J.M.B.
Dr. Maginn's "Shakspeare Papers."—The Doctor published several very able critical dissertations under this, or some similar title, about the year 1837, in one of the monthly magazines, for references to which I shall feel obliged.
J.M.B.
Dr. Maginn's Homeric Ballads.—Between 1839 and 1842, the "Homeric Ballads," from thirteen to sixteen, appeared in Fraser's Magazine. Will any correspondent favour me with specific references to the numbers or months in which they were published? I may add, that I shall esteem it as a very great favour to receive authentic reference to any articles contributed to Blackwood, Fraser, &c., &c., by Dr. Maginn. The difficulty of determining authorship from internal evidence alone is well-known, and is aptly illustrated by the fact, that an article on Miss Austen's novels, by Archbishop Whately, was included in the collection of Sir Walter Scott's prose works.
J.M.B.
Poor Robin's Almanack.—Who was the author or originator of Poor Robin's Almanack? Are any particulars known of its successive editors? In what year did it cease to be published? The only one I possess is for the year 1743,—"Written by Poor Robin, Knight of the Burnt Island, a well-wisher to Mathematicks," who informs his readers that this was his eighty-first year of writing. What is meant by Knight of the Burnt Island?
I must not omit to add, that at Dean Prior, the former vicar, Robert Herrick, has the reputation of being the author of Poor Robin.