| | 21 | Author: | Cooper
James Fenimore
1789-1851 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The Deerslayer: Or, the First War-path  | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | On the human imagination, events produce the effects
of time. Thus, he who has travelled far and seen much,
is apt to fancy that he has lived long; and the history that
most abounds in important incidents, soonest assumes the
aspect of antiquity. In no other way can we account for
the venerable air that is already gathering around American
annals. When the mind reverts to the earliest days of colonial
history, the period seems remote and obscure, the
thousand changes that thicken along the links of recollections,
throwing back the origin of the nation to a day so
distant as seemingly to reach the mists of time; and yet
four lives of ordinary duration would suffice to transmit,
from mouth to mouth, in the form of tradition, all that
civilized man has achieved within the limits of the republic.
Although New York, alone, possesses a population
materially exceeding that of either of the four smallest
kingdoms of Europe, or materially exceeding that of the
entire Swiss Confederation, it is little more than two centuries
since the Dutch commenced their settlement, rescuing
the region from the savage state. Thus, what seems venerable
by an accumulation of changes, is reduced to familiarity
when we come seriously to consider it solely in
connection with time. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 22 | Author: | Cooper
James Fenimore
1789-1851 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The Deerslayer: Or, the First War-path | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | The discovery mentioned at the close of the preceding
chapter, was of great moment in the eyes of Deerslayer and
his friend. In the first place, there was the danger, almost
the certainty, that Hutter and Hurry would make a fresh
attempt on this camp, should they awake and ascertain its
position. Then there was the increased risk of landing to
bring off Hist; and there were the general uncertainty and
additional hazards that must follow from the circumstance
that their enemies had begun to change their positions. As
the Delaware was aware that the hour was near when he
ought to repair to the rendezvous, he no longer thought of
trophies torn from his foes; and one of the first things arranged
between him and his associate, was to permit the two
others to sleep on, lest they should disturb the execution of
their plans, by substituting some of their own. The ark
moved slowly, and it would have taken fully a quarter of an
hour to reach the point, at the rate at which they were going;
thus affording time for a little forethought. The Indians, in
the wish to conceal their fire from those who were thought
to be still in the castle, had placed it so near the southern
side of the point, as to render it extremely difficult to shut it
in by the bushes, though Deerslayer varied the direction of
the scow, both to the right and to the left, in the hope of being
able to effect that object. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 23 | Author: | Cooper
James Fenimore
1789-1851 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Wyandotté, Or, the Hutted Knoll | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | There is a wide-spread error on the subject of American
scenery. From the size of the lakes, the length and breadth
of the rivers, the vast solitudes of the forests, and the seemingly
boundless expanse of the prairies, the world has
come to attach to it an idea of grandeur; a word that is in
nearly every case, misapplied. The scenery of that portion
of the American continent which has fallen to the share of
the Anglo-Saxon race, very seldom rises to a scale that
merits this term; when it does, it is more owing to the
accessories, as in the case of the interminable woods, than
to the natural face of the country. To him who is accustomed
to the terrific sublimity of the Alps, the softened and
yet wild grandeur of the Italian lakes, or to the noble
witchery of the shores of the Mediterranean, this country
is apt to seem tame, and uninteresting as a whole; though
it certainly has exceptions that carry charms of this nature
to the verge of loveliness. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 24 | Author: | Cooper
James Fenimore
1789-1851 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Wyandotté, Or, the Hutted Knoll | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | All Maud's feelings were healthful and natural. She had
no exaggerated sentiments, and scarcely art enough to control
or to conceal any of the ordinary impulses of her heart.
We are not about to relate a scene, therefore, in which a
long-cherished but hidden miniature of the young man is to
play a conspicuous part, and to be the means of revealing
to two lovers the state of their respective hearts; but one of
a very different character. It is true, Maud had endeavoured
to make, from memory, one or two sketches of “Bob's”
face; but she had done it openly, and under the cognizance
of the whole family. This she might very well do,
indeed, in her usual character of a sister, and excite no
comments. In these efforts, her father and mother, and
Beulah, had uniformly pronounced her success to be far
beyond their hopes; but Maud, herself, had thrown them
all aside, half-finished, dissatisfied with her own labours.
Like the author, whose fertile imagination fancies pictures
that defy his powers of description, her pencil ever fell far
short of the face that her memory kept so constantly in view.
This sketch wanted animation, that gentleness, another fire,
and a fourth candour; in short, had Maud begun a thousand,
all would have been deficient, in her eyes, in some great
essential of perfection. Still, she had no secret about her
efforts, and half-a-dozen of these very sketches lay uppermost
in her portfolio, when she spread it, and its contents,
before the eyes of the original. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 25 | Author: | Cooper
James Fenimore
1789-1851 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Jack Tier; Or, the Florida Reef | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | “D'ye here there, Mr. Mulford?” called out Capt. Stephen
Spike, of the half-rigged, brigantine Swash, or Molly Swash,
as was her registered name, to his mate—“we shall be dropping
out as soon as the tide makes, and I intend to get
through the Gate, at least, on the next flood. Waiting for
a wind in port is lubberly seamanship, for he that wants one
should go outside and look for it.” | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 26 | Author: | Cooper
James Fenimore
1789-1851 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Jack Tier; Or, the Florida Reef | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | It is seldom that man is required to make an exertion
as desperate and appalling, in all its circumstances, as that
on which Harry Mulford was now bent. The night was
starlight, it was true, and it was possible to see objects
near by with tolerable distinctness; still, it was midnight,
and the gloom of that hour rested on the face of the sea,
lending its solemn mystery and obscurity to the other trying
features of the undertaking. Then there was the
uncertainty whether it was the boat at all, of which he
was in pursuit; and, if the boat, it might drift away from
him as fast as he could follow it. Nevertheless, the perfect
conviction that, without some early succour, the party
on the wreck, including Rose Budd, must inevitably perish,
stimulated him to proceed, and a passing feeling of doubt,
touching the prudence of his course, that came over the
young mate, when he was a few yards from the wreck,
vanished under a vivid renewal of this last conviction. On
he swam, therefore, riveting his eye on the “thoughtful
star” that guided his course, and keeping his mind as
tranquil as possible, in order that the exertions of his body
might be the easier. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 27 | Author: | Dawes
Rufus
1803-1859 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Nix's Mate | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | An October morning in New England! They
who appreciate the beauties of Nature in the chill air
of Autumn, when the hoar-frost hangs heavily on
the brown grass, and the forest-foliage has assumed
the diversified robe so peculiar to the northern regions
of the United States; particularly they who
have loitered among the uplands of Massachusetts
and in the vicinity of Boston, have seen the sun rise
from the blue Atlantic, and break the clouds into a
thousand fragments of purple and gold, while his
beams glittered on the ripples of the ocean,—and
this on an October morning,—have seen a vision of
magnificence and beauty perfectly characteristic of
that glorious country which is already developing the
scheme of broad philanthropy, of which the pilgrim
fathers were the first medium of manifestation. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 28 | Author: | Dawes
Rufus
1803-1859 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Nix's Mate | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | We now return to the metropolis of New-England.
Horace Seymour had at last entirely regained his
strength, and was once more entering upon the hopes,
wishes, and daily occupations of the busy world.
Nor had the interim of his indisposition disqualified
him from pursuing those studies in which he most delighted.
Having just graduated at Harvard University,
he had entered as a law student in his uncle's office,
where, under the guidance of Mr. Wilmer, he was
making as rapid progress as was possible in those
days when Blackstone was not by to smooth the
rugged road to the Bar. What was wanted, however,
in facilities, was amply made up by perseverance
and industry; and students who were in
the least degree ambitious of eminence, were contented
to abide by the lucubrationes viginti annorum
of Coke, amidst the musty tomes of black-letter Norman
French, and the not most elegant Latin of the
text-books. A seven years' clerkship was then indispensable
to a knowledge of the mere outlines of
the Common Law of England; and when a young
man was so fortunate as to meet with such a guide as
Mr. Wilmer, it may be truly said that his education
commenced on the day of his entering the Law
office. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 29 | Author: | Hawthorne
Nathaniel
1804-1864 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Fanshawe | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | In an ancient, though not very populous settlement, in
a retired corner of one of the New-England States, arise
the walls of a seminary of learning, which, for the convenience
of a name, shall be entitled `Harley College,'
This institution, though the number of its years is inconsiderable,
compared with the hoar antiquity of its European
sisters, is not without some claims to reverence on
the score of age; for an almost countless multitude of
rivals, by many of which its reputation has been eclipsed,
have sprung up since its foundation. At no time, indeed,
during an existence of nearly a century, has it acquired
a very extensive fame, and circumstances, which
need not be particularized, have of late years involved it
in a deeper obscurity. There are now few candidates
for the degrees that the college is authorized to bestow.
On two of its annual `Commencement days,' there has
been a total deficiency of Baccalaureates; and the lawyers
and divines, on whom Doctorates in their respective
professions are gratuitously inflicted, are not accustomed
to consider the distinction as an honor. Yet the sons
of this seminary have always maintained their full share
of reputation, in whatever paths of life they trod. Few
of them, perhaps, have been deep and finished scholars;
but the College has supplied—what the emergencies of
the country demanded—a set of men more useful in its
present state, and whose deficiency in theoretical knowledge
has not been found to imply a want of practical
ability. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 30 | Author: | Hawthorne
Nathaniel
1804-1864 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Twice-told Tales | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | There was once a time when New England groaned
under the actual pressure of heavier wrongs, than
those threatened ones which brought on the Revolution.
James II., the bigoted successor of Charles the
Voluptuous, had annulled the charters of all the colonies,
and sent a harsh and unprincipled soldier to take
away our liberties and endanger our religion. The
administration of Sir Edmund Andros lacked scarcely
a single characteristic of tyranny: a Governor and
Council, holding office from the King, and wholly
independent of the country; laws made and taxes levied
without concurrence of the people, immediate or
by their representatives; the rights of private citizens
violated, and the titles of all landed property declared
void; the voice of complaint stifled by restrictions on
the press; and finally, disaffection overawed by the first
band of mercenary troops that ever marched on our
free soil. For two years our ancestors were kept in
sullen submission, by that filial love which had invariably
secured their allegiance to the mother country,
whether its head chanced to be a Parliament, Protector,
or popish Monarch. Till these evil times, however,
such allegiance had been merely nominal, and the colonists
had ruled themselves, enjoying far more freedom,
than is even yet the privilege of the native subjects
of Great Britain. —I have received the First and Second Parts of your North
American Arithmetic, and am highly pleased with the plan of the work, and
the manner of its execution thus far. It unites simplicity with fulness. and
will thus be sure to interest the beginner, whilst it furnishes, at the same time.
an ample guide to the more advanced pupil. —I have examined the Third Part of Mr. Emerson's
Arithmetic with great pleasure. The perspicuity of its arrangement, and
the clearness and brevity of its explanations, combined with its happy adaptation
to the purposes of practical business, are its great recommendations.
I hope it will soon be introduced into all our schools, and take the place of
ill-digested treatises, to which our instructors have hitherto been compelled
to resort. [Conclusion of a letter to the Author.] I should think it hardly possible
that a child could be faithfully conducted through these two works [First and
Second Parts] without being vastly better acquainted with the subject than
children formerly were. Being judiciously compelled in some measure to
invent their own rules, they can scarcely fail of being able to assign a proper
reason for the process, as well as to recollect it for future use. Indeed, I do
not know any one particular in which, for the use of very young pupils, they
could be improved. I have carefully examined the Third Part of the North American
Arithmetic, by Mr. Emerson; and am so well satisfied that it is the best
treatise on the subject with which I am acquainted, that I have determined
to introduce it as a text-book into my school. Notwithstanding the obvious improvements of the study, both in a practical
point of view and as an intellectual exercise, arithmetic is perhaps
the science which is most negligently taught in common schools, and the
true principles of which are left in the greatest obscurity in the minds of
scholars. One reason of this is the imperfection of the common treatises used
in our schools. The Arithmetic of Dr. Adams was a decided improvement
upon its predecessors in the way of lucid explanations, and, as might be expected,
others followed which went still farther in the track of inductive
illustration. The North American Arithmetic, by Frederick Emerson, appears
to me to exhibit the science in a manner more clear, simple and practical,
better adapted to the use of schools and the benefit of teachers, who
may not themselves be thoroughly conversant with arithmetic, than any book
I have seen. The doctrine of Ratio and Proportion is treated in the way in
which it can alone be rendered perfectly intelligible to the pupil, and far
more satisfactory than in any English or American Arithmetic that has fallen
under my notice. —Having examined your North American Arithmetic
with much care, and made some use of it as a text-book in my classes, I do
not hesitate to regard it as better adapted than any other, to the schools of
the United States. It has long been objected to the books on this subject in
common use, that they are deficient in explanation, and unscientific in arrangement;
more apt to check than develop the powers of reasoning and calculation.
To your work, certainly, these objections are inapplicable. No
pupil, it seems to me, can go through Parts First, Second, and Third, with
ordinary attention, without acquiring a facility of analysis, a readiness both
of rule and reason, and a dexterity of practice, not easily to be derived from
any other books yet published. —I have examined the First Class Reader, by B. D. Emerson;
and, in my view, the selections are judiciously made, and characterized
by great purity and elegance of style, and yet are not so elevated
as to be unintelligible by those for whose use it is designed. The work is
throughout, so far as I have discovered, unexceptionable in the sentiment
with which it is fraught. It is introduced by some very useful “Suggestions
to Teachers,” with regard to the examination of their pupils on the lessons
read. On the whole, I know not of a reading book of higher merit, for the
more advanced classes in our schools. —Allow me to express my cordial approbation of the selection
of pieces introduced into the First Class Reader. In correctness of sentiment,
manliness of style, and elegance of diction, this approaches more
nearly than any of the previous compilations with which I am acquainted, to
what a book should be, which is designed to be a reading manual for youth. I have carefully examined the Reading Books prepared by Mr.
B. D. Emerson, and cordially bear testimony to the merits of the work. I
am much pleased with the character of the selections, and highly approve of
the system of instruction recommended by Mr. E. in his “Suggestions to
Teachers.” I hope these books will gain the extensive circulation to which
they are justly entitled. Having examined the series of School Reading Books, entitled the “First
Class Reader,” the “Second Class Reader,” and the “Third Class Reader,”
by B. D. Emerson, the undersigned regard them as having very high claims
to the notice and approbation of the public. The books form a regular series,
carefully graduated according to the advancement of classes in good
English Schools. The selections are very judiciously made, both in matter
and style. Each piece is adapted to the comprehension of the scholar, and
conveys some useful truth, either moral or scientific. Specimens are presented
of the best writers in the English language, and throughout the series
is given a very great deal of historical and general information. Having examined the First and Second Class Readers, compiled by
Mr. B. D. Emerson, I take great pleasure in recommending them to the public,
as highly deserving their patronage. I consider these works a decided improvement
upon those of a similar character now in use. The selections are
made with much taste and judgment, and are peculiarly adapted to the capacities
and wants of those for whose use they are intended. I shall introduce
them into the series of reading books used by my pupils. —I have attentively examined your series of Readers. The lessons
are selected with much taste, and are well calculated to produce a good
moral influence. It is desirable that these works should be extensively used
in our High Schools and Academies. Your Third Class Reader is used in
all our District Schools and highly approved. Emerson's Class Readers. * * * * The selections are made with
reference to purity of sentiment, and to moral impression; and are, on that
account, worthy of all commendation. * * * * In short, we can say of
these Readers, that we know of no books, which, for beauty of selection,
purity of sentiment, and for variety of expression, will compare with them.
The sooner they are introduced into our schools the better. The First Class Reader and The Second Class Reader.—
* * We are pleased with these selections, for we think they are executed on
the plan proposed; that “each extract should contain some useful truth—
something of more importance than the mere amusement of a passing hour.” —Having given Mr. Emerson's Reading Books a
careful examination, I feel confident that they possess merits equal to those
of any other Readers now in use. The experience of many years in school-keeping
has convinced me that a change of books is of primary importance
in acquiring an art so much neglected, yet so ornamental and useful as good
reading. It is not to be supposed that children can profit much by reading
again and again what has, from their earliest recollections, been sounded
over and over in their ears, till every section and almost every word are as
familiar to them as the walls of their school-room. To make ready readers
there is need of some novelty. We not unfrequently meet with those who
can read fluently and well the worn pages of a school book, but yet who
hesitate and blunder over the columns of a newspaper, or the pages of a
strange book. I am, therefore, glad to see your Readers, and it will give
me pleasure to encourage their introduction into our schools. —Having received and examined, with some attention, a
copy of your “American Universal Geography.” I have no hesitation in giving
it the preference to other works intended for School Geographies, and
for the following reason, viz.: Your Geography contains the copperplate
Maps in the same volume with the text; it embraces matter far greater in
quantity, and in my opinion superior in quality; it unites History with Geography
as History and Geography should be united; and, finally, its value
is much enhanced by the stereotype Maps. From a cursory examination, we feel no hesitation in expressing our decided
approbation of Blake's New American School Geography. The form
of the volume being such as to admit the insertion of the Maps, together
with the minuteness of detail presented by the author, we think, gives the
work a decided superiority over those of the kind now in use. We have used “Bailey's First Lessons in Algebra,” in the Public Writing
Schools of Boston, respectively committed to our instruction, and can testify
with confidence to its high value. The peculiar excellence of the work consists
in its serving not only as a text-book, but in a great measure as a teacher.
The plainness, simplicity, and fulness with which the subject is treated, enable
the scholar to proceed in the exercises understandingly, with little or no
aid, other than that which is to be found on the pages of the book. I have, with much attention and satisfaction, examined “Bailey's First
Lessons in Algebra.” As a first course of lessons in this very interesting
science, this book, I do not hesitate to say, far exceeds any other that I have
seen. No scholar will consider Algebra a dry study while attending to this
system. I am very glad to find that Algebra has been introduced into many
of our town schools; and am positive that there is no better way to make
scholars understand Arithmetic well, than that they should devote part of
their time to the study of Algebra. I most cordially recommend the work to
the attention of School Committees and Teachers. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 31 | Author: | Hawthorne
Nathaniel
1804-1864 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The Gentle Boy : | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | In the course of the year 1656, several of the people called
Quakers, led, as they professed, by the inward movement of the spirit,
made their appearance in New England. Their reputation, as holders
of mystic and pernicious principles, having spread before them, the
Puritans early endeavored to banish, and to prevent the further intrusion
of the rising sect. But the measures by which it was intended
to purge the land of heresy, though more than sufficiently vigorous,
were entirely unsuccessful. The Quakers, esteeming persecution as a
divine call to the post of danger, laid claim to a holy courage, unknown
to the Puritans themselves, who had shunned the cross, by providing
for the peaceable exercise of their religion in a distant wilderness.
Though it was the singular fact, that every nation of the earth rejected
the wandering enthusiasts who practised peace towards all men,
the place of greatest uneasiness and peril, and therefore in their eyes
the most eligible, was the province of Massachusetts Bay. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 32 | Author: | Hawthorne
Nathaniel
1804-1864 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The Celestial Rail-road | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Not a great while ago, passing through the
gate of dreams, I visited that region of the earth
in which lies the famous city of Destruction. It interested
me much to learn, that, by the public spirit
of some of the inhabitants, a railroad had recently
been established between this populous and flourishing
town, and the Celestial City. Having a little
time upon my hands, I resolved to gratify a liberal
curiosity, by making a trip thither. Accordingly,
one fine morning, after paying my bill at
the hotel, and directing the porter to stow my
luggage behind a coach, I took my seat in the vehicle,
and set out for the Station-house. It was
my good fortune to enjoy the company of a gentleman—one
Mr. Smooth-it-away—who, though
he had never actually visited the Celestial City,
yet seemed as well acquainted with its laws,
customs, policy, and statistics, as with those of the
city of Destruction, of which he was a native
townsman. Being, moreover, a director of the
railroad corporation, and one of its largest stockholders,
he had it in his power to give me all
desirable information respecting that praiseworthy
enterprise. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 33 | Author: | Hawthorne
Nathaniel
1804-1864 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Mosses from an Old Manse | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | Wiley and Putnam's library of American books | wiley and putnams library of american books | | | | Description: | In the latter part of the last century, there lived a man of science—
an eminent proficient in every branch of natural philosophy—who,
not long before our story opens, had made experience of a spiritual:
affinity, more attractive than any chemical one. He had left his,
laboratory to the care of an assistant, cleared his fine countenance
from the furnace-smoke, washed the stain of acids from his fingers,
and persuaded a beautiful woman to become his wife. In those
days, when the comparatively recent discovery of electricity, and
other kindred mysteries of nature, seemed to open paths into the
region of miracle, it was not unusual for the love of science to rival
the love of woman, in its depth and absorbing energy. The higher
intellect, the imagination, the spirit, and even the heart, might all-find
their congenial aliment in pursuits which, as some of their
ardent votaries believed, would ascend from one step of powerful
intelligence to another, until the philosopher should lay his hand
on the secret of creative force, and perhaps make new worlds for
himself. We know not whether Aylmer possessed this degree of
faith in man's ultimate control over nature. He had devoted himself,
however, too unreservedly to scientific studies, ever to be weaned
from them by any second passion. His love for his young wife
might prove the stronger of the two; but it could only be by
intertwining itself with his love of science, and uniting the strength
of the latter to its own. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 34 | Author: | Hawthorne
Nathaniel
1804-1864 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Mosses from an Old Manse | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | Wiley and Putnam's library of American books | wiley and putnams library of american books | | | | Description: | We, who are born into the world's artificial system, can never
adequately know how little in our present state and circumstances
is natural, and how much is merely the interpolation of the perverted
mind and heart of man. Art has become a second and
stronger Nature; she is a step-mother, whose crafty tenderness
has taught us to despise the bountiful and wholesome ministrations
of our true parent. It is only through the medium of the
imagination that we can lessen those iron fetters, which we call
truth and reality, and make ourselves even partially sensible what
prisoners we are. For instance, let us conceive good Father
Miller's interpretation of the prophecies to have proved true. The
Day of Doom has burst upon the globe, and swept away the whole
rece of men. From cities and fields, sea-shore, and mid-land
mountain region, vast continents, and even the remotest islands of
the ocean—each living thing is gone. No breath of a created
being disturbs this earthly atmosphere. But the abodes of man,
and all that he has accomplished, the foot-prints of his wanderings,
and the results of his toil, the visible symbols of his intellectual
cultivation, and moral progress—in short, everything
physical that can give evidence of his present position—shall
remain untouched by the hand of destiny. Then, to inherit and
repeople this waste and deserted earth, we will suppose a new
Adam and a new Eve to have been created, in the full development
of mind and heart, but with no knowledge of their predecessors,
nor of the diseased circumstances that had become encrusted
around them. Such a pair would at once distinguish between
art and nature. Their instincts and intuitions would immediately
recognize the wisdom and simplicity of the latter, while the
former, with its elaborate perversities, would offer them a continual
succession of puzzles. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 35 | Author: | Hawthorne
Nathaniel
1804-1864 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The Scarlet Letter | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | A throng of bearded men, in sad-colored garments
and gray, steeple-crowned hats, intermixed with women,
some wearing hoods, and others bareheaded, was
assembled in front of a wooden edifice, the door of
which was heavily timbered with oak, and studded with
iron spikes. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 38 | Author: | Irving
Washington
1783-1859 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Tales of a Traveller | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | I was once at a hunting dinner, given by a
worthy fox-hunting old Baronet, who kept Bachelor's
Hall in jovial style, in an ancient rook-haunted
family mansion, in one of the middle
counties. He had been a devoted admirer of the
fair sex in his young days; but having travelled
much, studied the sex in various countries with
distinguished success, and returned home profoundly
instructed, as he supposed, in the ways
of woman, and a perfect master of the art of
pleasing, he had the mortification of being jilted
by a little boarding school girl, who was scarcely
versed in the accidence of love. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 39 | Author: | Kirkland
Caroline M.
(Caroline Matilda)
1801-1864 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | A New Home - Who'll Follow? | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Our friends in the “settlements” have expressed so
much interest in such of our letters to them, as happened
to convey any account of the peculiar features
of western life, and have asked so many questions,
touching particulars which we had not thought, worthy
of mention, that I have been for some time past contemplating
the possibility of something like a detailed
account of our experiences. And I have determined
to give them to the world, in a form not very different
from that in which they were originally recorded for
our private delectation; nothing doubting, that a veracious
history of actual occurrences, an unvarnished
transcript of real characters, and an impartial record
of every-day forms of speech (taken down in many
cases from the lips of the speaker) will be pronounced
“graphic,” by at least a fair proportion of the journalists
of the day. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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