Horace Walpole's Letters and Memoirs; Bor- the most graphic, discriminating, and enriched wriden's survey and map of Massachusetts; The ters of many years. And there was this beauty British Critics; and Critical notices, are the other in them also; they were chiefly of the strict contents of the number, embracing,-as will be Belles-Lettres class, and therefore calculated to seen,--many important and attractive articles. impart a more æsthetical and critical taste to the immense reading community of the Union. Works art, of pure intelligence, of wit, humor, imagination, criticism, travel,-of rare eloquence and finish, have thus been spread before thousands Our readers will recollect, that during all the of our people. And can such agencies, operating cheap publication mania, the Messenger stood up upon so large a number, be unfelt, or unproductive against the inundating flood of trash and impurity of an improved taste and a sounder judgment in poured forth from the press. Not only did it strenu-literary delights?

THE FOUR SERIES.

tay of high

B

not lost.

ously contend for an International Copyright, which The laudable example of Wiley and Putnam was would tend to check the multiplication of foreign works; but it also denounced the unsound spirit that prevailed; exposed and opposed the tendency of the so called Cheap Literature, and was the first Journal of the country, we think, to deny and disprove even its pecuniary cheapness.

How delighted, then, are we and the able contributors who aided us, to witness the return of a more wholesome state of public taste! And in so far as the Messenger may be entitled to any credit for resisting the late moral and literary depravation, and for producing the present auspicious signs, our reward is ample and most precious.

Next came the series of the Harpers and the Appletons, each confirming and extending the effects produced by that of which we have spoken. In our last number, we spoke of the forthcoming Literary Melange" of the Appletons. The Harpers say very justly,

66

of intrinsic value are demanded by the people. "It is apparent, in the present day, that books Formerly, the popular taste preferred mainly works of mere amusement; the great body of readers now seek them as vehicles of general knowledgebooks of a more permanently valuable cast-devoted to some of the departments of science or general literature. A new race has sprung up, glowing with the first energies of youth, requiring more expanded ideas of the world in which they live, and a more reliable and well-digested know

We take pleasure in admitting, that the happy reaction in the public taste, which seems to be taking place, is, in no small degree, due to the better judgment and true interests of some of our leading publishing houses; and though some of them may ledge of the men, and the events of other times have departed for a time from the path which their hearts approved, they have a strong justification in the circumstances of the times, and in a desire to ward off greater evils, threatened, or inflicted, by their competitors.

We do heartily congratulate our readers and the country, upon the change that seems to be taking place in the Literary Market; and we trust that our feeble efforts to uphold the solid, the useful, and the pure, will be the more appreciated. None should be led to believe, however, that the danger is past; that the corruption is all purged away; that there is no longer need for discrimination. Such is not the case; but there are indications at present highly gratifying to the patriot, and which must become more favorable and decisive, from the cumulative influence of the causes now in operation.

and countries. A class of books expressly adapted to this demand, it is the aim of the publishers to supply, and at a price so exceedingly cheap, that may thus become possessed of a complete library every person of ordinary tastes and advantages, of the selectest literature of the language and the age.'

A work worthy to lead in the noble design, which the publishers have set before them. The "New The first of these causes to which we shall al- Miscellany" will be published, ready bound, at only lude, is the "Library of Choice Reading," com- 50 cents a number, and will also embrace works of menced by Wiley & Putnam, almost in the very native authors, which we are glad to learn; for in midst of the cheap publication distemper. This this way, we shall derive some of the fruits of an Library not only introduced "books which are international copyright, and something be done perbooks;" but in a very neat and attractive form. haps towards the attainment of a law upon that They were not only of a high character, as intel- subject. lectual productions, but of a sound tendency as in- We should also observe, that Wiley and Putstruments of pleasure and improvement. They nam have already commenced a series of Ameriwere not only by approved authors; but often by can works; several of which we have received,

"HEADLEY'S LETTERS FROM ITALY," deserves exalt the solid and useful Literature above the the commendation already bestowed upon it.

THE WIGWAM AND THE CABIN. A series of tales upon native and aboriginal subjects, by W. Gilmore Simms, which possess great interest, and are written with skill and effect. They are now collected into a neat volume, from the various annuals and magazines to which they were originally contributed.

Big Abel and Little Manhattan. By Cornelius Mathews. This is not Mr. M.'s first appearance, by several, in prose and poetry, but it is hardly his best. The object of the book, as we understand it, is to depict the unprecedented growth and change of the City of New York. But to us it is conceited, dull, affected, and consequently very hard reading. It has also the appearance of having been very hard writing. Its overabounding personifications of inanimate objects are strained and out of taste. Mr. M. is a strenuous advocate of the International Copyright, and a paragraph of his perhaps is the motto of this Series of American works; but we do not think, that "Big Abel and Little Manhattan" is calculated directly, or indirectly, to promote the glory of American Letters.

Of the "Library of Choice Reading," we can not enter into details, after the space we have already occupied; but we take great pleasure in acknowledging the receipt, at different times, of the following, from Messrs. Wiley and Putnam:

ephemeral and the pretended cheap the series of British Essayists, so beautifully issued by Cary & Hart of Philadelphia. From our knowledge of these works, and their handsome style of "getting up," we cheerfully commend them to public favor, though we have not had the pleasure of receiving them.

The works which we have not specially accredited to any one, may be found at all our book stores.

The Miscellaneous Works of Thomas Arnold. Appleton & Co., New York. J. Gill, Richmond. pp.

We have taken occasion to look a good deal into this work and have derived from it much material for thought, and much pleasure. We can not espouse many of Dr. Arnold's chosen opinions; but yet his works may be read with great benefit. We like the spirit of his writings; and approve many of his ends, though differing as to the means. He is usually grave, courteous and forcible, though not very condensed; but in the article about "Dr. Hampden and the Oxford Malignants," he shows that his pen is as good at a castigation as at a mild and dignified exposition of his views.

Political Theology and Christian Politics occupy much of this handsome volume. The American edition is not a mere reprint of the English, but a decided improvement upon it.

low rate of $1 per annum, in advance. Its ob-
jects are of great importance, and deserve the at-
tention of philanthropists every where. Its Lit-
erary and Scientific character is sufficiently at-
tested by the fact, that Dr. Amariah Brigham, au-
"Mental Cultivation," is one
thor of a work upon
of the Editors; and Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, one of

No. 1. Eothen; 2. The Amber Witch; 3. Undine and Sintram; 14 and 20. Leigh Hunt's Indicator and Companion, in 2 parts,—rather Mentorial The American Journal of Insanity. Edited by in its pretensions; 16 and 19. Prose and Verse the Officers of the Lunatic Asylum, at Utica, New By Thomas Hood. 2 Parts. This popular wri-York. This Journal is published quarterly, at the ter, no less touching than humorous, is now no more; but he is as present to us as ever; and those who shed a tear to his memory and sigh to think that he will never delight them by new sallies of his wit, nor melt them by fresh tones of pathos, may yet find consolation, in availing themselves the more of these volumes which he has left us. 17. Hazlitt's Characters of Shakspeare's Plays; 18. the principal contributors. The Crock of Gold; 21. Wilson's Character and Genius of Burns,-which will soon be followed by Wilson's Poetical Works, and by Lockhart's Life of Burns, in uniform style; 22 and 23. Charles Lamb's Essays of Elia: 2 parts; 24. Sir Francis Head's Bubbles of the Brunnen.

Sillimans' Journal of Science and Arts, has just completed its 49th volume. This, with a general index, constituting the 50th volume, will complete the old series of this able and meritorious work. The fourth series to which we desired to refer, The Index, an indispensable adjunct to the series, in this connection, is the beautiful and interesting will be furnished at $3, to subscribers, and others Ladies' Cabinet Series of Lea & Blanchard; older who may desire it for the facility of consulting the than either of the others, and no less entitled to pub-work, in libraries to which they may have access. lic favor, but not undertaken on the same princi- The new series commences on the first of January ples. It cannot fail greatly to aid them in produ- next; and will be published every two months, at cing desirable results. the reduced price of $5 per annum. We do urge There is yet another class of publications, which upon the friends of American fame the duty of suswe are glad to see, because they will also tend to taining liberally our Scientific Journals,—those

most looked to for evidence of our advancement in " Author of Dreams of the land and Sea," &c., the higher pursuits of Literature and Science.

THE LEAFLETS OF MEMORY:

An Annual for MDCCCXLVI. Edited by REYNELL
COATES, M. D. Philadelphia: Published by E. H. But

&c., whose brilliant pen sparkles over more than one page in the volume.

In every way this work reflects not only the highest credit on the refined taste and lavish expenditure of its publisher, but on the press of our country. Its editor, too, Dr. Coates, should not be forgotten. Every thing that he has attempted, ler & Co. 1846. J. W. Randolph & Co., Richmond. has been done with his usual critical ability, clear We have again to hail the advent of this beau-judgment and fine discrimination. His articles, tiful annual one of the richest that ever graced too, are among the most vigorous and imaginative an editor's table. The first of the series, which in the volume. We have long wondered, by-thewas commenced last year, received the unanimous commendation of the press of the country, and was thought to be almost unapproachable for beauty. The volume of this year, however, transcends it, not only in its illuminations, and the superior richness of its binding, bat in the greater fineness of its engravings, and the merit of its literary conThe last are from the pens of distinguished cis and trans-Atlantic writers. Its typography is unexceptionable, and the paper upon which it is printed uncommonly white and fine. So much for the book, at a glance: let us now examine it somewhat in detail.

tents.

The illuminations, and, by-the-by, this is the first and only annual in which they ever appeared, are four; a presentation-plate, title-page, tablet of illustrations, and an illuminated commencement to the literary contents of the volume. They are from the burin of Messrs. Wagnei and McGuigan, of Philadelphia, and in their style and execution, quite equal to the productions of the same kind, from the French press. The engravings, all of which are on steel, are eight;" Eighteen to-mor"The Teacher," row," May Morning," If I

99 66

19 66

66

way, why his numerous publications, in a fugitive way, have not been collected and given to us inbook form. They would form an interesting addition to our literature.

But we must close, commending, at the same time, "The Leaflets of Memory," to the centretables and libraries of our readers. H.

From Drinker & Morris we have

HISTORY OF THE WAR IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM, in 1815; Containing minute details of the Battles of Quatre-Bras, Ligny, Wavre, and Waterloo. By Capt. W. SIBORNE, Secretary and Adjutant of the Royal Military Asylum; Constructor of the "Waterloo Model." First American from the Second London Edition. With plans of the Battles and Maps. Philadelphia: Lea and Blanchard, 1845. pp. 642, 8vo.

tions that have been made. "In every quarter," he says, "and among officers of all ranks, from the General to the

This work, which places before the public minute infor mation of scenes and occurrences, which we have often thought was a great desideratum, owes its origin to the attempt of the author to construct an exact model of the battle of Waterloo. In order to bring his ingenious model to the perfection, which he attained, he was forced to seek, from the surviving eye witnesses of that memorable strugwere Poor," and "If I were Rich," "The Fu-gle, information, not contained in the innumerable publicaneral of Napoleon," "The Sultana," and "The Castle." 66 Eighteen to-morrow," May Morning," and "The Funeral of Napoleon," are particularly beautiful. The names of the various artists engaged in the production of these fine plates, are, Painters--A. E. Chalon, Royal Academy; David; Redgrave, R. A.; Hayter; Poole; Eugene Lami; Corbaurg, and Creswick: Engravers-Charles Heath, the first acknowledged engraver of the world; Robinson; Eggleton; Mottram; Mote and Varrell. As may have been discovered before this, these engravings were finished in London expressly for this work.

Subaltern, my applications were responded to in a most liberal and generous spirit; and the result did indeed surprise me, so greatly at variance was this historical evidence with the general notions which had previously prevailed on the subject. Thus was suggested the present work." We fear, however, that impartial truth will still have to be sought elsewhere, in many instances. The bias of the English at all times, and particularly in reference to the Campaign of 1815, and the sources from which he has mainly derived his authorities, may well make us distrustful of the impartiality of an author who dedicates to the Queen and holds a place under her Government.

Still, it can not be expected that any one man shall

The literary contents display an equally impo-write History. The peculiar plan of Capt. Siborne's gives sing appearance. Seldom have such names ap- and his informants were cautious and truthful, he seems to it an unwonted value. In so far as he can be impartial, peared among the contributors to any, much less have drawn his materials from the highest sources, both an American annual. Among the most promi- for authenticity and credibility,-not only from cotemponent are "Author of Frankenstein," Croly, "Au-raries, but eye-witnesses of the events which he records. thor of the O'Hara Tales," Banim, Lord Nugent, The work possesses peculiar attractions to the military Hon. Charles Berkely, Bernal, M. P., Clare, Ster-man, but will also inform and captivate the most cursory ling, Hornor, Henry B. Hirst, author of "The Coming of the Mammoth," Endymion," &c.,

reader of History.

THE WANDERING JEW. Parts 17 and 18. This work and last, but not least, Reynell Coates, M. D., is now completed, and the publishers announce, that a

richly illustrated edition will soon be issued, embellished by numerous beautifully executed engravings, on wood, after the splendid originals by the first artists of Paris.

THE BOSOM FRIEND. A Novel. By the author of "The Gambler's Wife;" "The Young Prima Donna;" &c. &c. With one letter stricken from it, the title of this work would express its character,-the bosom fiend. This is only a mutilation of that dear and sacred word, "friend," similar to that which the insincerity and faithlessness of professed friends too often produce.

cured the aid of gentlemen well versed in the learning of the various nations referred to. Among these, are to be found Gliddon, Minnigerode of Wm. and Mary College, Perdicaris, Ruschenberger, Hale of the Exploring Expedition, the Resident Minister of Portugal, and others less known, perhaps, to our readers, but no less competent in their respective departments. The work is recommended

by Du Ponceau, Hodgson, Bache, Dunglison and Morton. Such a work must contribute greatly to Historical and Topographical Orthöepy;-a branch too important to have been so much neglected. There is a vulgar saying, "no THE PICTORIAL BIBLE. No.'s 38 and 39. The Har-matter how you spell proper names;" but we are not aware pers are hurrying this splendid work to its completion. that it has ever been held a matter of indifference how you With a new year, they will commence a magnificent Pictorial History of England.

Harper's Illuminated Shakespeare. No.'s 65 and 66. "The Tempest."

call them.

Also the following School Books:

First Lines of Natural Philosophy, divested of Mathematical Formulæ. By Reynell Coates, M. D., already known

Encyclopedia of Domestic Economy. No. 11. Highly as a man of letters, and as the author of "Physiology for Schools." It is illustrated by 264 Cuts. Philadelphia: E. Butler & Co., 1846.

useful.

The testimony of the Executive Committee of the New York Agricultural Society, as to the merits of this important and beautifully issued work, will be both more deliberate and more regarded, than any thing of our own. They examined the work in MS., and thus speak of it. "Mr. Morrell has a high reputation as a skilful and successful farmer, in every thing appertaining to the breeding and improvement of Sheep. The work before us embodies the results of long experience, aided by a thorough research into the practice of the best breeders of sheep and woolgrowers in Great Britain and on the Continent. The work contains letters from some of the most distinguished woolgrowers and breeders in America, which add much to the value of the work."

Wiley & Putnam's Library of Choice Reading, No. xxvi. Basil Montague's selections, from the writings of Taylor, Latimer, Hall, Milton, Barrow, South, Brown, Fuller and Bacon. This work has passed through five Editions in England. Bishop Taylor, Milton, or Bacon, could alone furnish gems to make a volume of this size.

Also No. XXVII, Tupper's last two tales: "The Twins, a Domestic Novel;" and "The Heart, a Social Novel.' Read them of course.

The American Expositor, or Intellectual Definer: and Elocution Made Easy. With figures illustrative of Gesture. Both by R. Claggett, A. M.

Intellectual Algebra, or Oral Exercises in Algebra; for Common Schools. By David B. Tower, A. M. This work originated in the necessity for oral instruction to the blind; and the author in now setting it before the seeing, hopes that it may do for Algebra what Colburn has done for Arithmetic. These last three works are published by Paine and Burgess, New York.

Messrs. Nash and Woodhouse, have sent us,

THE VISION, OR HELL, Purgatory and PARADISE OF

DANTE ALIGHIERI. Translated by the Rev. Francis
Henry Cary, A. M. With the Life of Dante, Chrono-
logical View of his Age, Additional Notes and Index.
Illustrated with Twelve Engravings. From designs by
John Flaxman, R. A. From the last corrected London
Edition. D. Appleton & Co. New York, 1845.

Universal opinion has now admitted Dante's claim to be ranked amonst the Poets of all ages. And this opinion has been forming and prevailing for five centuries and a half. Carlyle has chosen Dante, along with Shakspeare, to illustrate the character of the hero in poetry. The arrival of this handsome Edition of the great Florentine bard found us in the act of perusing the "Divina Commedia," in the unpoetical, but readable, translation of Boyd, occasionally comparing it with that of Cary. Cary's translation is a very difficult book to read; and is, in very many Messrs. J. W. Randolph & Co., have sent us, parts, dull prose instead of blank verse. But yet, all liteA Universal Pronouncing Gazetteer: Containing Topogra-rary persons should make themselves acquainted, without phical, Statistical, and other Information, of all the more delay, with the great poem of Dante; and the present ilimportant places in the known world, from the most re-lustrated Edition of Cary's translation, will give them an cent and authentic sources. With a Map. By Thomas excellent opportunity of doing so. It is brought out in Baldwin, assisted by several other gentlemen. Philadel- very neat style. phia Lindsay and Blakiston, 1845. pp. 550.

That a good work on the plan of this, must be useful and desirable, admits of no doubt. How far the present one comes up to what it should be, can only be ascertained by frequent occasional reference to it, for the information which it purports to contain. No continuous examination could detect its deficiencies, or to more than a limited extent, its inacuracies. But it seems to have been prepared with great care and system; and as it embraces the pronunciation of many different languages, the author has se

HANNAH MORE'S PRACTICAL PIETY. A very beautiful miniature Edition, in two vols., gilt, of this standard work,-from the Appletons.

The Domestic Management of the Sick Room. By Anthony Todd Thompson, M. D., F. L. S., &c., &c. Revised, with Additions, by R. E. Griffith, M. D., &c. Philadel phia: Lea and Blanchard, 1845.

It is a common but true remark, that good nursing in

sickness is half the battle. This acceptable work will "not | The orator is so thoroughly absorbed by his theme, that it enable any one to undertake the treatment of disease; seems to him to embrace the entire sphere of national but to give such plain directions as will instruct nurses and grandeur. It is enough to make a nation great, that it sysfriends in their duties as aids to the Medical attendant; tematically avoids all war, offensive or defensive, with and also to adopt such precautionary measures in the pre-other powers. We grant that this may be the highest proof vention of disease, as to preclude, in many cases, the ne- of national grandeur; yet it is probable that without this a cessity for the assistance of the Physician." nation may be great, or with it, contemptible."

Essays on Human Rights and their Political Guaranties. by abolishing its ways and means, we are somewhat starBy E. P. Hurlbut, Counsellor at Law. Greely and Mc-tled. To bring about a radical revolution in national ethies, Elrath, N. Y.