Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, Fifth Series, No. 109, Vol. III, January 30, 1886

Synopsis

The canon of literary criticism is, we have said, not an unvarying one. But undoubtedly there is, for all perfect, and still more for all enduring work in the world of letters a certain measure and standard of excellence in the mode of expression, which even the most brilliant genius cannot afford wholly to disregard, but which is as incapable of exact definition as it is difficult of attainment.

It is much more, certainly, than ‘the finding of the right word,’ even granting that the right idea be behind it. A literary composition may be characterised by the most perfect accuracy of expression, may be faultless in every detail, and yet be after all a very mediocre piece of work at the best, though it may be difficult exactly to indicate in what respect it is defective. We can only in a case of this kind point to acknowledged merit as possessing what the attempt in question lacks.

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