The Philadelphia Magazines and their Contributors 1741-1850

"The Philadelphia Magazines and their Contributors 1741-1850" by Albert Henry Smyth is a late 19th-century narrative that chronicles the development of Philadelphia's literary world and the impact of its magazines on American literature. The book kicks off with Smyth's explanation of his research, spotlighting Philadelphia's bustling literary scene and the importance of documenting its publications. Highlighting major players and events influencing these magazines, from the rivalry between Benjamin Franklin and Andrew Bradford to the rise of important writers, Smyth sets the stage for examining the magazines' impact on American literature by covering the themes of nationalism to cultural identity and the reactions of writers to international feedback.