University of Virginia Library

“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 lavished. 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
volumes contain poetical productions of rare merit.”

“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.”

“In this volume there is a freshness which perpetually charms the reader. You seem
to be made free of western homes at once.”

“They bear the true stamp of genius—simple, natural, truthful—and evince a keen
sense of the humor and pathos, of the comedy and tragedy, of life in the country.”

“These simple and beautiful stories are all highly endued with an exquisite perception
of natural beauty, with which is combined an appreciative sense of its relation to
the highest moral emotions.”

“Gladly do we greet this floweret in the field of our literature, for it is fragrant with
sweet and bright with hues that mark it to be of Heaven's own planting.”

“There is a depth of sentiment and feeling not ordinarily met with, and some of the
noblest faculties and affections of man's nature are depicted and illustrated by the skilful
pen of the authoress.”

“Since Lockhart and Macaulay's ballads, we have had no metrical work to be compared
in spirit, vigor, and rhythm with this. These ballads imbody and embalm the
chief historical incidents of Scottish history—literally in `thoughts that breathe and
words that burn.' They are full of lyric energy, graphic description, and genuine feeling.”

“The fine ballad of `Montrose' in this collection is alone worth the price of the book.'

“Here is a book for everybody who loves classic fun. It is made up of ballads of
all sorts, each a capital parody upon the style of some one of the best lyric writers of
the time, from the thundering versification of Lockhart and Macaulay to the sweetest
and simplest strains of Wordsworth and Tennyson. The author is one of the first
scholars, and one of the most finished writers of the day, and this production is but the
frolic of his genius in play-time.”

“We do not know to whom belongs this nom de plume, but he is certainly a humorist
of no common power.”

“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
hearty 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 Thanksgiving dinners are remembered,
but while genius is appreciated.”

“The articles comprised in this work are thirty-six in number, on various subjects;
they are elaborately and vigorously written, and contain much desirable information.”

“It will be read extensively and with interest by all who are engaged in any department
of the useful or graceful arts.”

“Everybody interested in the state of American art or industry should have a copy.”

“Evidently written with a great deal of care, and presents in a small compass a very
large amount of information, in relation to the latest improvements in science and art.”

“In each department of industry there is a rapid view of the history of the art or
arts involved in its production, so that the work is much more than a mere descriptive
account of the contents of the Crystal Palace. It deserves to be studied for the information
it contains, and to be preserved as a book of reference.”

“Especially to the mechanic and the manufacturer, this book will prove highly acceptable.”

“Commend us to this, for the pleasantest book on England we ever read, always excepting
Macaulay's history.”

“His sketches are complete pictures of the history and life of English literature; condensed
yet full, chaste yet glowing with beauty.”

“This is really a delightful book. The author is well known as an original and vigorous
writer and keen observer.”

“A lively, racy volume of travels, in which the author gives us his impressions of the
castles, books, artists, authors, and other et cetera which came in his way.”

“Mr. Tuckerman is one of the purest and most elegant writers that adorn American
literature.”

“The scenes are laid in Spain and the New World, and the skill with which the pomp
and circumstance of chivalry are presented, make Vasconselos one of the most interesting
works of American fiction.”

“It is well written, full of spirit, interesting historical facts, beautiful local descriptions,
and well-sustained characters. Cuban associations abound in it, and there is a fine
southern glow over the whole.”

“It is freely written, full of sparkle and freshness, and must interest any one whose
appreciation is at all vigorous.”

“The story is an interesting one, while the style is most refreshingly good for these
days of easy writing.”

“This is an American romance, and to such as are fond of this order of literature, it
will be found intensely interesting.”

“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 peculiarity 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, depicting 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-deserved
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.”