lation, we here find selections from modern writers, | favorite with the author. As a general, he comwho, though less celebrated, show that poetic in- mands his warmest admiration. From his first to spiration is by no means extinct in the German Fa- his last battle, he can not discover an error of judgtherland. Among these, are several of the recent ment or failure of execution. Even his imperfecchampions of European freedom, whose fiery strains tions as a man have a strange fascination. The still echo with the excitements of revolution. For extraordinary influence which he possessed over the most part, the translations are executed with all with whom he came in contact, was owing in spirit and fidelity, preserving the metre of the orig- a great degree to his unusual dignity of deportment, inal in every instance, and usually reproducing the his singular personal beauty, his brilliant conversathought with literal exactness. A minute verbal tional talents, and his winning suavity of address. criticism could doubtless discover many imperfec- Still, the author discusses the defects of his hero tions in the version, but it would be ungracious to with great impartiality, and, in some points of view, dwell on errors in a work which, as a whole, presents a less favorable estimate of his character bears the marks of conscientious care and literary than that given by Dr. Arnold. In the composition of accomplishment. The original text is presented on this volume we find numerous passages of uncommon the page opposite the translation, furnishing an al- splendor of diction, and showing almost unequaled most resistless temptation to the German scholar to powers of scenic description. As a whole, however, look out for discrepancies. we do not think it comes up to the average standard of Mr. Herbert's productions. There are frequent instances of careless writing, occasional repetitions, and sometimes a train of thought is suggested rather than developed. The volume is also disfigured with numerous typographical errors. One of Ticknor and Fields's most interesting reprints is Mrs. NEWTON CROSLAND's recent work, entitled Memorable Women-the Story of their Lives, including biographical sketches of Lady Russell, Madame D'Arblay and Mrs. Piozzi, Mary L. Ware, Mrs. Hutchinson and Lady Fanshawe, Margaret Fuller, and Lady Sale. The prominent incidents in the lives of these "memorable women" are reproduced from authentic sources, and placed in a light adapted to awaken an interest in the highest traits of their character. Mrs. Crosland writes with liveliness and charming simplicity. Her narrative is enlivened with true womanly sympathies, although she makes no attempt to give a false brilliancy to the virtues of her favorites. One of the most agreeable papers in the volume is that devoted to Madame D'Arblay and Mrs. Piozzi. Apart from its happy sketches of character, it is filled with illustrations of the literary society of that period, and abounds with amusing anecdote. The author has done justice to the memory of our countrywomen, Mrs. Ware and Margaret Fuller. She cherishes a loving appreciation of the quiet disinterestedness and rare feminine wisdom of the one, while she does not lose sight of the strong affections and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice of the other, in admiration of her bright and sometimes dazzling intellectual gifts. The purpose of the volume is "to set before the young women of the present day examples of wives and mothers who have done their duty under difficulties and temptations," rather than to "encourage a liking for individual and isolated instances" of exceptional adventure. We think the author has successfully accomplished her design, and produced a work equally excellent in its tendencies and delightful in its spirit. Life's Lesson is the title of a domestic story, abounding in natural sketches of character, and frequent pathetic and touching scenes. The plot shifts often to different and distant localities, affording scope to the writer for portraitures of a great variety of social phases. In some instances the characters are copied from famous originals, and the fidelity of their representation will be easily recognized. The volume is recommended by its air of reality, its excellent moral tone, and the flowing ease of its language. (Published by Harper and Brothers.) A Complete Treatise on Artificial Fish Breeding, edited by W. H. FRY, comprises the substance of the reports on the subject made to the French Academy and the French Government, with particulars of the discovery as pursued in England. The artificial mode of multiplying fish in illimitable numbers, it appears, was found out in Germany nearly a century ago, but has been lost sight of until recently, when it has attracted the attention both of practical and scientific men. An appropriation was made for its encouragement by the French Government in 1852, and the result has been of a quite satisfactory nature. In the first six months of its operation the superintendents of the establishment had artificially fecundated 3,302,000 eggs, and produced 1,683,200 living fish, of which 600,000 were trout and salmon. The present volume sets forth all the details of this curious discovery, and explains the methods by which, "at little care and The Captains of the Roman Republic, by HENRY little cost, barren or impoverished streams may be WILLIAM HERBERT. (Published by Charles Scrib-stocked to an unlimited extent with the rarest and ner.) Commencing with Scipio Africanus, and closing with Julius Cæsar, this volume celebrates the great Roman commanders whose names are identified with military glory. Mr. Herbert sum- The Virginia Comedians, edited from the MSS. marily disposes of the claims of the Camilli, the of C. EFFINGHAM, Esq. (published by D. Appleton Curii, and the Decii, as belonging to the world of and Co.), betrays the pen of a gifted writer who has romance rather than of authentic history, and main- already laid his native State under obligations by tains that Scipio, the conqueror of Hannibal, was his life-like illustrations of her history, in the garb the first Roman who is entitled to the name of an of attractive fictions. The volumes before us poreminent Captain. The subjugation of Italy to the tray the state of society in Virginia during the pearms of Rome was not due to the individual sci-riod immediately prior to the Revolution-the charence and prowess of her generals, but to the extraordinary constitution and peculiar organization of her people. Prior to the conqueror of Zama, no single man displayed such remarkable qualities as to authorize his pretensions to the praise of decided military genius. In every respect, Scipio is a prime most valuable breeds of fish, from eggs artificially procured, impregnated, and hatched." (Published by D. Appleton and Co.) acters of the plot are entirely taken from authentic tradition-and are made to contribute to a piquant and often highly-amusing story. Entirely at home among the scenes which he describes-glowing with a filial affection towards Old Virginia-combining the tastes of an antiquary with the temper of a hu 859 morist-and possessing a fine instinct for the vari- | thought and sentiment concealed in the poetry of eties of character-the author has wrought up the Spenser, for the enjoyment of our excited and busy materials at his command into a narrative no less age. remarkable for its vigor of description than its dra- the great allegorical bard, the editor would fain With a profound and tender admiration for matic effect. With his former productions-which make his glorious and ennobling ideas familiar to have found such a favorable reception from the pub- the appreciation of men and women among his lic-this story fills a peculiar place in our native contemporaries. In carrying out this plan, he has literature, and legitimates the claim of its anony-presented the thoughts of the poet, partly in prose, mous writer to original talent. Birds of the Bible, by the Rev. H. HARBAUGH. (Published by Lindsay and Blakiston.) In this elegantly illustrated volume we have one of the earliest gift-books of the season, and one welladapted to the gratification of the religious circle. It consists of a series of animated descriptions of the various birds alluded to in Sacred Writ, with selections of poetry appropriate to the respective subjects. The engravings which accompany the letter-press are in a high style of excellence; and, together with the beautiful typography of the volume, make it a tasteful ornament for the drawingroom table, as well as a valuable addition to the library. in the language of the author, with the spelling in in the language of the editor, and partly by extracts, some degree modernized. Although we do not suppose that the subtle and delicate conceptions of Spenser will gain any sudden accession of popularity by this effort of an admirer, we none the less welcome it as a devout homage to poetical genius, betraying a sincere sympathy with the highest spiritual beauty, and an enviable skill in its illustration. thorof "The Old House by the River." It is disLater Years is the title of a new work by the autinguished by the same sweetness and pathos of sentiment, the same picturesqueness and vigor of which have won such a flattering welcome to the description, and the same graceful flow of diction, former productions of the author. He has made his place good among our most natural and forcible writers on rural scenes, and the present work will enhance his enviable reputation. Though selecting prose as his medium for expression, he has the eye and the heart of a poet, and his words will always find an echo among readers of a poetical temperament. (Published by Harper and Brothers.) E. H. Butler and Co. have issued a new and enlarged edition of Professor HART'S Female Prose Writers of America, containing brief sketches of their biography, and selections from their works. The volume is brought out in a style of sumptuous beauty, and is embellished with portraits of several of the celebrated women whose writings from a portion of its contents. In his biographical notices, Professor Hart has, perhaps, erred by an excessive brevity; but he is uniformly kind and gallant to his fair subjects-preserving as great a degree of im- CHENEVIX TRENCH. (Published by Redfield.) Synonyms of the New Testament, by RICHARD partiality as could be expected of frail mortals This volume, by one of the most acute and ingenwhere living characters are the theme. The speci-ious word-critics, occupies a place which has hithmens which he has given of their writings are fa-erto been left almost entirely vacant in sacred phivorable to the character of female literature in this lology. Without claiming to exhaust the subject, country. They present a singular variety of taste it discusses several of the most important synonyms and talent, and certainly can not in every instance of the New Testament, and points out their analoclaim the highest rank; but they all show an admir-gies and differences with sagacity and force. The able cultivation, great purity of sentiment, rare fa- volume forms a valuable addition to the apparatus cility and gracefulness of expression, and not un- of the Biblical student. frequently the marks of original and vigorous thought. They do not appear to imitate any foreign model; nor are there often any traces of imitating one another. Most of the pieces are marked by a certain air of spontaneity-showing that they had their origin in a genuine inward impulse, rather than in any compulsion of circumstances. Doubtless the influence of our free institutions is friendly to the development and exercise of womanly genius. universal spread of education calls out intellectual The force wherever it exists; while the prevailing equality of social position gives ample scope for its unfettered action. Hence, though perhaps no American authoress has attained the eminence of a De Staël, a Somerville, a Browning, the catalogue of female writers in this country presents a variety and uniform excellence of which no other literature can boast. Given in Consciousness, by LAURENS P. HICKOK, Empirical Psychology; or, the Human Mind as D.D. (Published by G. Y. Van De Bogert.) The former work of the author on Rational Psychology has established his reputation as a profound and sharp-sighted metaphysician. In some sense, the present volume may be regarded as a sequel to that important production. Leaving out of view the its subjective idea and its objective law, it deals primary, absolute conditions of all Intelligence, in only with the facts of experience as brought to light in the common consciousness of humanity. makes no claims to the prerogatives of an exact science, and prefers to be deemed less a psychology, It than a description of the human mind. Still, the author has endeavored to group and harmonize the facts with which he deals in an integral unity; and, Ida Norman (published by Sheldon, Lamport, and equal place in science, to say the least, to that held in this point of view, demands for his system an Blakeman), is the title of an original novel by Mrs. by chemistry, geology, and botany. His work is LINCOLN PHELPS, depicting the varied fortunes of intended as a preparation for the study of metaa heroine, from the days of school-girl prosperity, physics in more advanced stages of philosophical through numerous reverses and trials, to a happy inquiry, and is written in a manner to be compredenouement. The plot is a hackneyed one, and is in-hended by intelligent students, with an ordinary cumbered with too great a multiplicity of incidents, but it conveys a wholesome moral, and is developed with considerable ability. Spenser and the Fairy Queen, by JOHN S. HART, LL.D. (Published by Hayes and Zell.) The design of this volume is to open the treasures of gift of introspection, enabling them to fall back on facts of human experience in a clear and convincing | in action! His passion for the ideal may often lead light. At times, the language is too technical for the novice in psychological inquiries; but, as a general rule, a lucid expression is given to definite conceptions. Several of the topics treated of are subjected to a vigorous and powerful analysis, and the results set forth in the transparent medium of apt and original illustrations. In the devotion to material studies and pursuits-which is just now so much the order of the day-the rare merits of this treatise may perhaps fail of due appreciation; but no competent judge can give it a thorough examination, without being deeply impressed with the exceeding value of its instructions, and the uncommon didactic accomplishments of its author. him to give a too brilliant coloring to the virtues of his favorites, and to throw a too sombre hue around the lives of those whose base and vulgar qualities call forth his detestation. He must be read with the allowance that is always due to the statements of excitable and impassioned writers. The silver vail of ideality, which he casts around his figures, may blind the eye of the spectator to their true features. But the tinge of romance, in which he delights, gives a charm to his pages as æsthetic compositions. We linger over his radiant pictures with such fond admiration, that we do not care to scrutinize their fidelity with too curious an eye. The volumes now published exhibit the characteristic traits of their author in strong relief. A series of vivid portraitures, they exercise a resistless spell over the beholder, who is satiated with their enchantments, and is not tempted to question their truthfulness. A new volume of Poems, by THOMAS WILLIAM PARSONS (published by Ticknor and Fields), is one of the most noteworthy productions of the month, on account of the severe classical form of its composition, and its utter freedom from the melo-dramatic vagaries which have been so absurdly affected An Address before the Louisville Horticultural Soby many popular modern poets. It is strongly|ciety, by Dr. T. S. BELL, is an eloquent and finished marked by terseness of language and energy of performance, descanting on the attractions of flowers thought. The prevailing severity of its tone is hap- and fruits with the taste of an amateur and the pily relieved by specimens of brilliant humor, and knowledge of a scientific botanist. Such discourses occasional passages of pathetic tenderness. With are among the few productions of the day which renone of the transient glare which allures a swarm mind us of the glow and freshness of the Garden of of superficial readers, the strong, sinewy qualities Eden. of this poetry are a pledge of the permanent esteem in which it will be held by the lovers of healthy and masculine literature. The Life and Epistles of the Apostle Paul, by the Rev. W. J. CONYBEARE and the Rev. J. S. HowSON, is issued by Charles Scribner, in two large octavo volumes, and will doubtless be regarded by the religious public in general, no less than by theological students, as an acquisition of almost inestimable value. The high reputation of this work in Great Britain makes any comment on its merits superfluous, and we need only announce to our readers the appearance of a publication illustrative of an important portion of the Scriptures, in which they may be sure of not experiencing any disappointment. Jerusalem and its Vicinity, by W. H. ODENHEIMER (published by E. H. Butler and Co., Philadelphia), is an elegant Christmas offering, composed of a series of lectures delivered in St. Peter's Church during Passion Week, and illustrating the most important scenes and localities of the Holy City. They combine description, instruction, and religious counsels in an impressive manner, and are admirably adapted to awaken pious associations with the interesting places which they portray. In point of typographical execution and pictorial embellishment, the volume will bear comparison with the most beautiful editions of a similar character, and can not fail to gratify a refined taste. Sermons for the People, by T. H. STOCKTON. The modest announcement of this volume will hardly prepare the reader, accustomed to sounding book-titles, to appreciate the extraordinary merit which its pages contain. Its author has long been known as one of the first of living pulpit orators. All his life a severe sufferer from ill-health, he has had but limited opportunities of filling that space before the public eye which his powers qualified him to occupy. The present work can scarcely be regarded as more than an indication of the richlycultivated mind which it represents, but it will be cordially welcomed as a most interesting and eloquent contribution to the literature of the pulpit. Sound in doctrine-able in exposition-fruitful in suggestive hints-picturesque in style, whenever the topic in hand admits-and with a wider and more tasteful selection of natural images than the genius of the ministry gathers from landscape and firmament, it is altogether one of the most varied, charming, and instructive volumes ever offered to the Christian intellect of any land. (Published by English and Company, Pittsburgh.) Mr. B. J. LoSSING, the well-known author of the Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution, has formed an association with Mr. LYMAN C. DEAPER, the Secretary of the Wisconsin Historical Society, for the purpose of preparing a series of Memoirs of Celebrated Characters, by ALPHONSE popular volumes, to be illustrated in the highest DE LAMARTINE. (Published by Harper and Broth- style of the art of wood engraving, descriptive of ers.) Among the celebrated characters of whom the history and biography of the Great West. sketches are given in these volumes, are Nelson, They will embrace the lives of Boone, Clark, SieHeloise, Columbus, Palissy the Potter, Cicero, ver, Robertson, Kenton, Crawford, Brady, Wetzel, Homer, Joan of Arc, Fenelon, and others of no less Lewis, Shelby, the Campbells, and other pioneers wide a diversity of position, fortunes, and age. They who settled the Western Valleys. They will comappear to have been culled, without any very obvi-mence the preparation of the series, and produce ous principle of selection, from the universal mass the volumes as rapidly as possible, after Mr. Losof biographical records; but, in every instance, they sing shall have completed his elaborate and fully furnish apt materials to the author's plastic imag-illustrated History of the War of 1812-15, now in ination, and prolific pen. What a versatility of hand, and for which he has obtained much valuable taste and talent, to be sure, does he exhibit! How quickly is he kindled by the contemplation of every form of beauty! What glowing sympathies with all that is noble in character, lofty in genius, or heroic original material from Mr. Draper's Western Col. lection. In the mean while a Life of Daniel Boone will be completed and issued, probably at the close of autumn or early in the ensuing winter. YOUTH. MANHOOD. MIDDLE LIFE. AGE, CHILDHOOD. TWO PATHS IN LIFE. THESE contrasted pictures fur- YOUTH. MANHOOD. MIDDLE LIFE. |