The Quarterly Review (1809-1967)
The 'Quarterly Review' was founded in February 1809 by John Murray II, as a Tory rival to the Whig supporting 'Edinburgh Review'. It was set up and supported by a small number of powerful literary and political figures, notably Sir Walter Scott, Robert Southey, John Wilson Croker and George Canning.
It quickly gained a high reputation and influential popularity among its largely middle-class readership. Reviewing all aspects of political and literary life, it was often hostile to those writers who favoured political reform.
Wide-ranging and informed writing
Only the 'Edinburgh Review' could claim to rival the 'Quarterly Review' in readership, influence and quality during the 19th century. The articles were wide ranging and informed, an essential contribution to the spread and understanding of British and Western culture. There are thousands of critical articles and reviews, with over 3,500 in the 19th century alone.
The Quarterly Review brought together some of the most insightful and influential men from politics, religion, science and literature. Many of Murray's authors were reviewed or reviewers for the periodical. Regular 19th century contributors included John Wilson Croker, Robert Southey, John Barrow, Henry Hart Millman, John Wilson Croker, Samuel Smiles and Lady Elizabeth Eastlake.
Despite publishing Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species', Murray published one of the most scathing attacks on it with Samuel Wilberforce's review in 1860.
In the 20th century the Murray's took a more active editorial role. Contributors included John Betjeman and Osbert Lancaster. Following the death of John Murray V in 1967, publication of the 'Quarterly Review' ceased.