3 Review(s)

In this third volume, the focus is on the theater, with reviews of recent plays and performances, as well as philosophical musings on art and taste. The periodical serves as both a critique of contemporary dramatic works and a platform for the editor’s views on aesthetics. There is also a considerable emphasis on what was deemed "good taste" in theater, with discussions on the moral and intellectual value of different plays and performances. It reflects the cultural climate of early 19th-century America and Britain, as both societies were grappling with the rapid changes brought about by the Enlightenment, the rise of Romanticism, and evolving social norms.While the publication itself did not have a long-lasting impact, it offers valuable insight into the cultural atmosphere of the time, especially in regard to the arts and public taste. It provides a snapshot of the early 19th century's literary and theatrical landscape, demonstrating the period’s commitment to reflecting on and shaping the public's artistic and intellectual values. The Mirror of Taste serves as both an archive of past opinions and a reflection of the tastes and trends that influenced the broader cultural movements of the era.