Morning Chronicle

Mon, 31 July 1826. (1.3.1).
‘[Books published this day]’. 3v 12mo.  £1. 4s. Boards.

Edinburgh Evening Courant

Sat, 29 July 1826. (1.4.2).
‘NEW NOVEL. This day is published’. 3v 12mo.  £1. 4s.
Notes: ‘This production is composed on a plan altogether original, and many of the chief scenes being laid in Italy, the Author has endeavoured to combine with the deep interest expected in works of fiction, a genuine picture of that classical country, and of the manners of its inhabitants’.

Sat, 13 Jan 1827. (1.3.8).
‘NEW NOVEL. This day is published’. 3v 12mo.  £1. 4s.
Notes: As ‘The Dire Prophetess, a Tale of the Last Century in Italy’. ‘It is seldom, we are sure, that it falls to the lot of novel readers, either in this or any other country, to encounter so truly, novel, and romantic a performance as that of the Dire Prophetess.// It possesses a certain power and cleverness, that "Je ne sais quoi" dependent perhaps on the denounciations of the Dire Prophetess. It boasts, moreover, what by many will be thought still more attractive, a vast fund of classical and literary information, the scene being happily laid in Italy. In this point of view, indeed, it is well worth the perusal of all, who are on the eve of making the grand tour, and of all others not so fortunate as to be able to indulge themselves with so rich a treat, which here, however, may be as fully enjoyed in description, by merely tracking the footsteps of this English party in Italy, in their visits to all the consecrated spots.// In the conclusion of the work there are some very bold and vivid descriptions of Mohammedan characters and manners. From among these we may point out the episode of the Scottish renegade and of his beautiful Georgian wife, Haris’. New Monthly Magazine, Nov 1826. ‘The works, that have issued from the Scottish press would do honour to any nation, and it gives us pleasure to assert that the prophetess is not likely to tarnish its well earned fame. The story is exceedingly simple and the plot throughout is managed with great skill’. Ladies Museum, Oct 1826.

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