Martin Faber :: :: University of Virginia Library

This, as well as some of the subsequent numbers of the Boy's
and Girl's Library, is especially designed for Sunday reading,
and the object of the writer has been to direct the minds of
youthful readers to the Bible, by exciting an interest in the lives
and actions of the eminent apostles and martyrs who bore testimony
to the truth of their missions and of the Redeemer by
their preaching and their righteous death. The style is beautifully
simple, and the narrative is interspersed with comments
and reflections remarkable for their devout spirit, and for the
clearness with which they elucidate whatever might appear to
the tender mind either contradictory or unintelligible. It is
impossible for any child to read these affecting histories without
becoming interested; and the interest is so directed and improved
as to implant and foster the purest principles of religion
and morality. The most esteemed religious publications
throughout the Union have united in cordial expressions of
praise to this as well as the other Scriptural numbers of the
Library, and the publishers have had the gratification of receiving
from individuals eminent for piety, the warmest commendations
not only of the plan, but also of the manner in
which it has been so far executed.

THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON; or, ADVENTURES
of a FATHER and MOTHER and FOUR
SONS on a DESERT ISLAND. In 2 vols. 18mo.
[Nos. II. & III. of the Boy's and Girl's Library.]

The purpose of this pleasing story is to convey instruction in
the arts and Natural History, and, at the same time, to inculcate
by example principles which tend to the promotion of social
happiness. Every one has read or heard of Robinson Crusoe,
and the unrivalled and long-continued popularity of that admirable
narrative, proves that the tastes and feelings to which it
addresses itself are among the strongest and most universal
which belong to human nature. The adventures of the Swiss
family are somewhat similar in character, and, of course, in interest;
and they illustrate, in the most forcible and pleasing
manner, the efficacy of piety, industry, ingenuity, and good-temper,
in smoothing difficulties and procuring enjoyments
under the most adverse circumstances. The story abounds
with instruction and entertainment, and well deserves the high
encomium that has been passed upon it, of being one of the
best children's books ever written.

“This little work is so much of a story, that it will seem a
relaxation rather than a school-task, and at the same time it
will give the juvenile reader more practical instruction in
natural history, economy, and the means of contriving and helping
one's self, than many books of the very best pretensions in the
department of instruction.”

—Boston Daily Advocate.

“We do not think a parent could select a more acceptable or
Judicious gift.”

—New-Haven Religious Intelligencer.

“The story has all that wild charm of adventure and discovery
which has made Robinson Crusoe such a wonder to
every generation since it was written.”

—Baptist Repository.

“This work is interesting and truly valuable.”

—U. S. Gazette.

“Well calculated to claim the attention of the interesting
part of the community to which it is addressed.”

—N. Y
Adrocate.

SUNDAY EVENINGS; or, an EASY INTRODUCTION
to the READING of the BIBLE. [Nos.
IV. and XIV. of the Boy's and Girl's Library.]

The title of this excellent little work sufficiently explains
its object. As an introduction to the knowledge of Scripture
History, and an incentive to the study of the Sacred Volume,
it is calculated to produce the most happy effects upon the
minds of children; and the simplicity of the language preserves
to the story all those charms which are inherent in the
narrative, but are sometimes lost to very youthful readers by
their want of a perfect understanding of the words they read.
Besides a developed and connected view, in easy language,
of the Scripture story itself, the author has endeavoured to intersperse
in the narrative such notices of the countries spoken
of, together with such references to the New Testament and
practical remarks, as would tend to make the book either more
interesting, more intellectually improving, or more valuable in
a moral and religious light: and it cannot fail of obtaining the
approbation of all judicious and pious parents, and of proving,
by the blessing of God, an assistance to the Christian mother,
in giving to her children an early knowledge and love of his
Sacred Word.

“The style is simple, the sentiments expressed Scriptural,
and the book every way calculated as an assistant in the in
struction of children.

—The Presbyterian.

“To be commended cordially.”

—The Churchman.

“We recommend it particularly to mothers and guardians
of the young, confident that it will obtain their approbation, and
prove an assistance to them in giving those under their care an
early knowledge and love of the Sacred Word.”

—Am. Traveller

“The work is well worthy the attention of parents and instructers,
to whom we most cheerfully recommend it.”

—Boston Mirror.

“It will be found, we think, a useful auxiliary in the hands
of parents, and a most winning book to children.”

—Connecticut Journal.

THE SON of a GENIUS. By Mrs. Hofland.
[No. V. of the Boy's and Girl's Library.]

This admirable story has been too long familiar to the public—at
least to that portion of it which has advanced beyond
the period of childhood—to require either eulogy or description.
It has for many years maintained its place among the best and
most esteemed juvenile works in the English language; and its
popularity is easily accounted for by the touching interest of the
incidents, and the purity of the principles it inculcates both
of wisdom and religion. The publishers were induced to reprint
it as one of the numbers of the Boy's and Girl's Library,
partly by the advice and solicitations of many of their friends,
and their own knowledge of its merits, and partly by the consideration
that it has long been out of print, and that it was very
difficult to procure a copy.

“ `The Son of a Genius' will afford a profitable study to
parents, as well as an exquisite treat to youths. It is an admirable
tale: fascinating in its delineations, admirable in its moral,
just as a picture of the mind, a faithful and true portraiture
of the results of genius vaccilating, unapplied, and turning to
ruin, and the same genius supported by sound moral principle,
strengthened by judicious exercise and continuous effort, useful
and triumphant. It is a striking illustration of the importance
of method, perseverance, and industry to produce the perfect
fruits of genius; and the utter uselessness of delicate taste,
vivid conception, rapid performance, aided by generous affections
and engaging manner, to the attainment of excellence,
without that steady application, which nothing but just moral
principle can ensure. The story is not, however, a refined, metaphysical
disquisition on genius; but a simple, engaging tale,
which lets in upon the reader a sort experience worth a hundred
essays.”

—Connecticut Journal.

“To youth of both sexes this work forms an excellent piece
of reading.”

—The Pennsylvanian.

“To our young friends it will afford much entertainment.”

—Boston Mirror.

NATURAL HISTORY; or UNCLE PHILIP'S
CONVERSATIONS with the CHILDREN about
TOOLS and TRADES among the INFERIOR
ANIMALS. [No. VI. of the Boy's and Girl's Library.]

The wonders of God's providence, as they are manifested
in the figures, habits, and performances of the various creatures
which fill the earth, the air, and the waters,—the endless varieties
of form, the accuracy and ingenuity of their contrivances,
whether for security or sustenance, and the admirable adaptation
of their instruments to the works their instinct prompts
them to construct, supply an exhaustless theme for observation
and astonishment, and call forth in the mind the most exalted
ideas of the Supreme wisdom and beneficence. In the captivating
volume which forms the sixth number of the Boy's and
Girl's Library, a portion of this department of science is treated
of with consummate ability, and the work has deservedly received
the highest encomiums, not only for the extent, utility,
and interesting nature of the information it conveys, but also for
the skill with which the ideas and language are adapted to the
tastes as well as the capacities of youthful readers. But these
are not its only or its greatest merits: its highest claims to
praise are the tone of sincere and earnest piety which pervades
the conversations, and the excellence of the precepts drawn
from the wonders they disclose.

“It is written with a thorough knowledge of the subject, and
with that delightful freshness of impression from natural sights
which revives the days of our childhood. Here, then, is a
beautiful and appropriate present for the Christian parent.”

—The Presbyterian.

“This work deserves high praise. It displays much tact
and ingenuity, guided by sound judgment, and controlled by
fervent piety. Such books for the young are scarce, and likely
to be so; for few are able to produce them. Children will delight
in it, and profit by it.”

—The Churchman.

“We look upon this as one among the best juvenile works
we have met with.”

—Baptist Repository.

INDIAN TRAITS; being SKETCHES of the
MANNERS, CUSTOMS, and CHARACTER of
the NORTH AMERICAN NATIVES. By B. B.
Thatcher, Esq. [Nos. VII. and VIII. of the Boy's
and Girl's Library.]

The appearance, character, and habits of the North American
Indians have long been a favourite and fertile theme for writers
as well as readers, and accurate descriptions of them are equally
instructive and agreeable. These form the subject of the
seventh and eighth numbers of the Library, and they are admitted
to contain much correct and interesting information. A
larger work (in the Family Library), by the same author, entitled
“Indian Biography,” treats of the history of those remarkable
members of the human family: the work now under
consideration makes no pretensions to that character, but is entirely
descriptive; and it is entitled to high praise, not only as
being the first attempt to render the subject attractive to
youthful readers, but also for the ability with which the object
is accomplished.

“These two little volumes furnish the leading traits of Indian
character in a style adapted to instruct while it interests the
youthful reader.”

—N. Y. American.

“Most entertaining and excellent volumes.”

—N. Y. Weekly Messenger.

“The author has produced a work which will not only be
valuable to the young, but to all who wish for a concise and
just delineation of what is most desirable to be known respecting
the character and customs of the natives of North America.”

—Boston Traveller.

“The language is easy and familiar, and the descriptions
quite interesting.”

—Atkinson's Evening Post.

“Two volumes more interesting or more useful were never
placed in the hands of American youth.”

—Boston Mirror.

“These little volumes equal in interest all that have gone
before them in the same family.”

—Troy Budget