clared to be free; and, in half a century, it is probable that slavery will be entirely worn out. What an example is this for the United States!

The style of living, and the amusements of the capital, are thus described by Capt. C.;

"The general routine of the day at Bogota commences with mass, which is attended by females and old men,-the men in general not giving themselves much trouble on this score. The women keep the house during the day, attending to domestic concerns, or lounging on their sofas. About half-past five they attend the Alameda, whence they return to receive visits until nine or ten o'clock; at which time they retire to bed."

A Narrative of Lord Byron's last Journey to Greece. Extracted from the Journal of Count Peter Gamba, who attended his Lordship on that Expedition. 8vo.

12s.

Although the public are already in possession of the principal facts detailed in this narrative, yet it is satisfactory to have them in the present more detailed and authentic form. The history of his expedition to Greece is the noblest portion of Lord Byron's biography; and is, at the same time, strongly illustrative of his high and singular character. He appears to have been led thither not only by his ardent and honest attachment to the cause of freedom, but likewise by a splendid ambition and strong love of personal distinction, He looked forward with eagerness to the first opportunity of distinguishing himself in the field; and it was with great difficulty that he was restrained by his physicians from taking a part in an expedition against the enemy, at a period when bis health was in a very precarious state. This fire was, however, tempered by the reflection that, in the very responsible situation which he filled, prudence was the highest virtue which he could display; and, indeed, throughout the whole of his transactions in Greece he conducted himself with eminent discretion. The - chivalrons ardour with which he had engaged in the cause manifested itself even on his deathbed. "He began," says Count Gamba, "to talk wildly, as if he were mounting a breach in an assault. He called out half in English, half in Italian-Forwards! Forwards! Courage-follow my example-don't be afraid, &c." another time, on recovering his faculties, he spoke of Greece, saying "I have given her my time, my means, my health-and now I give her my life-what could I do more?" The account of his last moments, which tallies in all material respects with that of his domestic, Fletcher, is highly interesting. A few anecdotes respecting Lord Byron are interspersed in this narrative; from amongst which we select the following :

At

"Mavrocordato paid a long visit to Byron. It must not be supposed that their conversations on all occasions turned on nothing but public affairs on the contrary, they talked now and then upon general topics; and I remember very well, that one evening when they were together, they had a sort of trial of skill as to their recollection of Turkish history. Mavrocordato is esteemed very accomplished in this particular, and tried Byron on the genealogy of the Ottoman emperors. Wherever there was any differ

ence of opinion, we always found, on reference, that Byron was right. His memory, indeed, was surprisingly accurate. He said 'The Turkish history was one of the first books that gave me pleasure when a child; and I believe it had much influence on my subsequent wishes to visit the Levant, and gave, perhaps, the oriental colouring which is observed in my poetry.""

Letters from the Irish Highlands. 12mo. 10s. 6d.

Its

No

There is so much good intention and valuable information in this volume, that it cannot but warmly recommend itself to every reader. object is to correct the erroneous opinions which are entertained in England, with regard to the state of Ireland, by a lively and faithful representation of the Irish character, as it exists in a district little known to the English traveller. object, indeed, can be more desirable than this. Year after year we continue to legislate for the unhappy Irish, in a strange ignorance of the real situation and character of the people, and the result is just what might be expected-that year after year the condition of Ireland seems to become more desperate. The present volume is written with strong feelings of good will towards the Irish peasantry, and with a hearty desire to suggest expedients for their relief and improvement. Upon some questions in which the principles of political economy are involved, the writers (for the letters are not all from the same hand) appear occasionally to have adopted erroneous notions; but this is of slight importance. The value of the work consists in the store of information which it contains, and in the agreeable and interesting manner in which that information is conveyed. The following extract will give some idea of the amusing matter which is mixed up with these letters.

"Dancing is as general an amusement here as in France; and that it does not so frequently come under the observation of a traveller is probably owing to the difference of climate, which prevents its being often enjoyed in the open air. In the middle ranks, the servants of the family commonly amuse themselves, on a Sunday evening, by dancing together; and air.ong the peasants, it is so favourite an accomplishment, that some few of their hard-earned tenpennies are bestowed upon those itinerant masters who move from village to village, remaining just as long in each as they can find scholars and potatoes sufficient for their maintenance. Even in this wild corner, we have our votaries of Terpsichore, and receive occasional visits from the professors of her mysteries. In the course of last summer, a young man died here of typhus fever, who was an instructor in this polite art. He came to us from the county of Mayo, with his violin in his hand; exercising at the same time two professions, which would hardly be deemed compatible in a more civilized country. He was a tailor and a dancing-master. The remuneration which he demanded, appeared to me large when compared with the means of payment possessed by his pupils; but very inadequate, when compared with the sum that is necessary for a man's support, even on a diet of potatoes. A course of eighteen lessons was paid for by two tenpennies. The lessons were given four or five times in the

week. The free and hospitable character of the people, I have no doubt, ensured him his lodging in some one of the cabins; and he probably made something by his other trade; for I was told that he was a reputable young man, a rich fellow enough,' as Dogberry would say; • one that had two gowns, and every thing handsome about him.'

It was from one of my customers the other

day that I heard this piteous tale of the dancing

master's, who had with us but a butterfly's lifea month in summer. She was a shrewd, darkeyed little woman, who came to purchase some of the English clothes. I brought her out calico, flannel, grey linsey-woolsey. No: they were not what she wanted. What was it, then? 'The green petticoat.' It was linsey-woolsey of a bright pea-green colour. Her eyes sparkled when I produced it. 'Sure then, and it's a pretty petticoat. Isn't it elegant now? But as soon as it was unfold. ed, her brow was again clouded. What was the matter? The answer was in Irish, and my interpreter laughed while she translated, too narrow for dancing. My little friend, who was indeed neither young nor unmarried, nodded her head very sagaciously; Och sure then, and it's entirely too narrow,'-and she threw out her legs, in a pas de Zephyr, that most certainly required an additional breadth. I could but smile, to think what our English friends would have said to this strange objection against their petticoats."

NOVELS, ROMANCES, &c.

Castle Harcourt; or, the Days of King Richard the Third. By L. F. Winter, Esq. 3 vols. 12mo. 10s. 6d.

The Italian Novelists; selected from the most approved Authors in that Language, &c. By Thomas Roscoe, Esq. 4 vols. 8vo. 21. 2s.

POETRY.

The Bar; with Sketches of Eminent Judges, Barristers, &c. A Poem, with Notes. 12mo. 5s. 6d.

Although the Muse, allured by the genius of Mr. Anstey, did upon one occasion

deign

To shine for once in Chancery Lane, she has never since condescended to revisit those

precincts. The lawyers, notwithstanding their love of fiction, have ever been sorry poets; and we are afraid that the author of "The Bar," who, we presume, is to be accounted amongst the gentlemen of the long robe, will not contribute to rescue them from this stigma.

"He has presumed with inky thumbs to sweep The golden lyre;"

and has sung, in no inconsiderable number of heroic verses, the praises of all the noted lawyers of the day. The poetical merit displayed in these sketches is not great; of humour they possess little; and, in discrimination of character, they are not very successful. It is rather amusing to find the writer expressing his regret that Mr. Brougham has not confined himself to pursuits purely professional; in which case, as he informs us,

"With well-earn'd wealth, and honest, just re

nown,

The highest honours might have been his own; 99 as though the honour of sitting on the bench in a full-bottomed wig, were one which such a man as Mr. Brougham could, by any possibility, covet or accept.

Jerusalem Regained; a Poem. 8vo. 8s.

THEOLOGY.

Literæ Sacræ; or, the Doctrines of Moral Philosophy and Scriptural Christianity compared. Vol. I. 8vo. 9s.

Histoire des Confesseurs des Empereurs, des Rois, et d'autres Princes. 1 vol. 8vo. (History of the Confessors of Emperors, Kings, and other Potentates.)

M. de Gregoire, the author of this work, is an honest man and a Jansenist. His productions bear the impress of sincerity and good faith, but are unfortunately rather heavy and tiresome in the perusal. At a moment when the king's confessors are endeavouring to resume all their ancient influence, and when in fact, this great kingdom, whose destinies are of such importance to the rest of Europe, is governed in a great measure by the Jesuits, it might be thought that a remarkable and well-digested work, from the pen of a distinguished Jansenist, ought to produce a considerable sensation. But such is by no means the case. The majority of the French look with a mocking eye upon both Jansenists and Jesuits. Indifference as to religious matters is more than ever the distinctive trait of the French character. The bigoted and outrageous conduct of the curates, in refusing the rites of sepulture, on account of their profession or opinions, has tended to diminish the superstitious feeling which had not been destroyed by the sarcasms

and pleasantries of Voltaire. The efforts of Messieurs Gregoire, Lanjuinais, and other respectable characters, are directed to root out, if possible, this indifference to former sentiments; but it is probable that their efforts will be unavailing. To to say the truth, the only persons reasonably and sincerely religious in France are the Protestants. As to the educated portion of those who call themselves Catholics, they may admire the morality of the gospel; but, as to the peculiar dogmas of the church of Rome, if they do not openly despise them, they at least consider them of little if any importance. The atrocious ends (set forth in this book) to which the confessors of the kings of France have heretofore turned their influence, are well calculated to increase the repugnance felt towards the Papal religion. The scenes now passing in Spain, will fill up the measure of hatred towards the Jesuits, which already exists in the public mind. Who can foresee the result of the moral experiments which have been making upon the religion of the French since 1815 There are at present some young and pretty women of rank in Paris, who are endea-' vouring to establish a new religious sect. This is a little speculation of vanity, the progress of which it will not be unamusing to follow.

Chants Heroiques des Montagnards et Matelots Grecs, traduits en Vers Français, par M. Nepomucene Lemercier. 1 vol. (Heroic Songs of the Greek Mountaineers and Seamen, translated into French Verse. By N. Lemercier.)

The translation of the popular songs of Greece, by M. Fauriel, has had great success, at least as much as any book can have at Paris, the author of which is neither Charlatan nor intriguer. M. Lemercier, who was a man of talent some twenty years ago, and who has had a still greater merit, that of resenting the seductions of Napoleon, has, in the work before us, turned these songs into French verse. He has certainly contrived to preserve no inconsiderable portion of their ener getic simplicity; not an easy task, when the trammels of French poetry are taken into consideration. But his versification is, as usual, of the most obdurate and inharmonious nature. The book has been much cried up, out of respect to the author, who is an independent and courageous character; but few, if any, have had the courage to read it.

Histoire de la Revolution.
Vols. 3 et 4.
By Thiers.)

Par Thiers. (History of the Revolution.

The admirable work of M. Mignet, who has contrived to give an excellent history of the French Revolution in 740 pages, has rendered almost unreadable all other works upon the subject. The two volumes just published by M. Thiers are chiefly remarkable for a style at the same time vague and full of pretension. The author has acquirements sufficient to have made his work interesting and instructive, if he had adopted a simple and less repulsive style. He euters into many details which Mignet had not space for; but as there is a continued effort to be very impressive and pompous in his phraseology, the interest of these is in a great measure destroyed. It were to be wished that Mignet would write a second and more detailed history of the Revolution; till then, the best guides through that extraordinary epoch, are his 740 pages, and some of the conscientious Memoirs relative to that event-such as the Memoirs of Thibaudeau, &c. &c.

after the famous program of M. Sosthene de la Rochefoucault, relative to the grand opera, of which he has been recently nominated director. This gentleman, though married, is the cher ami of Madame du Cayla, the wife of another man; and yet he has undertaken to reform the morals and manners of the whole corps of singers, dancers, &c. of the Academie royale de Musique, or, as it is now pleasantly entitled, the Academi e morale de Musique. Fired with a holy zeal, he has commenced a crusade against short petticoats and low bodices-he has placed his interdict upon the charm-discovering pirouette, and menaced with anathema any female toe that shall presume to rise above a certain decorous distance from the boards. In fine, if this saltatory reformist should persist in his alterations, we shall shortly see the joyous nymphs of the opera as prudish in their looks, and prim in their attitudes, as female quakers. The zeal of M. de la Rochefoucault has stirred up that of the Abbé Hulot, who has come forward in support of the projected reformation, with proofs from holy writ, decisions of councils general and particular, and grave dicta of the Fathers of the Church. A M. Baron also has just published a very serious and erudite work upon dancing.

Du Courage et de la Patience dans le Traitement des Maladies, traduit de l'Italien du Docteur Pasta. 1 vol. 8vo.

(Of Courage and Patience in the Treatment of Diseases, translated from the Italian. By Dr. Pasta.)

This learned Italian physician, who has written this work, is uncle to the celebrated singer Ma dame Fasta. He has discussed his subject philosophically and metaphysically. From it we learn that courage in the treatment of chronic diseases is one of the principal and must direct causes of their cure.

Histoire de Ninon de L'Enclos. Par M. Quatremere de Boissy. 1 vol. 18mo. (The History of Ninon de L'Enclos. By M. Quatremere de Boissy.)

M. Quatremere's life of the seductive Ninon de l'Enclos is a failure: for although he has erudition enough to have collected many interesting details upon that celebrated beauty, yet from a desire of not shocking the bigoted party now dominant in France, (for several of the Quatremere family are in the enjoyment of lucrative

It is

Several of the French clergy are endeavouring, either by persuasion or menaces, to induce their flocks to renounce dancing, that national and innocent amusement, the looking forward to which cheers the peasant through his labours. not exactly the Jesuits who are thus seeking the decline and downfall of dancing: these reverend and cunning fathers, on the contrary, find it a better system to be indulgent towards even much greater peccadilloes than that of jumping on the light fantastic toe. Hence their great success and influence as confessors. The pamphlet of M. Hulot has made a sensation, for it was apropos to the moment, having appeared a few days

consequently tame and colourless. The life of this singular woman, if written with spirit, impartiality, and dramatic talent, would be the favourite book of the day. If Sir Walter Scott had the same knowledge of French annals and manners as M. Quatremere, what an interesting picture might we not expect of Ninon de l'Enclos, and the age in which she flourished!

Euvres de J. B. de Maisonneuve. Publiée par M. Cheron. 1 vol. 8vo. (The Works of J. B. de Maisonneuve, &c.)

We were well acquainted with M. Maisonneuve, who died about three years ago, at the age o. seventy-two. He was a very lively spirituel sort of man, until he lapsed into that doting garru

lity which is a frequent malady with men of letters in Paris; for there, as soon as a man is known as an author, he acquires a right, which too often he not only uses, but abuses, of speak. ing at all times and in all places de omnibus rebus et quibusdam aliis; so that his stock of original ideas, if he ever had any, becomes quickly exhausted, and he sinks into a teller of "twice-told tales." What drew, in particular, on M. Maisonneuve the attention of society, was that, though a tragedy of his, called "Roxalane et Mustapha," had been played, with the most distinguished success, at the French theatre some forty years ago, yet he never would consent to let it be published. This tragedy, so vaunted in the literary chit-chat of the day, is now given to the public curiosity, together with another tragedy entitled "Odmar et Zelma," which had been also successful, but now makes its first appearance in print. Besides these, the volume contains a comedy under the title of "Le Faux Insouciant." The author, if such considerations can touch him whither he is gone, will have reason to regret not having published his "Roxalane" soon after its representation, when it would, in all probability, have met with the public approbation. But now it comes too late; for the Frenchman of 1824 is both a reasonable and a

reasoning being, frigid, severe, and thirsting after profound emotions; in a word, a demi-Englishman, and consequently widely differing in almost every respect from the subjects of Louis XV. whose chief characteristic was reckless frivolity. In minds constituted as those of the latter were, this tragedy would have been sufficiently strong to have caused emotion; but the French of the present day require something of sterner stuff to move them. It is the Fiesque of M. Ancelot, a heavy imitation of Schiller, which suits their taste. Strange as it may appear, there has been a less modification in the French character from the year 1500 and the reign of Francis I. to the year 1780 and the reign of Louis XVI. than from 1789 to 1824. The combustible materials that were gathering force and volume for 280 years, at length exploded, and changed every thing around them. Never has there been an instance of sons so widely differing from their fathers, as is exemplified in the new generation in France, as compared with the old stock. One, if not the least striking proof of this, is the change in their literary tastes. The "Roxalane" of M. Maisonneuve, though possessing considerable merit as a tragedy written according to the system of Voltaire, is unreadable by any Frenchman under forty years of age of the present day.

THE venerable author of the Man of Feeling Henry Mackenzie is at present engaged on an autobiographical work, which cannot fail to be eminently_interesting to the literary world. Except Bentham, Mr. Mackenzie is, we believe, the oldest living author in Great Britain. Johnson, Goldsmith, Gibbon, Reynolds, are all within his recollection; and in his own country, the great names of the Gregories, Beattie, Cullen, Reid, the Monroes, David Hume, Robertson, Adam Smith, Blair, Kames, Tytler, Monboddo, Black, Logan, and many others, must all be familiar to him as household words. Mr. Mackenzie, notwithstanding his great age, is as fully in possession of all his faculties, as he was at five and twenty: and as his latter years have been passed among the highest literary characters of our own day, such a work as his cannot fail to be one of the most interesting ever published.

The Quarterly Review is no longer under the superintendence of Mr. Gifford. The new Editor is Mr. John Coleridge, the Barrister. The next number will give us a taste of his quality" as Editor of the Quarterly an office of which those only who know how many persons and parties the gentleman who occupies that office has to please and conciliate, can appreciate the difficulties.

:

The Memoirs of Madame de Genlis, which are shortly to appear, both in French and English, are among the most

emusing works belonging to that interesting portion of French literature. The two volumes now in the press, consist of a vast number of anecdotes relative to the persons and events among which the early life of the authoress was passed. The brilliant society of Paris during the latter part of the reign of Louis XV. is admirably characterized, and illustrated with spirited and amusing anecdotes of its splendid farmers-general, its Bourets and its de la Popelinieres; its men of letters, Marmontel, the Abbé d'Olivet, D'Alembert, Sainte Foix, Sauvigny, Colardeau, Voltaire, &c. &c. The interiors of convents, and of lordly mansions, are exhibited with the same fidelity and spirit the Maréchale de Luxembourg and Madame de Boufflers, the arbitresses of fashion in their day-all the beauties and beaux esprits, and courtiers of the time, come out distinctly "in their habits as they lived." The côteries of Versailles, the Isle Adam, Villers Coterets, and the Palais Royal, are all described with a brilliancy and animation which could only have been caught from long and constant observation: the intrigues of courtiers, the manners of princes, and the secret springs of many curious events, are all laid open to the view. It would be wrong to omit noticing the beautiful and interesting account given by the authoress, of her childhood; or not to allude to the many striking and well-told anecdotes which, in the hands of an able author,

would furnish the theme of many a novel. To those who love reading for the solid information they receive from it, the Memoirs of Madame de Genlis will come recommended by the judicious observations on life, manners and morals, and by the ingenious and excellent remarks upon literature which are interspersed through them.

Though those acquainted with Parisian society know that Madame de Genlis is, even at this advanced stage of her life, as well qualified to write the Memoirs of her Times, as at any former period, it may be satisfactory to know that the work now publishing, was written long since, and that, as she herself states, she has only had to put together and arrange all the fragments of it. Madame de Genlis did not intend that her work should have been given to the world until after her death; but the large sum proffered by her booksellers (upwards of 50,000 fr.), induced her to change her resolution.

The newly discovered, and recently published, Edition of Shakspeare's Hamlet, is to be the next revival at Covent Garden Theatre, in the costume of the time, and with appropriate scenery, at least as far as they can be ascertained. Mr. Planché is employed, in conjunction with Mr. Kemble, on this Tragedy. Such is the newspaper report. We can scarcely, however, think it probable that a gentleman of Mr. Kemble's taste, reading, and feeling of Shakspeare's excellence, could be induced to bring forward a version of the play which, though differing somewhat in plot, is decidedly inferior to the recognized copy in the higher qualities of beautiful language and harmonious versification, merely because it is new.

Mr. JOHN GIBSON LOCKHART, the sonin-law of Sir Walter Scott, is engaged in preparing for the press an Edition of Shakspeare, with Notes.

The great fire in Edinburgh, it is stated, has retarded the publication of the Tales of the Crusaders. This we think not likely to be the true cause; for every body knows how easily three, or even thirty, volumes might have been printed since the period when the fire took place. Another reason, and a more probable one is, that the author himself is not satisfied with his undertaking; and intends making considerable alterations.

The Journal of an Exile, descriptive of the scenery and manners of some interesting parts of France, especially among the peasantry, in two volumes, is preparing for publication, and expected to appear in the early part of this month.

A gentleman of distinguished talent, long resident in Italy, is about to publish the result of his observations among the higher orders there, under the title of The English in Italy. The work is to extend to three volumes, and to be ready in April.

The historical and literary tour of a Foreigner in England and Scotland, with anecdotes of celebrated persons visited by the author, including most of the literati of both countries, in 2 vols. 8vo. is expected to appear speedily.

In the Press.-The Widow of the late Mr. JOHN BELL is about to publish his Observations on the Arts in Italy, made principally during his stay at Florence, illustrated with Engravings from his own Drawings. The excellence of the latter will easily be acknowledged by those who remember the admirable anatomical plates in his published works.

Mr. NICHOLS's Collection of "The Progresses, Processions, and Public Entertainments of King James the First," will contain (by the kind communications of numerous literary friends) many interesting particulars, never before published, of the King's welcome reception in various Corporation Towns, and of his Entertainment in the hospitable Mansions of the Nobility and Gentry whom he honoured by his visits. Complete copies are also reprinted of several Tracts of extreme rarity, not to be separately obtained, but at an enormous expense; amongst which are all the Masques at Court during the twenty-two years of that Pacific Monarch's Reign; including those performed by the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court, and as many of the London Pageants" of the period as can be met with. Illustrated by Historical, Topographical, Biographical, and Bibliographical Notes, collected during the Researches of not less than half a century.-This Work is printed uniformly with the "Progresses of Queen Elizabeth;" and will form three handsome Volumes, to be published periodically.

Shortly will be published Triumphs of Genius and Perseverance, by the Author of" Self-Advancement," "Practical Wisdom," &c. being the lives of men of science and literature, who have risen to eminence amidst extraordinary difficulties.

Mr. BLAQUIERE has in the press, a Narrative of his Second Visit to Greece, including facts and anecdotes relative to the last days of Lord Byron, with extracts from his correspondence with the Provisional Government, official documents, &c. Also, a Second Edition of "The Greek Revolution."