SOURCE: "The Primitive Muse of Thomas Ingoldsby," Harvard Library Bulletin, Vol. XII, 1958, pp. 220-41.

In the following excerpt, Lane examines the critical reception of Barham's work.

… Barham's pseudonym quickly became established in the mind of the reading public, but the name did not then, as it does not now, carry with it the picture of the conscientious clergyman of St Paul's. The 'secular signature' was known widely, that of the minor canon to a much smaller group. The reputation of the clergyman was impeccable, and to all who knew him in this capacity the memory of his name must have remained green as long as they lived. His many services to his parishioners, his real concern and activity in behalf of those in need of charity, whom he supported freely, but with discretion, his readiness to lend an ear to others in trouble and to counsel them wisely...