THE Eclectic Review, MDCCCXXIII. JULY-DECEMBER. NEW SERIES. VOL. XX. Φιλοσοφίαν δε ου την Στωικην λεγω, ουδε την Πλατωνικην, η την Επικούρειον τε CLEM. ALEX. Strom. Lib. 1. LONDON: PUBLISHED BY B. J. HOLDSWORTH, 18, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD. SOLD ALSO BY JOHN ANDERSON, JUNIOR, AND AND R. M. TIMMS, DUBLIN. Scoresby's Journal of a Voyage to the Northern Whale Fishery THE ECLECTIC REVIEW, FOR JULY, 1823. Art. I. History of the Peninsular War. By Robert Southey, Esq. LL.D. In three Volumes. Vol. I. 4to. pp. 806. Price 21. 10s. London. 1823. WITH the exception of Italy, Spain is the most interesting region in Christendom, the most fertile in romantic associations, and the most remarkable in national character. Were there no other distinguishing circumstance in its records than the fact, that it has been twice, perhaps we should say thrice, in nearly complete military possession of its enemies, and yet not only remained unconquered, but ultimately proved triumphant, this would give to its annals a peculiar attraction. But the events of Spanish history are even more extraordinary in their connexion than in themselves. Twice has Spain been the debateable ground between Europe and Africa. Rome and Carthage contended for empire within its limits; and when the Saracens made their desperate effort for the possession of Christendom, Spain was one of the advanced positions on which they seized. The claim of succession to its crown, arrayed armies from England, Germany, and France, on its soil at one and the same moment; and its recent revolutions have exhibited and occasioned the most striking vicissitudes of a period marked by changes and occurrences of the most uncommon kind. Dr. Southey is certainly happy in his choice of subjects. In his dramatic, epic, romantic, biographical, and historical compositions, we never find him taking up an insignificant name, an obscure theatre, or an uninteresting story. Nor has he, in the present instance, been unmindful of his former discretion. He has chosen a part of history, not only in the highest degree VOL. XX. N. S. B |