so with Alexandre Dumas,
whose prolific pen appears like himself to be ever active; what with
travelling to different countries, then publishing accounts of his
wanderings, novels of divers descriptions, detached pieces, and dramatic
productions, he must be constantly on the _qui vive_. There are very
different opinions respecting his writings, they certainly possess a
good deal of spirit, some of them considerable feeling, and are
generally amusing. Of novel writers there are many, but unfortunately
the bad taste prevails of introducing subjects in them that prevent
their being read by females, with a few exceptions; those of Balzac are
by no means devoid of merit and are exceedingly entertaining, and some
there are which any one may peruse of Eugene Sue, who has lately been
knighted by the King of the Netherlands; the same may be said, although
of the latter description there exist but few. Those of Paul de Kock are
well known in other countries as well as France; they are very clever
and exceedingly amusing, but partake of the fault alluded to. As a
female writer and translator, Madame Tastu may be cited as having
produced works which do credit to her taste and judgment. Madame Emile
de Girardin, well known as Delphine Gay, is a talented writer, but would
have been more esteemed had she steered clear of political subjects.
Monsieur and Madame Ancelot both write tales and dramatic pieces, which
are justly admired; but the author to whom the stage is most indebted is
Scribe, who perhaps is one of the most multitudinous writers existing;
his works completely made and sustained the Theatre du Gymnase, besides
greatly contributing to the success of others. In consequence of their
having been so much translated, and adapted to the English stage, they
are almost as well known in one country as the other. M. Scribe is a man
who is highly esteemed on account of his liberality to literary
characters, and his extreme generosity to all who are in need of his
aid. Of authors on more solid subjects there are not many who now
continue to write, several of the most conspicuous having become
completely absorbed in politics; of such a description is M. Guizot,
whose works are generally known and admired, particularly his
Commentaries on the English Revolution; partly a continuation of the
same subject, it is stated he has now in preparation, but placed at the
helm of the nation, as he now is, his time is too much occupied to be
devote