Of Little Consequence: the early career of Thomas Moore Moore Study Day | 3 May 2013

“In this small volume the reader will find much to be delighted with. Some of the verses are extremely beautiful, and many of them are elegantly tender. Mr. Little, we understand, is a name of fiction. The real author is Thomas Moore, Esq. of the Middle Temple, whose splendid translation of the Odes of Anacreon we shall consider at some length hereafter.” Monthly Mirror “it is allowable to express our regret that a writer who possesses such talents for pleasing should publish any thing which delicacy and morality forbid us entirely to approve. [... ] The real author of these poems is said to be a Gentleman who lately favoured the world with a translation of Anacreon.” Monthly Review “Why will he degrade himself by thus miserably misapplying it? The age in which we live has imposed upon him the necessity of employing decent language; but few ages have ever been disgraced by a volume more corrupt in its whole spirit and tendency. [... ] It is not the business of a reviewer to publish a writer’s name, if the writer himself have chosen to withhold it.” Critical Review

“We have been induced to enter this strong protest, and to express ourselves thus warmly against this and the former publications of this author.” “a singular sweetness of melody and versification [... ] brilliancy of fancy [... ] classical erudition.” “the most licentious of modern versifiers.” “the most poetical of those who, in our times, have devoted their talents to the propagation of immorality.” “a cold-blooded attempt to corrupt the purity of an innocent heart.” “for the purpose of insinuating pollution into the minds of unknown and unsuspecting readers.” “It seems to be his aim to impose corruption upon his readers, by concealing it under the mask of refinement.” “Mr Moore [... ] is at pains to let the world know that he is still fonder of roving, than of loving.” Edinburgh Review