For those not familiar with 18th century literature, a little context might be in order. The Spectator that Franklin made a model of is no relation of the mode

For those not familiar with 18th century literature, a little context might be in order. The Spectator that Franklin made a model of is no relation of the modern magazine. This Spectator was an "essay series", a peculiarly 18th century genre, something like an editorial column without a magazine -- or a blog, for that matter. At the time, the Spectator essays were considered the high-water mark of good style and clear expression in English. You can read them for yourself on Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12030 http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12030