SOURCE:A review of Ernestus Berchtold; or, the Modern Oedipus, in Edinburgh Monthly, Vol. 4, No. XXIV, December, 1820, pp. 727-35.

In the following excerpt from a review of Ernestus Berchtold, the critic blames Polidori for the attribution of The Vampyre to Byron, describing that novel as a "vile abortion. " The reviewer also excoriates writers of supernatural horror fiction, charging that Polidori inadequately developed the supernatural element of Ernestus Berchtold and marveling that such an untalented writer continues to publish. In a concluding offhand accusation of unoriginality against Polidori, the anonymous critic misattributes Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus to Mr. Shelley.

Dr. Polidori is aware that he cannot decently appear before the public, without making certain explanations, touching a transaction, in which it is hard to say, whether dulness or impudence was most conspicuous. The publication of that vile abortion, The Vampyre, under the name of the greatest of living...