University of Virginia Library

“Mr. Banim has put forth all the vigor that belongs to the old O'Hara
Tales, and avoided the weakness that sullied his subsequent efforts.”

“There is more tenderness, more delicacy shown in the development of female
character, than we have ever before met with in the works of this powerful
novelist.

“Banim never conceived a character more finely than the young Ghost-Hunter,
Morris Brady. It is a bold and striking outline.”

“It is long since we have met with so bold, spirited, and original a story.”

“We how once more recommend the work itself, and the series, of which
it is a worthy volume, to the public.”

“Decidedly one of the best romances we have ever read.”

“Mr. Ritchie's Tales sometimes amount to the sublime, either in the terrible
exigency or the melting pathos of the event, or in the picturesque energy
of the description.—Schinderhannes may be esteemed as the best work of fiction
for which we are indebted to his pen.”

“Certain we are that very few of our modern novels can produce a character
more admirably drawn than that of Murdock Macara, and Johnson the
quondam tutor; Mr. Bolton and Hulson are sketches that no one but a man
of talent could have conceived, and none but a master could have filled up.”

“It is a publication of no ordinary merit, is written with considerable power,
and embodies a story of deep interest. The Library of Romance has
already an extensive circulation, and deserves still greater.

“The numbers published thus far, are devoted to works of the best description,
and are calculated to entertain without offending a single moral precept.”

“There are some fine passages, and touches of strong descriptive powers of
nature and characters.”

“The auto-biography in this volume is equal to Mr. Galt's best days, and
even his subordinate characters are worthy to be recorded in the Annals of
the Parish.”

“The Stolen Child is a most cleverly managed story.

“We do not think any one ever exceeded Mr. Galt in sketching national
portraits—they are preserved as if for a museum of natural suriosities.”

“A story of considerable interest.”

“A very picturesque and interesting story, and laid during a period which
well deserves illustration.”

“One of those stirring narrations that give a picture of the times, and take
along the reader with the events, as if he was indeed a part of what he read.
This series of romances has thus far maintained its character for novelty and
raciness, and while the whole is worthy of especial commendation, each number
is in itself a complete story.”

“The narrative embraces one of the most interesting periods of English history,
and is full of life and spirit. The character of Wat Tyler is well depicted.”

“In this abridged tale from Victor Hugo, may the readers of wonderful incidents
`woo terror to delight' them. The attention is aroused, and maintained
to a frenzied state of excitement anxious to be satisfied with similar details.”

“We proceed to assure the reader, who has it before him, that he will enjoy
an intellectual treat of no mean order. The principal feature of its excellence
is an all-engrossing interest, which interest is mainly attributable to the
extreme vraisemblance of its incidents, and the fidelity with which each
character supports its individuality. In it there is as much invention and
originality as we have ever met with in a modern novel, be the author who
he may.”

“The moral of the tale carries conviction as to the justness of its applicability,
and the incidents flow as naturally as the stream of events in every-day
life.”

“Here is a novel from a deservedly popular author, written with great ease
and sprightliness.”

“We cannot but predict a warm reception of this work among all persons
who have not lost their relish for nature and probability, as well as all those
who can properly estimate the beauties of simplicity in thought and expression.”

“One of the cleverest of the last publications written on this or the other
side of the Atlantic.”

“The style is admirable, and the sketches of character, men, and scenery,
so fresh and agreeable, that we cannot help feeling that they are drawn from
nature.”

“These pages are pictures from scenes whose impress of truth tells that the
author has taken them as an eye-witness; and many are rich in quiet, simple
pathos, which is evidently his forte.”

“We always regarded the novels of Godwin as grand productions. No one
ever more forcibly portrayed the workings of the mind, whether it were in its
joyous hilarity of happiness, or in the sublime agonies of despair. His tales,
if we may so express it, have each but one character, and one end; but that
character, how all absorbing in interest, and how vividly depicted; and that
end, how consistent with its preliminaries, how satisfactory, and how beautiful!”

“We must content ourselves by commending the good use our fair
author has made of her materiel, which she has invested with the grace
and existence of her own poetical imagination. The character of Monia
is a conception as original as it is exquisite.”

“The author of Frankenstein has made a romance of great and enduring
interest. We recommend Perkin Warbeck to the public attention. It
cannot fail to interest as a novel, while it may impart useful instruction as
a history.”

“This is another admirable production from the prolific pen of Mr. Bulwer—
distinguished by the same profundity of thought and matchless humor which
are so happily combined in all his writings.”

“Our readers have felt that the impassioned pen of the author of Eugene
Aram has not lost its power in these sketches.”

“There are few works of fiction, so acceptable in republication as the Novels
of Miss Austen.

“They never weary, their interest is never lost, for, as in the prints of Hogarth,
we find fresh matter for admiration upon every renewal of our acquaintance.
In her works the scene is before us with all the reality of the
world, and, free from the engrossment of acting a part in it, we discover points
of interest which a divided attention had overlooked.

“Her merit considered, her perfection in one style, Miss Austen is the worst
appreciated Novelist of her time. The Quarterly Review, (to its honor be it
remembered,) was the first critical authority which did justice to her merits,
and that after the grave closed over her unconscious and modest genius.

“It is remarkable that Scott, who noticed with praise many inferior authors,
never mentioned Miss Austen.”

“The pictures here given of German life have an interest which to us is perfectly
irresistible.”

“The work under our notice has great claims to the consideration of every
reader who likes good tales, in which he will find every thing in keeping.”

“These most original stories are replete with incidents, scenes, and characters;
that will dwell upon the mind they have amused; some of them have
the conciseness, wit, and satirical point, of Voltaire's sparkling romance, but
without their mockery of all that is sacred and virtuous. We rise from their
perusal with our hearts warmed for our fellow-men, and with our love and
interest increased for this world.”

“Delaware is a work of talent in every sense of the world. The plot is full
of interest, the characters are sketched with vitality and vigor, and the
style is neat and flowing throughout.”

“Delaware is a tale of much amusement and interest. We heartily commend
it to our readers as a very pleasant and very clever work.”

“Delaware is an original novel by an able man.”

“The story is well told, the characters clearly unfolded, and the conclusion
natural and satisfactory.”

“This work is supposed by eminent critics to be the chef-d'œuvre of the
author.”

“Mr. Ritchie is by far our best writer of romantic and imaginative tales,”
was the dictum of the Literary Gazette—and the Atlas pronounces him “the
Scott of the short, picturesque, and bold story.”

“The power of fascinating the reader, of chaining him down, as it were,
while his fancy is tormented by terrible imaginings, is the principal characteristic
of Mr. Leitch Ritchie's pictures.”

“The Irish scenes are entitled to warm commendation, they are written
with equal good feeling and good sense; while Grace Cassidy is a sweet and
touching portrait,” &c. &c.

“The description of the Fete is in easy, graceful, flowing verse, and the
songs with which it is interspersed are, unlike many of those which that
gifted poet has published, unexceptionable in their moral tendency.”

“Many of the songs interspersed are pretty and pleasing, and savor of
the usual richness of sentiment and luxuriance of style habitual to Moore.
We can willingly recommend the work to all ladies, and lovers of good
poetry.”

“The work embraces copious descriptions of the countries visited; graphic
accounts of the state of society; brief notices of the history, state of the
arts, climate, and the future prospects of those interesting parts of our continent;
respecting which the citizens of the United States are supposed to
care much, but know so little.”

“Full of novelty and valuable details. The American reader will greatly
add to his fund of ideas concerning South America by its perusal.”

“The author's graphic abilities—the pure acquaintance he displays with
the Spanish language, renders his book at once pleasing and useful.”

“Such contributions to our stock of ideas and literature, deserve a warmer
welcome and wider patronage than the common-place or extravagant fictions
of the day.”

“Much new and valuable information, imbodied in excellent language;
there cannot be a moment's doubt of its popularity.”

“The mingling of anecdote, the abrupt breaks, personal narration, illustrative
comparisons, and general style of the work, give it an interest that will ensure
to the book general perusal—while the philosophical tone which occasionally
pervades its pages cannot fail of commending them to the approval of the
reflecting.”

“We have read this work with great satisfaction and interest. It abounds
with characteristic anecdotes, graphic descriptions, and principles which do
honour to the head and heart of the author.”

“The style of these Letters is, in general, very good, sometimes poetical and
eloquent.

“Here is a well written series of Letters, by a learned German, who has
lived long enough among us, it appears, to examine the peculiarities of our
government and habits, with the impartial eye of a philosopher.”

“This is a very agreeable book—rambling, sprightly, anecdotical, and withal,
interspersed with much useful and practical information, and keen and accurate
observation.”

“Some of his sketches are beautiful descriptions; others are finished pictures.
The charm of these volumes consists in the distinct view which the author
gives us of the scenery, the country, the cities and towns, the aristocracy, the
churches,—in one word, the thousand particulars, which, together, constitute
what is called the state of society.”

“We have seldom perused a work with so pleasant an interest. The contents
are various and racy, epistolary transcripts of the author's mind, published just
as written, without revisions, and with all the gloss and freshness of first and
original impressions about them. The work is full of living pictures.”

“His observations on men and manners, in his description of the different
scenes to which his pilgrimage was extended, are given in a style of the most
flowing and attractive kind.”

“It is a work of profound investigation, deep research, distinguished alike
for the calm Christian spirit which breathes throughout, and the sound, irresistible
argumentation which is stamped on every page.”

“Let works like that before us be widely disseminated, and the bold, active,
and ingenious enemies of religion be met by those, equally sagacious, alert and
resolute and the most timid of the many who depend upon the few, need not
fear the host that comes with subtle steps to `steal their faith away.' ”

“That the devoted spirit of the work is most exemplary, that we have here
and there found, or fancied, room for cavil, only peradventure because we have
been unable to follow the author through the prodigious range of his philosophical
survey—and in a word, that the work before us would have made the
reputation of any other man, and may well maintain even that of Professor
Whewell.”

“He has succeeded admirably in laying a broad foundation, in the light of
nature, for the reception of the more glorious truths of revelation; and has
produced a work well calculated to dissipate the delusions of scepticism and
infidelity, and to confirm the believer in his faith.”

“The known talents, and high reputation of the author, gave an earnest of
excellence, and nobly has Mr. Whewell redeemed the pledge.—In conclusion,
we have no hesitation in saying, that the present is one of the best works of
its kind, and admirably adapted to the end proposed; as such, we cordially
recommend it to our readers.”

“It is a work of high character.”

“It is ably written, and replete both with interest and instruction. The
diffusion of such works cannot fail to be attended with the happiest effects in
justifying `the ways of God to man,' and illustrating the wisdom and goodness
of the Creator by arguments which appeal irresistably both to the reason
and the feelings. Few can understand abstract reasoning, and still fewer relish
it, or will listen to it: but in this work the purest morality and the kindliest
feelings are inculcated through the medium of agreeable and useful information.”

“It should be in the hands of every individual who feels disposed to `vindicate
the ways of God to man.' ”

“For depth of investigation, extent of research and cogency of reasoning,
this work will not suffer in comparison with any other of this admirable
series. The deductions from the premises are strong and conclusive, and
bear the impress of a calm, philosophic, and truly Christian spirit. The
valuable scientific knowledge that may be derived from the Bridgewater
Treatises, independent of their grand design—the illustration of the power,
wisdom, and goodness of God, as manifested in the creation—should secure
them a wide circulation.”

“The volumes before us are every way worthy of their subject. It
would seem almost supererogatory to pass any judgment on the style of a
writer so celebrated as Dr. Chalmers. He is well known as a logician not
to be baffled by any difficulties; as one who boldly grapples with his theme,
and brings every energy of his clear and nervous intellect into the field.
No sophistry escapes his eagle vision—no argument that could either
enforce or illustrate his subject is left untouched. Our literature owes a
deep debt of gratitude to the author of these admirable volumes.”

“In the present treatise it is a matter of the warmest satisfaction to find
an anatomist of Sir Charles Bell's great eminence, professing his contempt
for the late fashionable doctrines of materialism held by so many anato-mists,
and now coming forward to present the fruits of his wide researches
and great ability in a treatise so full of curious and interesting matter,
expressly intended to prove, by the examination of one particular point,
that design which is imprest on all parts of various animals which in some
degree answer the purpose of the Hand; and has shown that the hand is
not the source of contrivance, nor consequently of man's superiority, as
some materialists have maintained.
“To this he has added some very valuable remarks, showing the uses of
Pain, and he has illustrated the work with a variety of the most admirable
and interesting wood cuts.”

“A very singular and effective union of the very best properties which we
seek for in books of travels on the one hand, and in works of the imagination
on the other.”

“The manners of Portugal were never before delineated with so much truth
and vivacity.”

“There are in my recess at home another Series of Stories, in number and quantity sufficient for a
volume; and as they are much like the former in execution, and sufficiently different in events and characters,
they may hereafter, in peaceable be worth something to you; and the more, because I shall,
whatever is mortal of me, be at rest in the chancel of Trowbridge church.”

“The Life of Crabbe will be found far more abundant in striking incidents
and extraordinary contrasts and reverses, than that of almost any other poet
with whose personal story we are acquainted. It will be seen from his own
Diaries, how calmly he had tasted, both of the very bitterest adversity—a destitute
and forlorn wanderer about the streets of London,—and of what, considering
his early position and distresses, may be called splendid prosperity—the
honoured and admired friend of Burke, Johnson, Reynolds, Thurlow, Fox—and
more recently of Scott, Rogers, Moore, &c. &c.—the courted guest of the noblest
mansions—placed at length, by the universal consent of all capable of appreciating
literary merit, on an elevation second to no one among his contemporaries.”

“This work is beautifully got up, and elegantly embellished with exceedingly
clever wood cuts: it is published with the design of affording to youthful minds
a brief, but yet perspicuous, exhibition of the first principles of the physical
sciences, including accounts of the most important discoveries recently made in
the several departments of natural knowledge. All this the book professes to
do, and does it well. We think by the easy and familiar tone that it adopts in
the descriptions, it will become a great favourite with youth.”

“Here is a familiar introduction to the principles of natural philosophy. We
have carefully perused every page, and every page has afforded us proofs of
accuracy and observation which we hardly expected. There cannot be a more
delightful present to the young, or anything better calculated to refresh the
memories of the old. It is the book, of all others, to teach young people how
to think.”

“The present little volume is so written, that, with moderate attention, a
youth may obtain a very clear knowledge of each branch of natural philosophy.
The volume is printed uniformly with the `Boy's Own Book,' and may be said to
be a suitable successor to that little work. The compiler deserves great credit
for the arrangement, and also for the simple, at the same time, correct and
familiar style of conveying information. We cannot do better than recommend
parents to present to their children this elegant little production.”

“Our readers will, doubtless, remember the `Boy's Own Book;' the present
volume is a sequel to that amusing little work. It is got up with extreme care,
and illustrated with an immense number of figures, of extraordinary neatness
of execution.”

“The author has unfolded the principles of Christianity with much candor
and correctness; he has explained our personal and relative duties in a just
and philosophical manner; and, by the ease and unaffected simplicity of his
style, has rendered his treatise pleasing as well as instructive.—His remarks
on brotherly love, in that part of his work embracing the relative duties, possess
much to interest.”

“The book has a high reputation in Great Britain, and there is no being
capable of reflection, who has not need, and upon whom it is not incumbent,
to obtain light, and bestow concern on the topics which are here discussed.
“Every page that directs the mind to what should be deemed the main interest
of life, and causes operative thought in ulterior destinies, is of inestimable
value.”

“The publishers deserve the thanks of the lovers of pure, chastened and
profitable fiction for their reprint of this charming little work. It cannot fail
to become as popular here as it already is in England. It is a collection of tales
and sketches, designed to impress upon the mind useful lessons of piety, virtue
and wisdom. It is written in a style of unusual excellence—masculine in its
vigor, yet light and playful in its delicacy, and embodies several scenes of
pathos and feeling of which Sterne or M'Kenzie might be proud.—To those
whose taste has not been perverted by the flashy wit and nauseous sentimentality
of modern fiction, we commend the immediate purchase of this delightful
little work.”

“In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”

“It may be read for purposes of devotion by Christians of whatever deno-mination,
with pleasure and profit.”

“These verses were singularly beautiful in conception and composition, and
breathe the purest poetic taste and the most sincere and fervent spirit of
piety.”

“The work should be in the hands of all who value taste, genius and
piety.”

“We have rarely, perhaps never, met a poetical volume, more appropriate
to family devotion.”

“As a book for family reading—whether as an exercise of taste or devotion
—we know of few that can surpass it.”