The real authour was I. P. Marana, a Genoese, who died at Paris in 1693.

The Authour, as is well known, having been a Person of Eminency for his Learning, and of Exquisite Curiosity in his Researches.

The King then asked him if there were any other literary journal published in this kingdom, except the Monthly and Critical Reviews; and on being answered there was no other, his Majesty asked which of them was the best: Johnson answered that the Monthly Review was done with most care, the Critical upon the best principles; adding that the authours of the Monthly Review were enemies to the Church.