University of Virginia Library

“Suffice it to say, that Calavar, throughout, is a romance of very great interest.
It will interest the imaginative from its spirited and stirring scenes of
battle and blood: it will please the poetic from the splendour and beauty of its
descriptions, and it will charm every lover of fiction by the masterly and graphic
scenes which it will continually present to him.”

“The work may fairly rank among the highest efforts of genius, and we do
not scruple to pronounce it superior to any thing of the kind which has yet
emanated from the American press.”

“In our opinion, it is decidedly the best American novel that has been written,
except those enchanting pictures of Cooper, in which the interest is made
to depend on the vicissitudes of the sea, and the adventures of the daring
mariuer.”

“The style elegant, sufficiently ornate, yet pure and classical.”

“The period which has been judiciously selected by this writer, is one of the
highest interest—a period so crowded with important events, that it is impossible
to contemplate its vivid scenes without intense curiosity and wonder.”

“The unities are perfectly preserved throughout, poetical probability is never
transgressed: curiosity is satisfied, and the quaint language of three centuries
ago is sustained with unwavering consistency, and with a force and elegance
of composition rarely, if ever, surpassed. It is, without question, the best
American novel that has yet appeared.”

“This collection, made by the young relative himself, is entirely authentic.
The letters were selected from among several hundred, as most fit for publication.
Every one of them is strongly characteristic. They are made up of
excellent instructions to his relative, respecting personal conduct and the culture
of his mind; philosophical remarks; accounts of his own situation and feelings;
notices of his acquaintance, &c.”

“The letters now published exhibit many amiable traits of private character,
and show how keenly he suffered from his own overwrought sensibilities.
They abound in evidences of good feeling, and good sense. As specimens of
epistolary style, they may be safely consulted; while, as furnishing a closer
insight into the views and habits of a man who was misunderstood by many,
and whose history is part of the history of his country, they should be read by
all.”

“The admirers of Charles the First, owe no gratitude to Miss Aikin. She
has told too plain a tale. She has given, it is true, no summary of the character
of that monarch, but she has devoted an extensive work to a faithful
relation of his public works and actions, and has left it to tell its story.”

“Following up her interesting career of an historical writer, Lucy Aikin
has here produced one of those episodes belonging to our national annals,
which add to the importance of facts elaborated from many a source, all the
charms which are usually found in the inventions of fiction.
“Suffice it to say, that from family and other papers long hidden from the
public view, new lights are ever and anon shed upon the actors and proceedings
of that time; and that without delving too deeply into them, our
intelligent author has wrought the whole into one of those agreeable narratives
for which her pen is so justly popular.”

“Look here upon this picture, and on this.”

“Miss Leslie hits, skilfully and hard, the follies, foibles, and exceptionable
manners of our meridian. She is perhaps too severe; she draws too broadly,
but she is always more or less entertaining, and conveys salutary lessons even
in her strongest caricatures. Her subjects, incidents, and persons, are happily
chosen for her purposes.”

“Victor Hugo is a most powerful writer—a man of splendid genius, and
gigantic grasp of mind.”

“This is one of the most spirited and romantic of `the season's' production.
Full of life and fire, it excites the reader and carries him onward—
much as the true heroine of the tale, the mare Black Bess, does the true
hero of it, the robber Turpin—with mingled sensations of terror and
delight. It is a wild story, told with exceeding skill, and wrought up to
the highest pitch of which so singular a subject is capable.—The book is
an excellent one, and the author may take a high station among the
romance writers of our time.”

“A very remarkable performance. It continues in possession of all the
celebrity it once commanded.”

“There are fine things in the `The Canterbury Tales.' Nothing of Scott's
is finer than `The German Tale.' I admired it when a boy, and have continued
to like what I did then. This, I remember, particularly affected me.”

“To read the Canterbury Tales of the Misses Lee once more, is a species of
temporary regeneration. There is scarcely any educated person of this century
who has not, at some time or other, of youth, drawn a sincere pleasure
from these pages. The different tales have been to many like turning down
a leaf in life; we can find our place again in juvenile existence by the associations
connected with them. The Officer's Tale, perhaps, was read on some
sunny bank in a pleasant land--a stolen pleasure. The Young Lady's Tale unfolded
all its intricacy on some fair sofa of a well remembered apartment. On
the German Tale perhaps two hearts beat in unison trembled in harmony,
and, when sharing a mutual agitation, two heads bent over the mystic page,
they turned round to see each other's fright reflected in well known and well-loved
features. Even now we feel a shiver running over the frame, us we call
to mind the fearful whisper of the name of Kruitzner amidst the silent throng
of a kneeling congregation in the cathedral. Such a memoria technica has its
charm; and we may be pardoned for approaching this number of `The Standard
Novels' with feelings of far more interest than we take up any new novel of
the day.”

“Two delightful volumes, various, graceful, with the pathos exquisitely
relieved by gaiety; and the romantic legend well contrasted by the lively
sketch from actual existence.”

“The author of these volumes merits much higher praise than most of the
pretenders to the palm of genius.”

“The romance of a child of genius.'

“One of those original conceptions that take hold of the public mind at
once and for ever.”

“Certainly one of the most original works that ever proceeded from a
female pen.”

“This work will be universally acceptable.”

“Perhaps there is no modern invention which has taken more thorough
hold of the popular imagination than Frankenstein.”

“De Kock is quite unrivalled in his sketches of Parisian society. There is
much character and spirit thrown into the translation, and the dialogues are
excellent.”

“A good translation of a clever work. Paul de Kock paints to the life the
bourgeois of Paris.”

“We cannot withhold our applause of the subtle spirit of fun, the fine
dramatic tact, and the natural portraiture of character.”

“This work belongs to the historic school; but it has that talent which
bestows its own attraction on whatever subject its peculiar taste may select.”

“An admirable historical romance, full of interest, and with many new
views of character. The plot is extremely well conceived, very artful and
progressing, the story never flags, and you open at once upon the main interest.”

“At last, after having been on the look-out for this long promised novel, with much such impatience as
the schoolboy watches for the cuckoo, who remaining unseen, still keeps him in quest of her, by uttering
some tantalizing note close in his neighbourhood. At last, we have fairly laid hold of this Will o' the
Wisp of a book, the first of its kind, but we hope not the last.”

“The whole work is very amusing.”

“Those who want a few hours of pleasant reading are not likely to meet
with a book more to their taste.”

“The labor and power, as well as knowledge, displayed—the `New Gil Blas'
deserves to stand forth to the public view with every advantage. We have
read these volumes with great delight.”

“A clever and intelligent author. There is a quaint humor and observance
of character in his novels, that interest me very much; and when he chooses
to be pathetic, he fools one to his bent; for, I assure you, the `Entail' beguiled
me of some portion of watery humors, yclept tears, albeit unused to the melting
mood. He has a sly caustic humor that is very amusing.”

“One of the remarkable characteristics of Galt, is to be found in the rare
power he possesses of giving such an appearance of actual truth to his narrative,
as induces the reader to doubt whether that which he is perusing, under
the name of a novel, be not rather a statement of amusing facts, than
invented story.”

“The perusal of a few pages of the work must impress every reader with
the opinion that the writer is no ordinary person.”

“His pages abound with passages of vigor and beauty, with much fund
for abstract thought; and with groups of incidents which not only fix
attention of the reader, but awake his admiration.”

“It is one of the most pleasing, chaste, and spirited productions that
have met with for a long time. We may claim it with pride as an American
production.”

“This is a new `Pelham.' It is altogether a novel of manners, and paints
with truth, and a lively, sketchy spirit, the panorama of fashionable life

“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 now 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 curiosities.”

“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 Frankestein 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 word. 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 persual—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.”

“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
Treaties, 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 anatomists,
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 had 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 times, 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 denomination,
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.”

“This beautiful and most useful little volume,” says the Literary Gazette,
“is a perfect picture of elegance, containing a vast sum of geographical information.
A more instructive little present, or a gift better calculated to be long
preserved and often referred to, could not be offered to favored youth of either
sex. Its cheapness, we must add, is another recommendation; for, although
this elegant publication contains 100 beautiful engravings, it is issued at a price
that can be no obstacle to its being procured by every parent and friend to youth.”

“This Atlas far surpasses any thing of the kind which we have seen, and is
made to suit the popular libraries which Dr. Lardner and Mr. Murray are now
sending into every family in the empire.”

“Its very ingenious method of arrangement secures to the geographical student
the information for which hitherto he has been obliged to resort to works
of the largest dimensions.”

“This miniature and beautiful Atlas is likely to supersede, for general purposes,
maps of a more expensive and elaborate character. It appears to us to
answer the double purpose of exercising the attention, while it imprints all that
is important in Geography on the memory.”

“The workmanship is among the best of the kind we have ever witnessed.”

“It contains all the information to be derived from the most expensive and
unwieldy Atlas.”

“We are at length gratified by the appearance of this long-looked for work
from the pen of Sir James Mackintosh. Highly gifted by nature, deeply read,
and singularly accomplished the view of one of the most memorable epochs in
English history could not have been undertaken by any man of a capacity to do
it justice in every respect, superior to this eminent individual.”

“In every page we perceive the anxiety of the historian to hold the balance
of justice with unfaltering hand, and to watch its slightest vibrations.”

“The Sequel is highly honourable to the industry and talents of its author;
and the Prefatory Memoir is very well written. Altogether, the volume
possesses a sterling character, too rare at this period of evanescent publications.”

“Considering the circumstances under which these volumes are given to the
public, we consider their contents as amongst the most interesting records of
which the assertion of the human mind ever formed the theme.”

“The masterly manner in which Mr. Moore has brought together his arguments,
the great extent and minuteness of his researches into ancient authorities,
his intimacy with the customs and traditions of other times, and his
close and critical knowledge of the ancient languages, will surprise the reader
of his Travels, who may have measured his talents by his songs.”

“This is a very valuable and interesting work, full of new views and curious
deductions; beginning with general remarks on the influence of literary
habits, on the constitution, and thence proceeding to make the theory more
actual by its application to particular instances.
“His physical biographies, if we may so term them, of Burns, Cowper, Byron,
and Scott, are of a very curious and novel kind; written with equal feeling
and observation. He traces Cowper's malady to its true source, monomania
on religious subjects; and the tone of the remarks is at once so just and
so candid, that we cannot do better than give a brief portion.”

“How could the work be otherwise than interesting, when it traces the career of a statesman, who,
though now in his eighty-first year, has commanding influence in every European cabinet, who acquired
power under the French monarchy, and retained it under the Republic, the Directory, the Consulate, the
Empire, and the Dynasty of Artois and Orleans?”

“A delightful little bouquet of `elegant extracts,' from the best writers of
prose and poetry in Great Britain and America. The premiums would be a
pretty present for young ladies, or students, emulous to be noticed or rewarded.”

“It is a collection, or rather let us say, a selection of pieces in prose and
verse, that have real merit, with reference both to style and sentiment. They
are choice, and will be useful to improve the taste and strengthen the morals.
The author has done a good work, and those who wish to give the most deserving
a beautiful and a useful `premium,' will find the work to which we
refer altogether suitable.”

“Carey, Lea & Blanchard have given us a choice selection of gems, from
the best popular writers of the day, under the above title. It contains articles
from the pens of Croley, Wilson, Byron, Mary Howitt, Mrs. Hemans,
Moore, Hood, Dr. Bird, Campbell, Manning, Irving, Webster, Sprague, Braining,
Percival, &c. The volume is a pleasant one, and the selections such as
their respective authors have no need to be ashamed of.”

“This is a neat volume composed of extracts from the celebrated writers of
the present century. The selections are admirably made, and the work is
got up with unusual elegance. The binding is a beautiful specimen of the
skill which has been attained in this important department of book-making.
The volume is one of rare beauty, and constitutes a cheap, elegant, and appropriate
present.”

“A very neat and instructive present for youth at all seasons.”

“The present treatise is in no wise inferior to its predecessor: it is characterized
by the same agreeable and elegant style, the same facility of illustration—added
to which it possesses unrivalled precision and accuracy of demonstration.
Avoiding, therefore, the abstruse niceties and the transcendental
mathematics of the subject, the author has nevertheless produced a volume
calculated, we are fully persuaded, to impress upon his readers the magnitude
and importance of the science, and to initiate them in no mean degree into
its mysteries.”

“We conscientiously recommend Mrs. Markham to our readers.”

“These volumes contain excellent instruction in a very agreeable form.”

“We have two neat volumes, containing a series of Dialogues, by Mrs.
Markham, designed for the improvement of young people. We have examined
them carefully, and can say that we think them well adapted to the purpose
of the author. They are sufficiently simple to be understood by boys and girls
who have just begun to take to their books; they convey lessons well worth
the study of all who are yet classed among young people; and they are interesting
enough to secure the attention of those whom they are designed to instruct.”

“We have pleasure in saying, that we think her style considerably strengthened
and improved since her `Tour in America.”

“The commissioners appear to have pursued their researches with much
industry and intelligence, and to have rendered themselves thoroughly acquainted
with the subject.”

“The translation of the work could not have been committed to better
hands than Mr. Leiber's, and with his notes and additions, it forms one of
the best practical treatises extant on the causes and prevention of crime.
We shall probably have occasion to recur again to this valuable work.”

“A work unequalled in modern English historical literature.”

“This artist will gratify all reasonable expectation; he is neither ostentatious,
nor dogmatical, nor too minute; he is not a partisan nor a carper; he admires
without servility, he criticises without malevolence; his frankness and
good humor give an agreeable color and effect to all his decisions, and the object
of them; his book leaves a useful general idea of the names, works, and deserts,
of the great masters; it is an instructive and entertaining index.”

“We have made a copious extract in preceding columns from this interesting
work of our countryman, Rembrandt Peale, recently published. It has received
high commendation from respectable sources, which is justified by the portions
we have seen extracted.”

“Mr. Peale must be allowed the credit of candor and entire freedom from affectation
in the judgments he has passed. At the same time, we should not omit to
notice the variety, extent, and minuteness of his examinations. No church,
gallery, or collection, was passed by, and most of the individual pictures are
separately and carefully noticed.”

“Such is the outline of a life, which, in Mrs. Thomson's hands, is a mine of interest;
from the first page to the last the attention is roused and sustained, and
while we approve the manner, we still more applaud the spirit in which it is
executed.”

“In all respects a most appropriate volume for the Cabinet Library. We
shall take an opportunity in another notice, to give some of the many interesting
passages in the volume that offer themselves for quotation.”

“The book is unquestionably the best Life of Ralegh that has ever been
written.”

“This is a piece of biography which combines the fascinations of romance
with the deeper interest that attaches to historical narrative.”

“The tone of feeling and reflection which pervades the work is in the characteristic
mood of the writer, considerate, ardent, and chivalrous; his principles,
as might be expected, are sound and independent, and his language is frequently
rich in those beauties which distinguish his previous writings. To us it appears
a work which will not discredit its illustrious subject.”

“Miss Baillie's Plays on the Passions have been long known as among the
best in the language. No one who reads them can entertain a doubt of the character
of the writer's affections. Such works could never have been dictated by
a cold heart.”

“We are among the most earnest admirers of her genius, her literary attainments
and skill, her diction, her success, her moral designs, and her personal
worth. Some of her tragedies have deservedly passed into the stock of the principal
British and American theatres. They are express developments and delineations
of the passions, marked by a deep insight into human nature, great
dramatic power of treatment, a fertile spirit of poetry, and the loftiest and
purest moral sentiment.”

“A work of first-rate importance in the science to which it relates, and which
must henceforth take its place in the library of every student in Geology.”

“Mr. De la Beche's Geological Manual is the first and best work of the kind,
and he has performed his task with a perfect knowledge of all that has been
ascertained in Geology, and with considerable judgment and taste in the manner
of doing it. So much geological science was never before compressed in so
small a space.”

“We have read a part of Washington Irving's new Sketch Book, the scene of
which is Spain, the most romantic of European countries, and the best known
by the gifted author. His style has lost nothing of its peculiar charm,—his descriptions
are as graphic as usual, and enlivened with racy anecdotes and happy
reflection. We shall probably soon furnish a specimen of this work, from the
whole of which we expect gratification.”

“Let us honestly avow in conclusion, that in addition to the charm of an
interesting fiction to be found in these pages, there is more mental power
in them, more matter that sets people thinking, more of that quality that
is accelerating the onward movement of the world, than in all the Scotch
novels that have so deservedly won our admiration.”

“This new novel from the pen of our countryman, Cooper, will win new
laurels for him. It is full of dramatic interest—“hair-breadth escapes”—
animated and bustling scenes on the canals, in the prisons, on the Rialto,
in the Adriatic, and in the streets of Venice.”

“Of the whole work, we may confidently say that it is very able—a performance
of genius and power.”

“The Bravo will, we think, tend much to exalt and extend the fame of
its author. We have hurried through its pages with an avidity which must
find its apology in the interesting character of the incidents and the very
vivid and graphic style in which they are described.”

“We are surprised, in meeting with an American reprint of this delightful
volume, that a work so universally popular has not been before republished in
this country.”

“One of the most delightful labors of leisure ever seen; not a few of the
most beautiful phenomena of nature are here lucidly explained.”

“`White's History of Selborne,' the most fascinating piece of rural writing
and sound English philosophy that has ever issued from the press.”

“We possess already innumerable discourses on Astronomy, in which the
wonders of the heavens and their laws are treated of; but we can say most
conscientiously that we are acquainted with none—not even La Place's own
beautiful expose in his System du Monde,—in which all that is essentially interesting
in the motions and laws of the celestial bodies, or which is capable of
popular enunciation, is so admirably, so graphically, or we may add, so unaffectedly
and simply placed before us. * * * Is it asking too much of Mrs.
Somerville to express a hope that she will allow this beautiful preliminary
Dissertation to be printed separately, for the delight and instruction of thousands
of readers, young and old, who cannot understand, or are too indolent
to apply themselves to the more elaborate parts of the work? If she will do
this, we hereby promise to exert our best endeavors to make its merits known.”

“It contains the least prejudiced and most acute notices we have read of the
habits and modes of thinking of Englishmen, and the merits and defects of the
country and society.”

“A work that will be fondly treasured by every true lover of nature.”

“We hazard but little in predicting that this volume will be a favorite with
a large class of readers. It is written by a true lover of nature, and one who
most pleasantly records his actual observations.”

“Upon its high interest we need not enlarge: the personal adventures of the princess, her journeyings
on foot and on horseback, in disguise and in her own character, her mental and bodily sufferings, her hopes
and her despair, are a romance, and seem to belong to another age. They recall the wanderings and the
perils of our own Charles Edward, with all the additional interest which must attach to the daring and
the suffering of a woman.”

“Of the many publications which have recently issued from the press, calculated
to give a popular and attractive form to the results of science, we look upon
this volume as by far the most valuable. Mr. Babbage's name is well known
in connexion with the general subject of which he has here undertaken to treat.
But it will be difficult for the reader who does not possess the volume itself, to
understand the happy style, the judgment and tact, by means of which the author
has contrived to lend almost the charm of romance to the apparently dry
and technical theme which he has chosen.”

“The author is a man of solid sense, friendly to this country, and his remarks
have the value and interest of which his character and inquiries authorized
the expectation.”

“The author is a gentleman of classical education, a shrewd observer, a lively
writer, whose natural manner is always agreeable; whose various matter is
generally entertaining and instructive; and whose descriptions are remarkably
graphic. The greater portion of his pages have yielded us both profit and
pleasure.”

“Of the main work we may repeat that it possesses the value of important
history and the magnetism of romantic adventure. It sustains in every respect
the reputation of Irving.” “We may hope that the gifted author will treat in like
manner the enterprises and exploits of Pizarro and Cortes; and thus complete a
series of elegant recitals, which will contribute to the especial gratification of
Americans, and form an imperishable fund of delightful instruction for all ages
and countries.”

“As he leads us from one savage tribe to another, as he paints successive
scenes of heroism, perseverance and self-denial, as he wanders among the magnificent
scenes of nature, as he relates with scrupulous fidelity the errors, and
the crimes, even of those whose lives are for the most part marked with traits
to command admiration, and perhaps esteem—everywhere we find him the same
undeviating, but beautiful moralist, gathering from every incident some lesson
to present in striking language to the reason and the heart.”

“This is a delightful volume; for the preface truly says that the expeditions
narrated and springing out of the voyages of Columbus may be compared with
attempts of adventurous knights-errant to achieve the enterprise left unfinished
by some illustrious predecessors. Washington Irving's name is a pledge how
well their stories will be told: and we only regret that we must of necessity defer
our extracts for a week.”

“On the whole, this work will sustain the high fame of Washington Irving.
It fills a blank in the historical library which ought not to have remained so
long a blank. The language throughout is at once chaste and animated; and
the narrative may be said, like Spenser's Fairy Queen, to present one long gallery
of splendid pictures.”

“We have read a part of Washington Irving's new Sketch-Book, the scene
of which is in Spain, the most romantic of European countries, and the best
known by the gifted author. His style has lost nothing of its peculiar charm
—his descriptions are as graphic as usual, and enlivened with racy anecdotes
and happy reflection. We shall probably soon furnish a specimen of this
work, from the whole of which we expect gratification.”

“The reader will at once perceive that the subject, the characters and the
scenes of action, could not have been better selected for the display of the various
and unequalled powers of the author. All that is glorious in arts and splendid
in arms—the glitter of armor, the pomp of war, and the splendor of chivalry
—the gorgeous scenery of the Bosphorus—the ruins of Byzantium—the magnificence
of the Grecian capital, and the richness and voluptuousness of the imperial
court, will rise before the reader in a succession of beautiful and dazzling
images.”

“The History of Scotland, by Sir Walter Scott, we do not hesitate to declare,
will be, if possible, more extensively read, than the most popular work of fiction,
by the same prolific author, and for this obvious reason: it combines much of the
brilliant coloring of the Ivanhoe pictures of by-gone manners, and all the graceful
facility of style and picturesqueness of description of his other charming romances,
with a minute fidelity to the facts of history, and a searching scrutiny
into their authenticity and relative value, which might put to the blush Mr.
Hume and other professed historians. Such is the magic charm of Sir Walter
Scott's pen, it has only to touch the simplest incident of every-day life, and it starts
up invested with all the interest of a scene of romance; and yet such is his fidelity
to the text of nature, that the knights, and serfs, and collared fools with whom
his inventive genius has peopled so many volumes, are regarded by us as not
mere creations of fancy, but as real flesh and blood existences, with all the virtues,
feelings and errors of common-place humanity.”

“The tone of feeling and reflection which pervades the work is in the characteristic
mood of the writer, considerate, ardent, and chivalrous; his principles,
as might be expected, are sound and independent, and his language is
frequently rich in those beauties which distinguish his previous writings. To
us it appears a work which will not discredit its illustrious subject.”

“The Cabinet Library bids fair to be a series of great value, and is recommended
to public and private libraries, to professional men, and miscellaneous
readers generally. It is beautifully printed, and furnished at a price which will
place it within the reach of all classes of society.”

“The series of instructive, and, in their original form, expensive works,
which these enterprising publishers are now issuing under the title of the
“Cabinet Library,” is a fountain of useful, and almost universal knowledge;
the advantages of which, in forming the opinions, tastes and manners of that
portion of society, to which this varied information is yet new, cannot be too
highly estimated.”

“Messrs. Carey and Lea have commenced a series of publications under the
above title, which are to appear monthly, and which seem likely, from the specimen
before us, to acquire a high degree of popularity, and to afford a mass of
various information and rich entertainment, at once eminently useful and
strongly attractive. The mechanical execution is fine, the paper and typography
excellent.”

“Such is the outline of a life, which, in Mrs. Thomson's hands, is a mine of
interest: from the first page to the last the attention is roused and sustained,
and while we approve the manner, we still more applaud the spirit in which it
is executed.”

“We again most strongly recommend this little unpretending volume to the
attention of every lover of nature, and more particularly of our country readers.
It will induce them, we are sure, to examine more closely than they have
been accustomed to do, into the objects of animated nature, and such examination
will prove one of the most innocent, and the most satisfactory sources of
gratification and amusement. It is a book that ought to find its way into every
rural drawing-room in the kingdom, and one that may safely be placed in every
lady's boudoir, be her rank and station in life what they may.”

“We think that there are few readers who will not be delighted (we are certain
all will be instructed) by the `Journal of a Naturalist.”'

“This is a most delightful book on the most delightful of all studies. We are
acquainted with no previous work which bears any resemblance to this, except
`White's History of Selborne,' the most fascinating piece of rural writing and
sound English philosophy that ever issued from the press.”

“The author of the volume now before us, has produced one of the most
charming volumes we remember to have seen for a long time.”

“A delightful volume—perhaps the most so—nor less instructive and amusing
—given to Natural History since White's Selborne.”

“The Journal of a Naturalist, being the second number of Carey and Lea's
beautiful edition of the Cabinet Library, is the best treatise on subjects connected
with this train of thought, that we have for a long time perused, and we
are not at all surprised that it should have received so high and flattering encomiums
from the English press generally.”

“Furnishing an interesting and familiar account of the various objects of
animated nature, but calculated to afford both instruction and entertainment.”

“One of the most agreeable works of its kind in the language.”

“It abounds with numerous and curious facts, pleasing illustrations of the
secret operations and economy of nature, and satisfactory displays of the power,
wisdom and goodness, of the great Creator.”

“No history of the events to which it relates can be correct without reference
to its statements.”

“The events detailed in this volume cannot fail to excite an intense interest.”

“The only connected and well authenticated account we have of the spirit-stirring
scenes which preceded the fall of Napoleon. It introduces us into the
cabinets and presence of the allied monarchs. We observe the secret policy of
each individual: we see the course pursued by the wily Bernadotte, the temporizing
Metternich, and the ambitious Alexander. The work deserves a place in
every historical library.”

“We hail with pleasure the appearance of the first volume of the Cabinet
Library.” “The author had singular facilities for obtaining the materials of
his work, and he has introduced us to the movements and measures of cabinets
which have hitherto been hidden from the world.”

“It may be regarded as the most authentic of all the publications which profess
to detail the events of the important campaigns, terminating with that
which secured the capture of the French metropolis.”

“It is in fact the only authentic account of the memorable events to which
it refers.”

“The work deserves a place in every library.”

“In the first volume of Sir James Mackintosh's History of England, we
find enough to warrant the anticipations of the public, that a calm and luminous
philosophy will diffuse itself over the long narrative of our British History.”

“In this volume Sir James Mackintosh fully developes those great powers,
for the possession of which the public have long given him credit. The result
is the ablest commentary that has yet appeared in our language upon some
of the most important circumstances of English History.”

“Worthy in the method, style, and reflections, of the author's high reputation.
We were particularly pleased with his high vein of philosophical sentiment,
and his occasional survey of contemporary annals.”

“If talents of the highest order, long experience in politics, and years of
application to the study of history and the collection of information, can command
superiority in a historian, Sir James Machintosh may, without reading
this work, be said to have produced the best history of this country. A perusal
of the work will prove that those who anticipated a superior production,
have not reckoned in vain on the high qualifications of the author.”

“It is but justice to Mr. Grattan to say that he has executed his laborious
task with much industry and proportionate effect. Undisfigured by pompous
nothingness, and without any of the affectation of philosophical profundity,
his style is simple, light, and fresh—perspicuous, smooth, and harmonious.”

“Never did work appear at a more fortunate period. The volume before us
is a compressed but clear and impartial narrative.”

“His history of France is worthy to figure with the works of his associates,
the best of their day, Scott and Mackintosh.”

“For such a task Mr. Crowe is eminently qualified. At a glance, as it were,
his eye takes in the theatre of centuries. His style is neat, clear, and pithy;
and his power of condensation enables him to say much, and effectively, in a
few words, to present a distinct and perfect picture in a narrowly circumscribed
space.”

“The History of Scotland, by Sir Walter Scott, we do not hesitate to declare,
will be, if possible, more extensively read, than the most popular work
of fiction, by the same prolific author, and for this obvious reason: it combines
much of the brilliant coloring of the Ivanhoe pictures of by-gone manners,
and all the graceful facility of style and picturesqueness of description
of his other charming romances, with a minute fidelity to the facts of history,
and a searching scrutiny into their authenticity and relative value, which
might put to the blush Mr. Hume and other professed historians. Such is the
magic charm of Sir Walter Scott's pen, it has only to touch the simplest incident
of every-day life, and it starts up invested with all the interest of a scene
of romance; and yet such is his fidelity to the text of nature, that the knights
and serfs, and collared fools with whom his inventive genius has peopled so
many volumes, are regarded by us as not mere creations of fancy, but as real
flesh and blood existences, with all the virtues, feelings and errors of common-place
humanity.”

“It contains abundant information in every department of this interesting
branch of human industry—in the history, culture, and manufacture of silk.”

“There is a great deal of curious information in this little volume.”

“The excellencies, defects, and fortunes of the governments of the Italian
commonwealths, form a body of the most valuable materials for political philosophy.
It is time that they should be accessible to the American people, as
they are about to be rendered in Sismondi's masterly abridgment. He has done
for his large work, what Irving accomplished so well for his Life of Columbus.”

“In the design and execution of the work, the author has displayed considerable
judgment and skill, and has so disposed of his valuable materials as to render
the book attractive and instructive to the general class of readers.”

“The author has, by a popular treatment, made it one of the most interesting
books that has been issued of this series. There are, we believe, few of the
useful arts less generally understood than those of porcelain and glass making.
These are completely illustrated by Dr. Lardner, and the various processes of
forming differently fashioned utensils, are fully described.”

“A very delightful volume, and on a subject likely to increase in interest
as it proceeds. * * * We cordially commend the work both for its design and
execution.”

“A general History of the Spanish and Portuguese Peninsula, is a great de
sideratum in our language, and we are glad to see it begun under such favorable
suspices. We have seldom met with a narrative which fixes attention more
steadily, and bears the reader's mind along more pleasantly.”

“In the volumes before us, there is unquestionable evidence of capacity for
the task, and research in the execution.”

“Of course this work can be but an abridgment; but we know not where so
much ability has been shown in condensation. It is unequalled, and likely
long to remain so. * * We were convinced, on the publication of the first volume,
that it was no common compilation, manufactured to order; we were prepared
to announce it as a very valuable addition to our literature. * * * Our
last words must be, heartily to recommend it to our readers.”

“Like the preceding historical numbers of this valuable publication, it
abounds with interesting details, illustrative of the habits, character, and political
complexion of the people and country it describes; and affords, in the small
space of one volume, a digest of all the important facts which, in more olaborate
histories, occupy five times the space.”