Tiberius. Many private persons had good libraries, particularly in their country villas. The Roman libraries were in general adorned with statues and pictures, particularly of ingenious and learned men.

Learning and the arts received a fatal blow by the destruction of the heathen temples, in the reign of Constantine. The devastations then committed, are depicted in the strongest and most lively colors by Mr. Gibbon, in his History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

Many valuable libraries perished by the Barbarians of the north, who invaded Italy in the fourth and fifth centuries. By these rude hands perished the library of Perseus, king of Macedon, which Paulus Æmilius brought to Rome with its captive owner; as did also that noble library, just mentioned, established for the use of the public by Asinius Pollio, which was collected from the spoils of all the enemies he had subdued, and was much enriched by him at a great expense. The libraries of Cicero and Lucullus met with the same fate, and those of Julius Cæsar, of Augustus, Vespasian, and Trajan also perished, together with that of the Emperor Gordian.

WRITING AMONG THE GREEKS.

As a proof of the simplicity of the times described by Homer, it is a great doubt if his kings and heroes could write or read; at least when the Grecian leaders cast lots who should engage Hector in single combat, in the seventh Iliad, they only made their marks for when the lot signed by Ajax fell out of the helmet, and was carried round by the Herald, none of the chiefs knew to whom it belonged till it was brought to Ajax himself.

The learned Mr. Wood, in his Essay on the original genius and writings of Homer, after observing that neither in the Iliad nor Odyssey is there anything that conveys the idea of letters or reading, nor any allusion to literal writing, adds, "As to symbolical, hieroglyphical, or picture-like description, something of that kind was, no doubt, known to Homer, of which the letter (as it is called) which Bellerophon carried to the king of Lycia is a proof." This letter was sent from Praetus; (Iliad, vi. line, 168, &c.)

"To Lycia the devoted youth he sent, With marks expressive of his dire intent GRAV'D on a tablet, that the Prince should die."

The probability that Homer lived mucn nearer the times he described than is usually supposed, has been shown by Mr. Mitford (Hist. of Greece, Appx. to ch. 4.) with all

the clearness of which so distant an event is capable.

To this account of the ignorance of the Greeks in literal writing may be added that the Mexicans, though a civilized people, had no alphabet; the art of writing was no further advanced among them than the using of figures composed of painted feathers, by which they made a shift to communicate some simple thoughts; and in that manner was the Emperor Montezuma informed of the landing of the Spaniards in his territories.

[From Savage's "Memorabilia."]

ANECDOTE OF RABELAIS.

At Montpellier no one can obtain the degree of Doctor in Medicine, without first receiving seven times the hat and robe of Rabelais, which are deposited in the castle of Morac. Such is the veneration paid to his memory, by those who have the regulation of that Academy! The reason is

this:

Some students created such frequent disturbances in the city, as gave rise to many complaints being made against them at several of the students were confined, and court; the consequence of which was, that the privileges of the academy debarred them. Rabelais was then at Montpellier, and though a very merry fellow, deeply partook of the sorrow which these events occasioned the academicians.

He resolved to make an attempt to ob tain the release of the students, and a reinstatement at their accustomed privileges; for which purpose he adopted the subsequent

scheme:

He dressed himself as a doctor, went to Paris, and presented himself at the door of the Chancellor du Prat. The Swiss attendant, who mistook him for a fool, roughly demanded his business, to which Rabelais answered in pure Latin, which the Swiss not understanding, sent for one of the Chancellor's officers; when he came, Rabelais spoke to him in Greek, which being equally incomprehensible both to the Swiss and officer, they sent for one who understood Greek perfectly; to him the Doctor then spoke Hebrew; and when they brought one who spoke Hebrew, he spake Arabick.

In this manner he exhausted all the knowledge of the Chancellor's house. The Chancellor being informed of the whole proceedings, ordered the doctor to be brought to him, when Rabelais made an elegant remonstrance in favour of the students at Montpellier, and obtained an immediate order for their liberation, with a re-establisment in all the liberties of which they had been deprived.

only libraries during several ages, it was deemed a donative of such value, that he offered it on the altar, pro remedia anima sua, in order to obtain the forgiveness of his sins.

[Collet's Relics of Literature.]

THREE CAPITAL MISTAKES IN REGARD
TO BOOKS.

I. Some persons, through their own indo

taph written for Rabelais :

Pluto, prince of horrid legions,

Who ne'er in lively laugh partook, Take Rabelais to your regions,

And Hell by laughter will be shook.

ANECDOTE OF BEAUTRU.

When Beautru was in Spain, he went to see the famous library in the escurial, and on conversing with the librarian found him to be a most ignorant man. The king of Spain asked Beautru how he liked the library? "It is very handsome," he said, "but your majesty should make the person, who now has care of it, administrator of the finances." "Why so?" said the prince. "Because," replied Beautru, "he does not make use of the treasure which is entrusted to him."

the vanity of human science, read no book but the Bible. But these good men do not consider, that, on the same principle, they ought not to preach sermons; for sermons are libri ora, vivaque voce pronunciati.

II. Some collect great quantities of books for shew, and not for service. Of such as these Lewis XI of France aptly observed, that "They resembled hunch-back people, who carried a great burden, which they never saw." This is a vain parade, even unworthy of reproof. If an illiterate man thinks by his art to cover his ignorance, he mistakes; for while he appears to affect modesty, he dances naked in a net to hide his shame.

III. Then there are others, who purchase large libraries with a sincere design of reading all the books; a very large library, however, is but a learned luxury..

[From Collet's (Byerly's) Relics of Literature.]

PURELY AMERICAN BOOK (again).—The readers of the American Bibliopolist will have noticed that the word "author was wrongly used for "translator" in the sentence "the Author was American" and also, that by a stretch of the imagination, Aberdeen was placed in the Highlands.

GRAUBERT'S MANUAL OF THE GERMAN LANGUAGE. Both the excellence and cheapness of Mr. Graubert's Manual recommend it to all students of German. As a useful companion volume we have Ahn's German Handwriting, with notes by W. Graubert. Both these can be had of Mr. Steiger, who is the publisher, for 70 and 40 cents respectively.

LAW BOOKS OF THE PACIFIC COAST.Sumner Whitney, San Francisco, is the proprietor of the entire series of California Reports, 36 volumes; and also the publisher of Idaho, Neveda and California Statutes, Idaho and Nevada Reports, and several Law Books of the Pacific Coast

WOKKS OF THE SPALDING CLUB.-The Spalding Club having flourished to the age of manhood is now about to be wound up. In addition to the twenty-one numbers forming the set, the Book of Deir, and Index to the History and Antiquities of Aberdeen are furnished, making thirty-seven volumes 4to and folio. Messrs. H. Sotheran respectfully announce that they have made arrangements with the club to supply sets without extra charge, namely, at £32.

"The Sculptured Stones of Scotland," (a collection of nearly 450 plates of Ancient Remains, with Descriptions by John Stuart), 2 vols., folio, is published by the same house at £18.10.

"THE PROOF-SHEET" an elegantly printed Monthly by Collins & McLeester, Type Founders, Philadelphia. Besides specimens of ornamental alphabets, designs and various styles and prices of type, useful to the printer, it contains instructive articles upon every day topics. In the September number exception is made to the use of the word monogram in the title of a work, recently published by Mr. Munsell: A Monogram of Our National Song.

The word in this

Our

JUVENILE PUBLICATIONS.-All the Trade very well know that "Christmas comes but once a year," and that they should fill their shelves with " good cheer" for the young ones in time for that happy season. disinterested advice to them is-send at once to Messrs. Lippincott and Co. for their Illustrated Catalague, (quite a picture book in itself) and then judge for themselves.

"GOOD HEALTH" is gradually improving. "Our Digestion," of the October number, is entirely satisfactory. The writers for this journal are not merely "skin deep "in. their knowledge of the "ills that flesh is heir to," but they tell us how we may keep the vital spark itself brightly burning. They are public benefactors, and deserve the praise of all well-wishing people.

THE TRADE CIRCULAR Would further its own interest by printing in larger type its carefully prepared articles on books and the Trade. The Trade generally having a large quantity of reading to do dislikes to strain its eyes upon unleaded brevier.

SPECIAL TRADE SALE. -Messrs. Leavitt, Strebeigh & Co., hold their Special Trade Sale of Holiday, Juvenile and Miscellaneous Books on the 24th of November. The Parcel Sale by Bangs, Merwin & Co., is to commence on the 9th of November, instead of the 16th, as previously announced. opportunity will be offered at these sales of procuring books especially suitable for the Holiday Trade. Catalogues can be had by applying to the Auctioneers.

An

THE AMERICAN GROCER.-Every Trade has its own organ, or, in other words, its musical instrument-a most ingenious thing --which is vulgarly called a horn," and which, from the delightfulness of its sound, the owner is never wearied in blowing. By this we do not mean that The American

Grocer is more weak than other mortals are. It is quite natural to feel proud of a pursuit, and quite natural to do it honor by showing its importance in the economy of life.

The grocer is a necessity. an absolute indispensable necessity. In the aesthetic sense the grocer's shop, next to a book-stall, brings with it the most associations. Here are gathered the products of all lands and climes, from "China to Peru," and all prepared by different hands-white, red, and black. In this "hasty plate of soup we must not forget the seasoning. Some memories are always fraught with tears-among the most moving of our recollections is the mity cheese, groaning in a whey most disconsolate. But one virtue cheeses have, and that is liveliness in their old age; therefore, "with all their faults we love them still."

The sphere of the American Grocer is to apprise the public of the state of the crops, markets and of the nature of "whatever is used as human food and drink, or in the daily operations of the household," besides general commercial information. We believe, also, that a list of Patents is to be included in each semi-monthly issue.

In the column "Miscellaneous" we find some of the Grocer's plums, which (having already put our fingers so far into the pie) we cannot help pulling out. It is said "that so many colonels were left on the field at Petersburgh that from them have sprung a grove of peach trees forty-five miles in extent! If this were the age of fable we would have a parallel in the dragon teeth sown by Cadmus, and which grew into armed men. The latter story is no doubt an unmitigated classical lie, but having been credited so long, and the author being dead so many ages, we are unwilling to be-stowe upon him the unjust censure which the memory of his afflicted wife demands.

Cadmus is in a bad-muss,

And Byron's met with a siren.

But are we talking, in the same breath, of the wicked Byron and the American Grosser! No, we'll change the subject. If we should say that even the philologist might find some acceptable article in the Grocer's Magazine he would wonder, but let him peruse No. 2 till he comes to the Scandinavian, and then let him grind his dentals over it to his heart's desire.

Is it possible that the entire Bible has never, till last year, been printed in Italy since the Reformation! So says a contemporary. The edition referred to is in 8vo, in Italian, with references, published at Flo

rence.

seum

Two eminent philologists have recently deceased. Peter Mark Roget, at London, aged ninety years, and Dr. Spiers, author of the French and English Dictionary, at Paris. "Lives of the Founders, Augmentors, and other Benefactors of the British Muis the title of a new English work, by Edward Edwards, author of Libraries This and Founders of Libraries, etc., etc. volume will form an interesting and valuable addition to the biographical part of literature: more particularly because the material is derived from original sources. The history will extend from 1570 to 1870 -three hundred years! The prospectus promises an elegant volume in 8vo, with many illustrations. 60 copies will be made on large and thick paper. Mr. J. W. Bouton is the New York publisher.

It is said that "Bunyan's Pilgrim has progressed as far as China, and has appeared in the languarge of that country."

A new "Life of Webster by George T. Curtis, is announced by Messrs. Appleton & Co. "Mr. Webster, with a view to the preservation and future use of his private papers, made the following provision in his will, which was executed a few days before his death, in October, 1852:

'I appoint Edward Everett, George Ticknor, Cornelius Conway Felton, and George Ticknor Curtis to be my Literary Executors; and I direct my son, Fletcher Webster, to seal up all my letters, manuscripts and papers, and at a proper time to select those relating to my personal history, and my professional and public life, which in his judgment should be placed at their disposal, and to transfer the same to them, to be used by them in such manner as they may think fit. They may receive valuable aid from my friend George J. Abbott, Esq., now of the State Department.'

"The deaths of Mr. Everett, President Felton, of Harvard, and Colonel Fletcher Webster, who was killed in battle at the head of his regiment, in 1862, occurred before any steps had been taken for writing

and publishing a Life of the great statesman. This duty thus devolved solely on Mr Ticknor and Mr. Curtis."

T. B. PETERSON & BROS.,. among their recent publications, announce "The Initials," a Love Story of Modern Life, by the Baroness Tautphoeus. The "Miser's Daughter," by Ainsworth. "Dream Numbers," by Trollope. "Ruby Gray's Strategy," by Ann S. Stephens, and Rowland Yorke," a sequel to "The Channings," by Mrs. Henry Wood. The title page of this informs us that it was "printed from the author's manuscript advanced proof sheets, purchased by us from Mrs. Henry Wood, at an expense of one hundred and fifty pounds sterling, in gold (!) and issued here in advance of the publication of the work in Europe."

MILMAN'S LATIN CHRISTIANITY

(out of print for the last year) is to be published by Mr. W. J. Widdleton, who has recently. purchased the Stereotype Plates from Messrs. Sheldon & Co. The complete Historical Works of Milman can now be had of Mr. Widdleton.

TO OUR COUSINS GERMAN.-If you wish to know all the "movements in the German Literary and Publishing World, and in German Journalism" from month to month, Mr. E. Steiger's "Literarischer Monatsbericht" is just the thing to inform you.

"THE SATURDAY REVIEW" is a Weekly List of New Publications, rather prettily printed. The September 18th number contains the following on Ruskin :

"Mr. Ruskin is now but fifty years of age, and has yet been over twenty-five years betore the public as one of its most acceptable authors. The appearance of "The Modern Painters," in 1843, at once established his position as one of the clearest critics of the fine arts, and, although not writing in poetic accents, his words have that air of poetic beauty perhaps more interesting than any verse. The number of his volumes is now fifteen. etc.(!)"

"The Architect and Monetarian; a Brief Memoir of Alexander Tefft, including his Labors in Europe to Establish a Universal Currency. By Edwin Martin Stone. Providence: S. S. Rider, 1869. 8vo, pp. 64. "Life is short but Art is long "might well be applied to the enthusiastic architect whose works will long survive

the life which, like an early blossom in spring, was prematurely cut off by an untimely frost. Mr. Tefft died in Europe, soon after he had written an able pamphlet on "Universal Currency on the Decimal Mr. Tefft is claimed to be the System." first originator of a plan for a Universal Currency. His pamphlet was translated into several European languages, and his system spoken of as simple and feasible. Some extracts from the Report on Fine Arts exhibit his views upon Art Education in America, the refinement of which was almost his life labor.

OBITUARY.-We are sorry to record the death of Mr. Watts, of the British Museum. He died suddenly, on the 9th of September. He was Keeper or Superintendent of the Library of the British Museum, and had

been connected with it for some thirty years, rising from assistant to keeper.

His knowledge of books was most extensive. He was thoroughly capable and very courteous in the performance of his duties in placing the stores in his care at the disposal of the public. He was not only a librarian but an author, and an able philologist and linguist. It is expected that at some future time a volume of his collected writings will be published. We understand that these, had he lived, would have been published under his own supervision.

THE WESTERN BOOKSELLER. With the October number begins a new feature, viz. : Criticism We are upon School Books. glad to see that there will be used "more than the customary freedom of criticism." This is to prevent the imposition of worthless books upon the West. We notice that the Western Bookseller complains of the low prices brought at the Trade Sale by books which form the staple stock of large dealers. The Trade Sale is designed especially for the Trade, who might easily protect themselves by bidding or sending their orders on the books in question.