SOURCE: “English Tragedy,” in Edinburgh Review, Vol. 38, No. LXXV, February, 1823, pp. 177-208.

In the following essay, the anonymous reviewer attempts to place Beddoes within the context of English drama and praises the poetic language of The Brides' Tragedy.

In the history of a nation, the progress and vicissitudes of its Literature are but too frequently disregarded. The crowning of kings, and the winning of battles, are recorded with chronological accuracy, and the resources of the country are laid open. The eye of the reader is dazzled with the splendour of courts, and the array of armies: The rise and fall of parties—the trial and condemnation of state criminals—the alternations of power and disgrace, are explained to very weariness. But of the quiet conquests of learning, there is small account. The philosopher must live in his own page, the poet in his verse; for the national chronicles...