Le Gilblas de la Revolution; ou les Confessions de Laurent Giffard. Par M. Picard. 5 vols. (The Gil Blas of the Revolution; or the Confessions of Laurent Giffard. By M. Picard.)

M. Picard, though an accurate and diligent observer of men and manners, is yet, as a romance writer, far from treading, even longo intervallo, in the steps of Sir Walter Scott. The personages that figure in his romances are evidently copied from the life, but they are grouped in so unpic. turesque a manner, and the scenes in which they move are traced with such an utter nudity of in. terest, that the reader is induced to continue the perusal merely for the sake of instruction, and not of amusement. M. Picard's novels have about the same sort of merit as a gallery of portraits by a painter whose only talent consisted in seizing a faithful resemblance, but whose pencil was incapable of communicating magic of colour. ing or grace of attitude. In this point of view, the Gilblas of the Revolution is a remarkable production. Its delineations bear the impress of truth and reality-not an every day merit in this age of exaggeration. Giffard, the hero of M. Picard, is a garcon perruquier, to whom we are introduced at the commencement of the French Revolution.

Possessed of a simple, insinuating and enterprising character, he is present either as actor or spectator in most of the singular scenes that marked that memorable era. Unburthened by any opinions of his own, he adopts, with most cameleon-like complaisance, those of the persons with whom it is his interest to stand well for the moment. He figures alternately as an aristocrat and a sans culotte, an emigré and a terrorist-he in fact most religiously fulfils the precept of the apostle, being "all things to all men." By means of so versatile a personage as this, the author has been enabled to sketch the physiognomy, both private and public, of those composing the various parties that then fought for precedence, and successively devoured each other. This task he has executed with scrupulous exactitude and impartial truth, so that his work may be consi dered as offering a valuable record of the state of society during the memorable twenty-five years that intervened between the reigns of Louis XVI. and Louis XVIII. With M. Mignet's admirable history of the principal events of the French Re

Vo 45 and M. Picard's novel, which traces their in on the various classes of society, one may 10. a most just and satisfactory idea of one of the most singular periods in the annals of the world.

Guerre des Chouans et des Vendéens contre la Republique Française. Vols. 1 and 2. (The War of the Vendéans and Chouans with the French Republic.)

This publication will run to eight or ten volumes. The Ultra party in France have long been and still are anxious to find in the Vendean War a pendant to Napoleon's German and Italian campaigns; but the military men, who took part in these latter scenes, refuse to recognize in Charrete and the peasant Cathelineau any higher talents than those common to the ordinary generals of

brigade of Napoleon, who distinguished themselves in affairs of the advanced guard. The Government is imprudent enough to encourage the immortalizing (if possible) these heroes of the civil war, in their blind obedience to the Jesuits, forgetting that at Rome a triumph was never decreed for victories gained in the civil wars. From these causes, public attention being attracted to the subject, a bookseller has thought, and with reason, that the moment was a favourable one to publish an impartial history of the mili tary transactions in La Vendee, written by retired officers who were spectators of the scenes they describe. La Vendee, before the Revolution, was in a state of comparative barbarism, having preserved in almost their primitive rudeness the manners and feelings of the fourteenth century. The priests and nobles exercised so unbounded a sway, not only over the persons, but the minds of the peasantry, that, although the Revolution was decidedly favourable to the lower classes, yet the peasants of La Vendee fought with desperation, thinking that they were fighting in their own cause against the soldiers of the republic. leon, to humanize them a little, had the country traversed by two great roads, intersecting each other at right angles. The result of which has been, that although La Vendee is not as yet as civilized as Alsace or Franche Comté, yet it is nearly on a par with the Nivernois, the Bourbonnais, and other provinces in the interior of France.

Napo

Statistique du Department de l'Herault. Par M. Creuzé de Lessé. In 4to. avec Carte. (Statistics of the Department of Herault. By M. Creuzé de Lessé, &c.)

This book is written with great care, and is evidently the result of long and accurate research. The rage to get themselves talked of at Paris, is so great amongst the eighty-six prefects, who tremble on opening each number of the Moniteur, fearing to read their own dismissal, that from henceforward for some years, these worthy clients of the ministry will endeavour to furnish the public with a good description of the departments over which they are placed. The tempting picture of the fine department of which Montpellier is the capital, drawn by M. Creuzé de Lessé, if generally known in England, would be sufficient to induce numbers of persons having an income of 2004. a year to hie thither and luxuriate for the rest of their lives. At Montpellier, a single man who has 3000 francs a year (1201.) is perfectly at his ease, whilst those who have 5000 francs (2007.) are considered rich, and may, if so inclined, find opportunities of marrying themselves most advantageously. As a practical proof of the extreme cheapness of living in that part of the country, take the following items, extracted from the budget of a lieutenant-colonel now resident at Toulouse. For a good sleeping-room, one franc a day; breakfast, consisting of two dishes, wine &c. one franc; dinner, three courses, two francs coffee, six sous; and all this in the midst of the Gascons, the gayest people on the face of the earth. To these inducements are to be added a fine climate, a serene sky, and good drinkable wine at four sous a bottle.

Bataille; Brochure de 80 Pages. Par le Lieutenant-General Lamarque. (Bataille, a Pamphlet of Eighty Pages. By Lieutenant-General Lamarque.)

Those who have read (and who has not read?) the "Memorial of Saint-Helena," the most useful book that has appeared in Europe within the last twenty years, must recollect, that in the course of that work, Napoleon made honourable mention of three or four generals, whom he had intended to raise to the rank of marshal. Gene

ra! Lamarque, the writer of the pamphlet now before us, was one of the number. It therefore may not be unacceptable to those who take an interest in military affairs, to point out to them a discussion upon those subjects, by a general signalized for his abilities by so competent a judge as Napoleon.

(A

Mémoires sur la Vie de l'Abbé Barthelemi écrits par lui-meme. 1 vol. 8vo. Memoir upon the Life of the Abbé Barthelemi, written by himself.)

These are the Memoirs of the author of the Voyage of the young Anacharsis in Greece, the courtier priest, and the friend of the Duchess de Choiseul. The life of this learned personage is calculated to excite but a very feeble degree of interest. His conduct was too strongly tinctured with cant to merit the sympathy of posterity. But as his picture of Ancient Greece, though without life or truth of colouring, has made his name known all over Europe, and as a taste for autobiography is the prevailing oue of the day, we have thought it right not to let this specimen pass without at least announcing it. Strange to say, that the excellent history of Greece by Mr. Mitford is scarcely known on the Continent, whilst the mediocre romance of Barthelemi is familiar to all Europe. Such and so great are the advantages of well-employed cant.

just been dismissed from his place for having trop d'esprit and too little suppleness of opinion. He is at present engaged upon an important histo rical work, which will necessarily draw down the pious indignation of the bishop of Hermopolis, who is at present the literary pacha of France. The system followed in this country at present with regard to men of letters, is either to purchase those who are willing to sell themselves, or to persecute those who are found incorruptible. When the latter complain of this injustice, the unblushing answer is, "It is your own fault; you refused the terms offered you."

Wahrheit und Dichtung Sammlung Schweizerischer Sprüchwörter, &c. (Truth and Fiction: a Collection of Swiss Proverbs, &c. By M. Kirchhofer, Minister at Stein. Zurich, 1824.)

This little work, which has cost much labour to the compiler, is curious as connected with the character of the nation to which it belongs. There are in all about four thousand proverbs, divided into eight classes, namely, history, religion and morality, domestic economy, trade, education, military affairs, personal and social relations, and miscellaneous subjects, particularly animals and rural economy. A dissertation on Proverbs in

general, and a glossary of old words and idioms, is also given. The compiler has not been so nice in choice, as anxious to preserve fidelity of character for those who make men their study. The work only comprehends the Swiss and German dialects, and has taken no notice of the cantons in which French and Italian are the prevailing languages, so that, in reality, it comprises the Proverbs of only a portion of the country; but as far as it goes it is unquestionably valuable.

Were it not for the French Revolution, Carnot, who had been so largely gifted with the talents necessary to a great war-minister, would probably have never been known to the world but as an

unsuccessful rhymester. Carnot was probably the most virtuous character amongst the men of eminent talents, whom that great upturning of society brought to light. The interest inspired by such a man has extended itself to those of his productions which had better have been left in obscurity; for his poetry belongs to the insipid school of Dorat, which flourished towards the year 1780, and was only remarkable for its affected sentiments and finical graces, equally nerveless and colourless. As, however, it is a matter of curious speculation, to see how the strong and rough intelleet of Carnot accommodates itself to the frivolous convenances and meretricious graces of a rhyming epistle, the book is worth looking into.

Le Père et la Fille, Roman. 1 vol. (The Father and Daughter, a Romance.)

This little unpretending volume is not unworthy of notice; the incidents are natural, and developed in such a manner as to awaken considerable interest and emotion. The author, M. Artaud, a professor in one of the colleges, has

The opinion of the Chevalier Tomasia is, that the knowledge of the analysis and physical constitution of men contributes much to the explanation of the thinking faculty. He follows the steps of Cabanis and Tracy; giving first a sketch of the bodily organs, and above all of those which aid the thinking faculty. He examines the different degrees of vivacity, of memory, and of the corre spondence of the organs that furnish the capacity of thinking, of internal sensations, of instinct, and of intellect in general, regarding the last as the source of sensibility. Finally, the recipro influences of the exterior senses, of th senses, and of the brain; of the dinity of sensations relative to the difference of their sources; of a problem to solve, namely, if the passions have their seat in the brain; of some important laws in the faculty of thinking, considered in common habits, in sleep, or in dreaming. This author seems to have impressed more liberty of observation on his discussions than confidence

ernal

in the truth of his conjectures, which will not please real philosophers. The Chevalier, however, is to be praised for his researches as far as regards nicety of observation and analysis, and for having endeavoured to collect the most evident phenomena which accompany or constitute the mysteries of sensibility and understanding.

It appears that the celebrated MARGRAVINE OF ANSPACH has written the Memoirs of her own Life, and that they are immediately to be given to the public.

A Work assuming the form and fashion of a Novel, and called "Tremaine, or the Man of Refinement," is announced for publication, and is reported to be written by a friend, both public and private, of the late Right Hon. SPENCER PERCEVAL.

We understand that a Poem, in six cantos, by Lord PORCHESTER, is preparing for publication. The scene of this production is laid in the south of Spain; the period is a few years before the fall of Grenada.

Dr LYALL announces for publication early in January, in two 8vo volumes, Travels in Russia, the Krimea, the Caucasus, and Georgia.

The Second Volume of Mr. WIFFEN'S Translation of Tasso, which was destroyed at the late fire at Mr. Moyes's, is again at press, and will make its appearance in the same style of embellishment as the first volume, in May or April next.

A New Comedy.-Among the Dramatic Novelties to be produced during the present season at Covent-garden is a Comedy, in five acts, by the Earl of GLENGALL. The scene will be laid in high life, which the Noble Author may be expected to pourtray with more than usual fidelity.

A Supplemental Volume to Pope's Correspondence, from Original Manuscripts, is in a forward state.

Memoirs of Moses Mendelsohn, the Jewish Philosopher, including the Correspondence between him and Lavater on the Christian Religion, is announced for next month.

Thoughts on the Police of England; with Observations on the prevention of Crime and the disposal of Criminals, will be shortly published.

The Sixth Volume is about to appear of Baron Humboldt's "Personal Narrative of Travels in the Equinoctial Regions of the New Continent."

A Volume entitled Literæ Sacræ is now in the press, which will contain a Comparison between the doctrine of Moral Philosophy and Scriptural Christianity, in a Series of Letters.

The forthcoming Volume of the “Annual Biography and Obituary" will comprise, among other Memoirs that will be read with painful interest, those of Lord Erskine, Mr. Belzoni, Joseph Marryatt, Esq. Admiral Russell, Rev. Thomas Maurice, T. E. Bowdich, Esq. Lord Byron,

the Marquis of Tichfield, Charles Grant, Esq. Sir Edward Buller, &c.

In the press, Memoirs of Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia, daughter of King James I. with Sketches of the most distinguished personages, and the state of Society in Holland and Germany, during the 17th century, by Miss BEnger.

Early in January will be published, Part 1. of a New Topographical Work, entitled Delineations of Gloucestershire; being Views of the principal Seats of Nobility and Gentry, and other objects of prominent interest in that county, with historical and descriptive Notices. The drawings to be made and the plates engraved by Messrs. Storer, the historical notices by J. N. Brewer, Esq.

A complete edition of the Works of the late Dr. Baillie, with an Account of his Life, collected from the most authentic sources, will speedily be published by Mr. WARDROP.

Preparing for the press, A Treatise on Gout, Pathological, Therapeutical, and Practical; in which an attempt is made to elucidate and establish the nature and causes of that disorder, and to deduce definite and correct principles of Treatment, for its prevention and cure, consonant with just pathological views and confirmed by observation and experience. By A. RENNIE, Esq. Surgeon.

In the press, A Manual of Classical Bibliography, in 2 thick octavos, comprising a copious detail of the various editions; translations into the English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and, occasionally, other languages; commentaries and works critical and illustrative of the Greek and Latin Classics; by J. W. Moss, of Magdalen Hall, Oxford.

Journal of Science is, we are informed, about to be published in Dublin, under the title of The Dublin Philosophical Journal and Scientific Review. The first Number will appear in the beginning of March, and be continued every half year.

In the Press. A Voyage performed in the years 1822-23-24; containing an Examination of the Antarctic Sea to the 74th Degree of Latitude: and a Visit to Terra del Fuego, with a particular Account of the Inhabitants. To which will be added much useful information in the Coasting Navigation of Cape Horn, and the adjacent Lands, with Charts of Harbours, &c. By JAMES WEDDELL, Esq. In 1 vol. 8vo.

"Tales of Fault and Feeling," In three vols. 12mo. by the Author of “Zeal and Experience."

THE excess of moisture throughout the autumn has proved very injurious to agricultural pursuits in general, but more particularly to that portion of it which embraces the immediate preparation for the next year's crop of wheat.

A considerable breadth of land still remains unseeded, and must necessarily stand over for spring sowing; and much also that has been sown will probably require to be ploughed up in consequence of the deficiency of plant, arising from the circumstance of the grain having rotted in the ground, independent of the farther mischief which a moist season usually produces by the accumulation and depredation of the slug; nevertheless, upon the more clevated and favoured soils, the plant exhibits a more healthy appearance, although it frequently happens, that an autumn like the one which we have experienced, precedes a year of barrenness and sterility. The turnip crop has suffered materially from moisture, and there is some reason to apprehend that cattle food will be scarce towards the spring of the year; and in consequence of the prevalence of such an opinion, artificial food has experienced an advance in price within the last two months nearly equal to one-third of its former value; hay has also participated in the rise, and meets with ready purchasers. Swedish turnips are less affected than those of the whiteloaf variety; and as a considerable breadth of that valuable root is now annually cul

tivated, and an unusual quantity of mangel-wurzel is stored for spring use, it is to be premised that no actual scarcity will be felt, although it may have the effect of forcing an undue proportion of meat upon the market in the early spring months, and thereby prove injurious to the interest of the grazier. Perhaps of all the sufferers by the late untoward season, the flockmaster has the greatest reason to complain: the rot amongst the sheep has been very extensive and fatally destructive, and the loss otherwise sustained by the inundation of the low lands has made a frightful chasm in their number. price of grain, we apprehend, is likely to remain steady, although a temporary depression has recently been experienced, owing to a considerable supply having been suddenly thrown upon the market by the arrival of vessels whose passage had been obstructed by boisterous weather and contrary winds.

The

But as the grower is

happily no longer compelled to submit to a sacrifice to enable him to meet the demands of a Christmas audit, a counterpoise will speedily be effected by a limited delivery at the barn door. Indeed the price of grain (of barley more particularly) has been such as to prove a stimulus to expedite the transfer from the hands of the farmer to those of the merchant, and a considerable portion of the whole crop has already found its way to the granaries of the latter.

London, December 24, 1824. LITTLE of general interest has occurred in the state of our market within the present month. In colonial produce, the transactions have been almost exclusively confined to our home consumption, and have therefore been comparatively limited. Our trade in manufactured goods has of late not improved. Notwithstanding the increase of production in that branch of commerce, by the aid of superior machinery and the opening of extensive new markets for sale, shipments to the West or East have since some time yielded but losses, owing to a marked disproportion between the actual wants of, and supplies to, those markets. This state of things is, however, gradually correcting itself; and in proportion as we shall become more and more acquainted with the real wants of some of our new customers, it may be supposed that we shall be able to derive the full benefit of such experience. The Stock Market has continued very animated, and a further important rise of all South-American securities, in consequence of the improving prosperity of the cause of independence in that quarter of the globe, must be particularly noticed.

Arrived at the close of another year, we cannot but lament again the late increase, to an almost incalculable degree, of schemes to delude the public into presumed profitable employment of capital. This system of jobbing, now so generally followed, cannot be lasting, and must ultimately prove ruinous to many. For the present it tends not only to counteract, in a great degree, the liberal facilities granted by Government for the encouragement of substantial trade, but also to affect seriously the value of real property,-to check all

branches of industry generally, as also the laudable spirit of enterprise in private individuals.

Colonial produce has, in the course of this year, fluctuated but inconsiderably, coffee alone excepted; and indigo is the only article that has experienced a permanent rise.

SUGAR has rather improved in value this month, in consequence of the disastrous event which happened lately to the city of St. Petersburg, whereby upwards of 5000 tons of Havannah have been destroyed, and the white sort has been paid at 40s. to 41s. Although it cannot be denied, that the production of sugar is extending, it is generally supposed that the article will improve a little towards the spring, from a multiplicity of various causes. The imports into London have been this year 130,600 tons; and in 1823, 123,600. Exports in 1824, 15,360 tons; and in 1823, 12,560. Taken for home use this year, 113,300, and last year 144,950. The present stock, compared with that of last year, is 36,500 against 36,500 tons. The foregoing comprises Muscovado and clayed sugars only: of refined, our export trade continues to fall off, With the exception of the Hans Towns and the Levant, they are now as good as prohibited all over the European continent.

COFFEE. Prices rose in the course of this month from 3 to 4, but have since declined nearly as much. St. Domingo, 58 to 59. The finer qualities of Jamaica and Demarara, having become somewhat scarce, are in request from 88 to 102-the good to fine middling. As the cultivation of coffee is rapidly on the increase, prospects are not favourable for this article. The advices from the Colonics agree, that the