Bentley's Miscellany

Bentley's Miscellany bursts onto the page as a mischievous new monthly, announced by "Boz" with theatrical confidence, self-mockery, and a promise of wit without party politics or malice. Its opening manifestos reject narrow labels, invite readers to judge the magazine by its work, and celebrate a broad, entertaining blend of humor, feeling, observation, and literary craft. The volume's contents reinforce that ambition with an exuberant mix of fiction, poetry, sketches, satire, memoir, serial storytelling, and richly illustrated pieces by contributors such as Dickens, Samuel Lover, Dr. Maginn, Father Prout, and others. Among its highlights is a comic meditation on wit and literary pretension, followed by vivid biographical and critical sketches of George Colman the elder and younger. These pages trace Colman's theatrical career, family background, and famous encounters with Dr. Johnson, Goldsmith, and Foote, while praising his enduring plays. The volume also includes a biting satire of a kingdom unhinged by the loss of horses, turning social vanity and public authority into broad comic spectacle. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.