Anna Maria Porter

Miss Anna Maria Porter. The Hungarian Brothers

London:  Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, 1807; 2nd ed., 1808.

 

Contemporary Reviews

Critical Review, 3rd ser. 13 (Apr 1808): 442-43.

The profligate extravagance of Udislaus, count of Leopolstat had almost reduced his noble house to beggary. For the sake of an adulterous connection, he deserted his wife, in circumstances of great distress and died, separated and estranged from her, leaving her the anxious duty of educating their two sons. Charles, the eldest, went early into the Austrian service, where his bravery established a high reputation, and his misfortunes tutored his mind to fortitude, patience, and self command. His brother Demetrius, who was five years younger, was introduced by him into the same honorable walk of life, but was kept ignorant of their depressed circum-[442/443]stances, by the extreme delicacy of Charles, who maintained him out of his own savings, from a dread of crushing the enjoyments of his youth. Unchecked, therefore, in the indulgence of his feelings and undisciplined by 'the uses of adversity,' he gives the reins to a romantic temper, a lively genius and exquisite sensibility. The interest of the novel results from this contrast of character, which is well preserved throughout; but we remember too well 'the bliss of ignorance' in regard to the termination of such stories, to lay any particulars before our readers, or give them the least hint towards discovering whether the conclusion is fortunate or otherwise. Suffice it to say that the incidents are striking, though not always very probable, and many of the characters finely drawn. The two brothers are models of that chivalrous heroism, with which Miss Porter has on other occasions proved herself to be intimately acquainted. An apology is we think unnecessarily made for some of the dramatis personæ, in the preface; while the only one among them which is perfectly out of nature, and inconsistent with itself is passed over in silence. We mean Colonel Wurtzburgh, whose persevering hatred is utterly disproportioned to its motive, and whose series of subtle manoeuvres is incompatible with the gross awkwardness and stupidity of his character.

On the whole, we think the work inferior to 'Thaddeus of Warsaw,' but not unworthy of its author.

Notes: Listed under 'Monthly Catalogue: Novels'. Format: 3 vols 12mo; price 13s. 6d. Publisher: Longman & Co.

Monthly Review, 2nd ser. 56 (Aug 1808): 432-33.

In this novel are portrayed, with considerable ability, the different characters of Charles and Demetrius, Counts of Leopolstat. The one is, on all occasions, calm, thoughtful, and discreet, never undertaking any object but such as a deliberate judgment pronounces to be just and proper: the other, although born with a disposition equally good, is warm, impetuous, and governed solely by the impulse of the moment. In the consequences which arise to these persons from their different modes of conduct, a very valuable lesson is taught to young people: since honour and prosperity attend the one, while difficulties and dangers wait on the other, and are so forcibly described as to leave a deep impression on the reader. The secondary characters are also ably supported; and the tale is well told. The work therefore claims a respectable station among writings of this class.

Notes: Listed under 'Monthly Catalogue: Novel [sic]'. Format: 3 vols 12mo; price 13s. 6d. Boards. Publisher: Longman & Co.

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-- Prepared by Emily Kolb, University of Nebraska, April 2006.
© Emily Kolb, 2006.