John Thelwall's "Panoramic Miscellany": the lecturer as journalist

Abstract

From January to June 1826, Thelwall edited, wrote, and marketed The Panoramic Miscellany, a monthly periodical that demonstrates his ongoing commitment to political causes, public education, elocutionary training, and literary criticism. This essay examines the context and contents of the little-known Panoramic Miscellany, showing that Thelwall’s editorial policy and discursive practice depend heavily on his experience as lecturer and educator and that the Panoramic Miscellany stands out for its international perspective, its attention to women writers, and the integrity of its book reviews. The unsuccessful attempt of Thelwall the lecturer to become an independent journalist offers insights into the experimental and volatile media context of the 1820s.