SOURCE: A review of Retrospection, in The London Review and Literary Journal, March, 1801, pp. 188-90.

In the excerpt below, the critic comments on Piozzi's Retrospection, finding fault with her grammar and her lack of a "regular series of dates. "

Cicero somewhere observes—Historia quoque modo scripta delectat, " "History, in whatever manner it is written, gives delight." And this sentiment Mrs. Piozzi has adopted to the most extensive latitude, in the amusing medley she has compiled, chiefly, as she professes, "for the benefit of young beginners." For we defy the most learned Critic to decide, to what class of literature this pretty piece of female patch-work belongs.

The title, however, is admirably suited both to the portrait and to the performance, as they look backward to things that once had an existence, but of which scarce a shadow of resemblance now remains. The portrait is not what was once...