The thousand copies of the first edition published in May…
““The thousand copies of the first edition published in May 1852, priced at fourteen shillings apiece, sold out quickly. Roget felt immense pride when he began reading the glowing reviews. On July 8, 1852, the Times noted, "There cannot be the slightest doubt that, upon the whole, it is one of the most learned as well as one of the most admirable contributions that have been made to philology since...the Diversions of Purley." Likewise, the Literary Examiner referred to "its great value." However, a few reviewers had a quibble. As The Athenaeum stressed in September 1852, good writers didn't really need a "crutch.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The first edition was praised for its scholarly value, though some critics argued it was unnecessary for skilled writers.
In simple terms: The book was praised but some thought it unnecessary.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both praise and criticism.
Themes
scholarship
literature
critique
innovation
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
historical
literary
When to use this quote
- book publishing
- academic review
- library acquisition
Key Concepts
academic reception
literary history
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do some resist new resources?
- How does criticism shape a work’s legacy?
A Different Perspective
Critics may undervalue useful tools; popularity doesn’t guarantee necessity.