The Humourous Poetry of the English Language

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of a London bookseller, and began life as a clerk. He became afterward
an engraver, but was drawn gradually into the literary profession,
which he exercised far more to the advantage of his readers than his
own. His later years were saddened by ill-health and poverty. Some of
his comic verses seem forced and contrived, as though done for needed
wages. Hood was one of the literary men who should have made of
literature a staff, not a crutch. It was in him to produce, like Lamb,
a few very admirable things, the execution of which should have been
the pleasant occupation of his leisure, not the toil by which he gained
his bread.
HUNT, JAMES HENRY LEIGH--English Journalist and Poet. Born in 1784. His
father was a clergyman of the Established church, and a man of wit and
feeling.
JOHNSON, DR. SAMUEL--Born 1709; died 1784. Critic, moralist,
lexicographer, and, above all, the hero of Boswell's Life of Johnson.
The ponderous philosopher did not disdain, occasionally, to give play
to his elephantine wit.
JONSON, BEN--Born 1574; died 1637. Poet, playwright, and friend of
Shakspeare, in whose honor he has left a noble eulogium. A manly,
sturdy, laborious, English genius, of whose dramatic productions,
however, but one ("Every Man in his Humor") has retained possession of
the stage. He is also the author of some exquisite lyrics.
LAMB, CHARLES--Born in London, 1775; died, 1832. As a humorous
essayist, unrivaled and peculiar, he is known and loved by all who are
likely to possess this volume.
LANDOR, WALTER SAVAGE--A living English writer of considerable
celebrity, author of "Imaginary Conversations," contributor to several
leading periodicals. Mr. Landor is now advanced in years. His humorous
verses are few, and not of striking excellence.
"LANTERN," THE--A comic weekly, in imitation of "Punch," published in
this city a few years ago. The leading spirit of the "Lantern" was Mr.
John Brougham, the well-known dramatist and actor.
"LEADER," THE--A London weekly newspaper, of liberal opinions; ably
written and badly edited, and, therefore, of limited circulation.