University of Virginia Library

“A book elegant enough for the centre table, witty enough for after dinner, and wise
enough for the study and the school-room. One of the beautiful lessons of this work is
the kindly view it takes of nature. Nothing is made in vain not only, but nothing is
made ugly or repulsive. A charm is thrown around every object, and life suffused
through all, suggestive of the Creator's goodness and wisdom.”

“Moths, glow-worms, lady-birds, May-flies, bees, and a variety of other inhabitants of
the insect world, are descanted upon in a pleasing style, combining scientific information
with romance, in a manner peculiarly attractive.”

“The book includes solid instruction as well as genial and captivating mirth The
scientific knowledge of the writer is thoroughly reliable.”

Contents.—Dufresny, Fontenelle, Marivaux, Piron, The Abbé Prevost, Gentil-Bernard,
Florian, Boufflers, Diderot, Grétry, Riverol, Louis XV., Greuze, Boucher, The Vanloos,
Lantara, Watteau, La Motte, Dehle, Abbé Trublet, Buffon, Dorat, Cardinal de
Bernis. Crébillon the Gay, Marie Antoinette, Made, de Pompadour, Vadé, Mlle Camargo,
Mlle. Clairon, Mad. de la Popelinière, Sophie Arnould. Crébillon, the Tragic,
Mlle. Guimard, Three Pages in the Life of Dancourt, A Promenade in the Palais-Royal,
the Chevalier de la Clos.

“A more fascinating book than this rarely issues from the teeming press. Fascinating
its subject; fascinating in its style; fascinating in its power to lead the reader into
castle-building of the most gorgeous and bewitching description.”

“This is a most welcome book, full of information and amusement, in the form of
memoirs, comments, and anecdotes. It has the style of light literature, with the usefulness
of the gravest. It should be in every library, and the hands of every reader.”

“A Book of Books.—Two deliciously spicy volumes, that are a perfect bonne bouche
for an epicure in reading.”

“These essays are well worthy the attention of every thoughtful reader, and especially
of every Christian minister. He speaks with the earnestness of a vital experience,
and with the kindly love of a human sensibility. It is refreshing to read one who
thus draws from a living experience rather than from the dry wells of an abstract and
formal theology.”

“They manifest a remarkable degree of logical ability, a thorough acquaintance with
the Bible, and a full reliance upon the revelations of that book for every human emergency.
It is well worth a devoted study.”

“Mr. Maurice is unquestionably a man of learning and ability, wielding a powerful
pen, and able to invest dry, and to many minds distasteful themes, with unusual interest.”

“These are the famous series of discourses, in consequence of publishing which, the
Rev. Mr. Maurice was expelled from a professorship in King's College, London.”

“Evidently the production of a mind of considerable vigor.”

“The Essays give decided indication of reflection, power, and earnestness of spirit.”

“A noble-spirited and really honest man, full of tenderness and truthfulness.”

“The evidence furnished by the Catacombs of the departure of the Romish Church
from Primitive Christianity is complete and overwhelming. The work is exceedingly
valuable.”

“It is a valuable aid in the contest between primitive truth and modern innovations and
as such the author commends it to his brethren in the Church.”

“We commend this book as one of the most fascinating and useful of volumes; full
of information, imparted in a style which beguiles the reader, and makes his perusal
of the book seem like a pleasant dream.”

“Few books, lately published, will better repay the reader than this, which unites so
happily the deepest interest with the soundest instruction.”

“His demolition of Beecher's `Conflict of Ages'—especially the fantastic and absurd
conceit which forms the ground plan of that work—is most triumphant and complete.

“The best feature of the work that we discover is its regard to decency, and its
general freedom from a vituperative spirit.”

“Mr. Ballou writes clearly and in good temper, and presses his opponent with many
very perplexing considerations.

“It is the fullest, clearest, most thorough review of Dr. Beecher's work which has
yet appeared.”

“This is a handsomely-printed and beautifully-illustrated volume. Those who have
a taste for field sports will be delighted with this cleverly-written narrative of the
achievements and experiences of a hunting party in the hunting-grounds of the Old
Dominion.”

“A queer, quaint, amusingly-written book, brimful of drollery and dare-devil humor.
The work overflows with amusement, and has a vignette-title and other beautiful illus
trations, by Strother.”

“A pleasant book of American character and adventure, of interest geographically,
sportively, and poetically. The authorship is of a good intellectual race; the “Clerke
of Oxenforde,” who figures in the title-page, being own brother to the author of “Swallow
Barn,” which, as everybody knows, is the “Sketch-Book” of that land of gentlemen
and humorists.”

“To the immigrant to the northwest, and to the tourist in search of pleasure it is worthy
of being commended for the valuable and interesting knowledge it contains.”

“The work will surprise many, as it opens to us a new land, shows its vast resources,
and treats its history with all the accuracy that could be acquired by diligent research
and careful observation, during a three years' residence.”

“It contains notices of the early history of the country, of its geographical features, its
agricultural advantages, its manufactures, commerce, facilities for travelling, the character
of its inhabitants—everything, indeed, to illustrate its resources and its prospects.”

“We have seen no work respecting the northwest of equal value to this.”

“A picture of the early border life of the Huguenot settlers South Carolina. Like
Scott's novels, it is a mixture of history and romance.”

“It is written in an uncommonly glowing style, and hits off the Indian character with
uncommon grace and power.”

“The whole work is truly American, much of the material being of that character
which can be furnished by no other country.”

“The delineations of the red men of the south are admirably sketched while the historical
events upon which the work is founded are vouched for by the author as strictly
true.”

“They attracted universal attention by their brilliant and pointed style, and their lib
erality of sentiment. The Notes embody a great amount of biographical information,
terary gossip, legal and political anecdote, and amusing reminiscences, and, in fact,
omit nothing that is essential to the perfect elucidation of the text.”

“They are the best edited books we have met for many a year. They form, with
Mackenzie's notes, a complete biographical dictionary, containing succinct and clever
sketches of all the famous people of England, and particularly of Ireland, to whom the
slightest allusions are made in the text.”

“Dr. Mackenzie deserves the thanks of men of letters, particularly of Irishmen, for
his research and care. Altogether, the work is one we can recommend in the highest
terms.”

“Such a repertory of wit, humor, anecdote, and out-gushing fun, mingled with the
deepest pathos, when we reflect upon the sad fate of Ireland, as this book affords, it were
hard to find written in any other pair of covers.”

“As a whole, a more sparkling lively series of portraits was hardly ever set in a single
gallery It is Irish all over; the wit, the folly, the extravagance, and the fire are all
alike characteristic of writer and subjects.”

“These volumes afford a rich treat to the lovers of literature.”

“A series of personal sketches of distinguished individuals of all ages, embracing pen
and ink portraits of near sixty persons from Sappho down to Madame de Statel. They
show much research, and possess that interest which attaches to the private life of those
whose names are known to fame.”

“They are comprehensive, well-written, and judicious, both in the selection of subjects
and the manner of treating them.”

“The author has painted in minute touches the characteristics of each with various
personal details, all interesting, and all calculated to furnish to the mind's eye a complete
portraiture of the individual described.”

“The sketches are full and graphic, many authorities having evidently been consulted
by the author in their preparation.”

“Written by a man of genius and of most extraordinary powers of description.”

“It will be read with no small degree of interest by the professional brethren of the
author, as well as by all who find attractions in a well-told tale of a workingman.”

“An amusing as well as instructive book, telling how humble obscurity cuts its way
through the world with energy, perseverance, and integrity.”

“The book is the most entertaining we have met with for months.”

“He has evidently moved through the world with his eyes open and having a vein
of humor in his nature, has written one of the most readable books of the season”

“One of the most brilliant biographies in English literature. It is the life of a wit
written by a wit, and few of Tom Moore's most sparkling poems are more brilliant and
fascinating than this biography.”

“This is at once a most valuable biography of the most celebrated wit of the times.
and one of the most entertaining works of its gifted author.”

“The Life of Sheridan, the wit, contains as much food for serious thought as the
best sermon that was ever penned.”

“The sketch of such a character and career as Sheridan's by such a hand as Moore's,
can never cease to be attractive.”

“The work is instructive and full of interest.”

“It is a gem of biography; full of incident, elegantly written, warmly appreclative,
and on the whole candid and just. Sheridan was a rare and wonderful genius, and has
in this work justice done to his surpassing merits.”

“A more entertaining book than this is not often thrown in our way. His sketches
of character are inimitable; and many of the prominent men of his time are hit off in
the most striking and graceful outline.”

“He was a very shrewd observer and eccentric writer, and his narrative of his own
life, and sketches of society in Ireland during his times, are exceedingly humorous and
interesting.”

“It is one of those works which are conceived and written in so hearty a view, and
brings before the reader so many palpable and amusing characters, that the entertainment
and information are equally balanced.”

“This is one of the most entertaining books of the season.”

“It portrays in life-like colors the characters and daily habits of nearly all the English
and Irish celebrities of that period.”

“Of great value, both for its historical merit and its acknowledged impartiality.”

“It has long been regarded in Europe as a work of more than ordinary merit, while
to military men his review of the tactics and manœuvres of the French Emperor during
the few days which preceded his final and most disastrous defeat, is considered as
instructive, as it is interesting.”

“It is a standard authority and Illustrates a subject of permanent interest. With
military students, and historical inquirers, it will be a favorite reference, and for the
general reader it possesses great value and interest.”

“It throws much light on often mooted points respecting Napoleon's military and
political genius. The translation is one of much vigor.”

“It supplies an important chapter in the most interesting and eventful period of Na
poleon's military career.”

“It is ably written and skilfully translated.”

“It is not for a moment to be doubted, we think, that in this volume a contribution
has been made to the clearness and accuracy of Shakespeare's text, by far the most important
of any offered or attempted since Shakespeare lived and wrote.”

“The corrections which Mr. Collier has here given to the world are, we venture to
think, of more value than the labors of nearly all the critics on Shakespeare's text put
together.”

“It is a rare gem in the history of literature, and can not fail to command the attention
of all the amateurs of the writings of the immortal dramatic poet.”

“It is a book absolutely indispensable to every admirer of Shakespeare who wishes
to read him understandingly.”

“It is clear from internal evidence, that for the most part they are genuine restorations
of the original plays. They carry conviction with them.”

“This volume is an almost indispensable companion to any of the editions of
Shakespeare, so numerous and often important are many of the corrections.”

“It is comprehensive and accurate in the detail of facts, methodical and lucid in arrangement,
with a lively and flowing narrative.”

“We need not say that the work of Michaud has superseded all other histories
of the Crusades. This history has long been the standard work with all who could
read it in its original language. Another work on the same subject is as Improbable
as a new history of the `Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.' ”

“The most faithful and masterly history ever written of the wild wars for the Holy
Land.”

“The ability, diligence, and faithfulness, with which Michaud has executed his
great task, are undisputed; and it is to his well-filled volumes that the historical student
must now resort for copious and authentic facts, and luminous views respecting
this most romantic and wonderful period in the annals of the Old World.”

“This is one of the best works of the kind we have ever read—full of thrilling incidents
and adventures in the stirring times of Cromwell, and in that style which has
made the works of Mr. Herbert so popular.”

“The work is distinguished by the same historical knowledge, thrilling incident, and
pictorial beauty of style, which have characterized all Mr. Herbert's fictions and imparted
to them such a bewitching interest.”

“The author out of a simple plot and very few characters, has constructed a novel
of deep interest and of considerable historical value. It will be found well worth
reading”

“It is enlivened with countless pleasant anecdotes, and altogether is one of the most
entertaining and valuable works of the kind that we have met with for many a day.”

“A more charming production has not issued from the press for years, than this journal
of Mrs. Mackenzie.”

“She also gives us a clearer insight into the manners, position, climate, and way of
life in general, in that distant land, than we have been able to obtain from any other
work.”

“Her observations illustrative of the religious state of things, and of the progress of
Missions in the East, will be found specially valuable. It is on the whole a fascinating
work, and withal is fitted to do good.”

“She was familiarly acquainted with some of the excellent laborers sent out by the
Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, of whom she speaks in the most favorable
terms. The work is instructive and very readable.”

“Ten different classes are sketched in this admirable book, and written by the hand
of a master. The author is an expert limner, and makes his portraits striking.”

“Never has Darley's pencil been more effectively used. The writer and sketcher
have made a unique and most attractive American book.”

“When we say that the book before us is calm in style as it is forcible in matter, we
have indicated a sufficiency of good qualities to secure the attention of the reader, who
would extend his sympathies and secure himself a due degree of amusement, without
—what is not uncommon in books with similar titles—a shock to his taste, or insult to
his judgment. There is nothing equal to them in the book illustrations of the day. A
special paragraph should be given to the illustrations by Darley.”

“Its success is already a fixed fact in our literature. `Chanticleer' is one of those
simple and interesting tales which, like the `Vicar of Wakefield' and Zchokke's `Poor
Pastor,' win their way to the reader's heart and dwell there. It is full of sunshine: a
beauty and a genial book.”

“ `Chanticleer' is scarcely inferior in a literary point of view to any of the Christmas
stories of Charles Dickens, and is more interesting to Americans because of its allusions
to the peculiar customs of this country.”

“ `Chanticleer' has won the public heart, both by the felicity of its subject, and the
grace, wit, and goodness, displayed in its execution.”

“It possesses literary merit of the highest order, and will live in the affections of all
readers of good taste and good morals, not only while Thanks giving dinners are remembered,
but while genius is appreciated.”

“The author of the volume is Glovanni Ruffini, a native of Genoa. Being implicated
in the attempt at revolution in 1833, he was compelled to seek safety in flight, and has
since that period resided in England and France. Under fictitious names he gives an
authentic history of real characters and true incidents. It is a graphic picture of Italian
life and habits; and a true, though mournful exhibition of the baneful effects of despotic
rule, and priestly control in education.”

“From the first page to the last, it absorbs the reader's faculties with the intensity of
its interest, and leaves him little consciousness outside the circle in which its characters
have their being. Yet over the whole work there broods such a terrible shadow of
despotism and the suffering it has caused, that its fascination is of a strange and painful
kind.”

“This is one of the books occasionally met with, having a species of Tarantella power,
charming the reader, and admitting of no cessation in its perusal, until the volume is entirely
completed, leaving him even then like little Oliver, `asking for more.' ”

“This comprehensive treatise should be read by all who wish to secure health,
and especially by those constructing churches, lecture-rooms, school-houses, &c.—It
is undoubted, that many diseases are created and spread in consequence of the little
attention paid to proper ventilation. Dr. G. writes knowingly and plainly upon this all-important
topic.”

“The whole book is a complete manual of the subject of which it treats; and we
venture to say that the builder or contriver of a dwelling, school-house, church, theatre,
ship, or steamboat, who neglects to inform himself of the momentous truths it
asserts, commits virtually a crime against society.”

“When shall we learn to estimate at their proper value, pure water and pure air,
which God provided for man before he made man, and a very long time before he
permitted the existence of a doctor? We commend the Uses and Abuses of Air to our
readers, assuring them that they will find it to contain directions for the ventilation of
dwellings, which every one who values health and comfort should put in practice.”

“A story of rural and domestic life, abounding in humor, pathos, and that naturalness
in character and conduct which made `Clovernook' so great a favorite last season.
Passages in `Hagar' are written with extraordinary power, its moral is striking and
just, and the book will inevitably be one of the most popular productions of the season.”

“She has a fine, rich, and purely original genius. Her country stories are almost
unequaled.”

“The Times speaks of Alice Carey as standing at the head of the living female writers
of America. We go even farther in our favorable judgment, and express the opinton
that among those living or dead, she has had no equal in this country; and we know
of few in the annals of English literature who have exhibited superior gifts of real poetic
genius.”

“We have read it with lively and satisfied interest. The scenes are natural, the characters
homely and life-like, and the narrative replete with passages of the profoundest
pathos, and incidents of almost painful interest. Above all, `Summerfield' is in the
deepest sense religious, and calculated to exert a strong and wholesome moral influence
on its readers, who we trust will be many.”

“It aims to teach the lesson of contentment, and the rural picture which it draws, and
the scenes of home happiness with which it makes us acquainted, are well calculated to
enforce it.”

“There is a great deal of life and nature in the story, and in some of the scenes there
is a rich display of wit.”

“It has a flavor of originality, and the descriptions are generally excellent; and, what
is something of a speculiarity at present in writing of this kind, not overburdened with
words.”

“He is a powerful and graphic writer, and from what we have seen in the pages of
the `Master Builder,' it is a romance of excellent aim and success.”

“The `Master Builder' is the master production. It is romance into which is instilled
the realities of life; and incentives are put forth to noble exertion and virtue. The
story is pleasing—almost fascinating; the moral is pure and undefiled.”

“Its descriptions are, many of them, strikingly beautiful; commingling in good proportions,
the witty, the grotesque, the pathetic, and the heroic. It may be read with
profit as well as pleasure.”

“The work before us will commend itself to the masses, depleting as it does most
graphically the struggles and privations which await the unknown and uncared-for
Mechanic in his journey through life. It is what might be called a romance, but not of
love, jealousy, and revenge order.”

“The whole scheme of the story is well worked up and very instructive.”

“A new volume of the series of popular stories which have already gained a well-observed
reputation for the author. As a picture of an important and unique phase of
New England life, the work is very interesting, and can scarcely fail of popularity among
the million.”

“The work is extremely well written. It is as interesting as a novel, while it is natural
as every-day life.”

“Merrimac is a story which, by its simple pathos, and truthfulness to nature, will
touch the heart of every reader. It is free from the least tinge of that odious stilted
style of thought and diction characteristic of the majority of the novels with which the
reading public are deluged.”

“Another plain, straightforward, absorbing work from a pen which before has added
riches to our literature, and honor to him who wielded it.”

“It is written in a genial spirit and abounds in humor.”

“The field of Revolutionary Romance was a rich one, and Mr. Simms has worked it
admirably.”

“But few novelists of the age evince more power in the conception of a story, more
artistic skill in its management, or more naturalness in the final denouément than Mr
Simms.”

“Not only par excellence the literary man of the South, but next to no romance writer
in America.”

“Simms is a popular writer, and his romances are highly creditable to American
literature.”

“These books are replete with daring and thrilling adventures, principally drawn
from history.”

“We take pleasure in noticing another of the series which Redfield is presenting to
the country of the brilliant productions of one of the very ablest of our American
authors—of one indeed who, in his peculiar sphere, is inimitable. This volume is a
continuation of `The Partisan.' ”

“In interest, it is second to but few romances in the language; in power, it holds a
high rank; in healthfulness of style, it furnishes an example worthy of emulation.”

“We are glad to see the poems of our best Southern author collected in two handsome
volumes. Here we have embalmed in graphic and melodious verse the scenic
wonders and charms of the South; and this feature of the work alone gives it a permanent
and special value. None can read `Southern Passages and Pictures' without
feeling that therein the poetic aspects, association, and sentiment of Southern life and
scenery are vitally enshrined. `Norman Maurice' is a dramatic poem of peculiar scope
and unusual interest; and `Atalantis,' a poem upon which some of the author's finest
powers of thought and expression are richly Invished. None of our poets offer so great
a variety of style or a more original choice of subjects.”

“His versification is fluent and mellifluous, yet not lacking in point of vigor when an
energetic style is requisite to the subject.”

“Mr. Simms ranks among the first poets of our country, and these well-printed
columes contain poetical productions of rare merit.”