Maria Leach
Early History of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
"Early History of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine" by Alice Mary Doane is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work examines the origins and early development of the influential periodical Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, reflecting on the cultural and literary context of Edinburgh in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It explores the magazine's contributions to literary discourse and its rivalry with other publications, particularly the Edinburgh Review. At the start of the thesis, Doane outlines the environment in which Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine emerged, highlighting its shock value upon release and its role as a major player in periodical literature. The opening discusses the magazine's controversial beginnings and its creator, William Blackwood, detailing the political and cultural tensions that shaped its early issues. The introduction serves to contextualize the magazine’s significance within Scottish literature and its impact on contemporary readers, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of its content and influence in subsequent chapters.