mirror, for For A SATIRICAL VIEW OF LONDON. DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH OF THE IN the lapse of nearly eighteen centuries, this ancient capital has been so often rebuilt, that not a fragment of its first rude architecture remains. To contemplate the metropolis in its present state must excite the most sublime emotions of admiration in the bosom of the philanthropist. The power of language is, indeed, inadequate to give a distinct. idea of the vast population, wealth, and magnificence of London. "Babylon of old Not more the glory of the world than she, And more accomplish'd world's chief glory now." Here we behold society in the most refined and perfect state it has hitherto attained among mankind. Men of genius from different parts of the United Kingdom adventure hither, and by the exertion of their talents contribute to the diffusion of useful knowledge throughout the state. Ingenious foreigners also come to share the rewards and honours conferred, by a rich and sensible people, on whoever is found worthy of their patronage. In this great city societies are instituted for the encouragement of useful and elegant arts; seminaries established for the instruction of youth; and hospitals and alms-houses built for the relief of the sick and the solace of the indigent. A contemplative stranger on his arrival in London naturally enquires-From what source are those treasures supplied, which, as if by magic, rear new streets and squares? By what Herculean power were those magnificent and solid bridges thrown across a wide and rapid river? By whom were those superb churches erected, which appear so glorious" with glittering spires and pinnacles adorn'? Whence were those capacious warehouses and shops filled with such abundance of merchandise? All those owe their existence to freedom, industry, and commerce. The enterprising genius of our islanders has laid the habitable globe under contribution. It is to the extensive intercourse which we hold with other nations, and which is facilitated by the excellence of our shipping and the skill of our sailors, that we are indebted for that pre-eminence in trade which we claim over all the other communities. |