Reform and refinement in the London magazine January 1820 to December 1824

The history of the London Magazine has received much attention, but praise and criticism has been focused primarily on the contributions of individuals to this periodical work. This thesis investigates the idea that the London, as well as other periodicals produced during the 1820s, was instrumental in promoting not only literary achievements, but social interpretation. In this sense, the impact of the London cannot be adequately traced to the work of a single contributor or series of contributions. This thesis focuses on the editorships of John Scott and John Taylor, which combined covered the period from January 1820 to December 1824, and also marked the high points of the London's history. For both editors, the two key influences of reform and refinement are selected to examine the London's production. Not only do these categories help to illustrate the London's reflection of the age, but they help demarcate the London from its literary rivals. An examination of editorial style, promotion of literary works, and associations with contributors showed that both Scott and Taylor achieved an integration of reform and refinement. These two key influences when combined with each editor's vision produced a distinct and high quality magazine.