New York Times Putnam's Announcement

This paragraph is the first of the second installment that was published in Putnam's Magazine. Here is a clipping from the New York Times' announcement and listing of texts included in that issue of Putnam's, which says, "Among the continuation papers is a second portion of Herman Melvile's "Benito Cereno" (rather heavy reading so far)." There is no record that the New York Times ever reviewed Benito Cereno in earnest, but this jeer could reflect the reactions from readers on the first installment, a warning from the announcement-writer to readers who haven't yet approached it, or simply a glib insertion of the faceless reviewer as they write the short column. Considering the announcement remains objective nearly all of the other titles listed, it is noteworthy that Melville's draws a reaction worthy of comment, although negative.