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THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-The History of Silk, Cotton, Linen, Woo', and other Fibrous Substances; including Observations on Spinning, Dyeing, and Weaving, etc. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The time is fast approaching, when the pen of the historian will be turned from the record of gigantic crimes, and their consequent miseries, to the peaceful annals of the industrial arts, and the great scientific and moral movements by which the race are to be regenerated, and brought into harmony with God and his laws. We look forward with a confiding trust, to the period, when the sword shall be exchanged for the pruning knife, and the millions that inhabit the globe shall form a Godlike Unity. Then, in place of lofty spires and gilded domes, the arched heavens, lighted by the sun, and moon, and stars, shall become a fit temple of worship; and every heart shall express, with the lips and the life, the angelic announcement-glory to God in the highest, peace and good-will to man. Of the true history of mankind, only a few chapters have been written. The materials for supplying it have in good part perished in the lapse of time, or been trampled beneath the foot of the warhorse. But our author has made an effort to restore a portion of this history, and in this curious and instructive volume, he traces the progress of a few of those beneficent achievements of inventive genius, which minister to the personal convenience and comfort of mankind. The annals of silk, cotton, linen, wool, etc., and their manufacture from the earliest time, are here grouped into a systematic history, forming altogether a valuable specimen of the progressive literature of the 19th century. The work is copiously illustrated with well executed engravings.

2.-Biographical and Critical Miscellanies. By WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT, Author of "The History of Ferdinand and Isabella," "The Conquest of Mexico," etc. New York: Harper & Brothers. This volume, published in the same elegant taste as marks that of Mr. Prescott's histories, and which harmonises so admirably with the polish and finished character of his style and carefully pruned luxuriance of thought, embraces selections from his contributions to the North American Review. The modest excuse of the author for their fancied defects, expressed in his preface, is entirely unnecessary, for he only can perceive deficiencies in what, to all critics, must seem purely graceful and beautiful. The papers embodied in the volume are, "The Memoirs of Charles Brockden Brown, the American Novelist," critical essays upon "The Assylum for the Blind," "Irving's Conquest of Granada," "Cer vantes," "Sir Walter Scott," "Bancroft's United States," "Madame Calderon's Life in Mexico," "Maliere," "Italian Narrative Poetry," etc. An elegant portrait of the author enhances the value of a volume which should be considered one of the most priceless gems of American literature. 3.-The Life of Mozart, including his Correspondence. By EDWARD HOLMES, Author of a "Ramble among the Musicians of Germany." New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. With the exception of a short biographical sketch, translated from the French, this is the first and only monument, in our tongue, to the memory and genius of the great composer and musician. It contains, in addition to much of his interesting correspondence, and other papers, a detailed account of his life, adventures and rise as an artist, and a discriminating sketch of his character, the pecu liarities of which are happily illustrated by anecdotes. Many things of him, unknown even to his admirers, are here given to the world, and his biographer fully appreciating the artist, has yet, not like a flatterer, but with true independence spoken candidly of the faults of the man. It forms the fourth volume of the "Harper's New Miscellany."

4.-Aids to English Composition, prepared for Students of all Grades, embracing Specimens and Examples of School and College Exercises, and most of the Higher Departments of English Composition, both in Prose and Verse. By RICHARD GREEN PARKER, A. M. A new edition, with additions and improvements. New York: Harper & Brothers.

All who would perfect themselves in the art of composition by artificial methods, (a process to which we are not particularly partial,) will find this the best treatise yet published in our country. It embraces fuil and distinct rules, in addition to exercises from the most finished models and best authors, for practice, as well as much convenient information, not properly coming within the limits of the subject. It is sufficiently simplified for new beginners, and not wholly useless to those familiar with higher departments of English composition.

5.-The Vigil of Faith, and other Poems. By CHARLES FENNO HOFFMAN: 4th Edition. New York: Harper & Brothers

The characteristics of Mr. Hoffman's poetry seem to be a certain gracefulness, combined with a fanciful luxuriance; his songs are unsurpassed by any American poet in sentiment, metre and melody. Though finished, they have yet the marks of being produced without labor beyond the feeling and inspiration of the moment. Of his many fugitive productions, we have here collected, a delightful selection.

6.-The Raven, and other Poems. By EDGAR A. Poz. Library of American Books, No. VIII. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

This is the second volume of Mr. Poe's productions that have appeared in Wiley & Putnam's American Library. The characteristics of his poetry are a quick, subtle conception, and a severe taste of what is harmonious in expression. Exhibiting all the nervous, impatient marks of true genius, an unbridled playfulness of fancy, it is, while seemingly riding havoc in thought, metre and harmony, restrained throughout by a skilful rein, that guides sentiment and style by well defined rules. never allowing it to border upon the ridiculous, or ill judged sublimity. This union of the faculties of a critic and genius, making cultivation a second nature, and unconsciously governing the style, is a rare gift and power in a writer. The passion and sentiment are also original, while the style has a fragmentary character, like the architecture of the ruins of Chiapas, where frescoes, and rude, but beautiful workmanship, are scattered about in the wildest profusion. The Raven is rather a production of artistic cleverness than genius, while the poems that follow breathe such pure passion, and are embodied in such beautiful imagery, and the etherial speculations given with so much descriptive, thought-awakening power, that we regret Mr. Poe should do aught else than write poetry.

7.-Memoirs of Father Ripa, during Thirteen Year's Residence at the Court of Peking, in the service of the Emperor of China, with an Account of the Foundation of the College, for the Education of the Young Chinese, at Naples. Selected and translated from the Italian, by FORTUNATI PRAUDI. Wiley & Putnam's Foreign Library, No. 5. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

This book, published at Naples in 1832, narrates the early conversion of its author, his entry into the Church, and subsequent mission to China, as Catholic priest; residence in the Court of the Celestial Emperor, where, after years spent in good and useful acts, he returned to Italy, and founded a college for the education of Chinese youth, at Naples. Father Ripa died during the last year, as the writer states, in a description of the present condition of the college. The religious customs of the Chinese are rather dwelt upon than other national peculiarities, and the writer unwittingly exposes some Popish humbugs, which certainly enhance the interest of the book.

8.-Western Gleanings. By Mrs. C. M. KIRKLAND, author of a New Home." Library of American Books, No. VII. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

For the first time the ci devant " Mrs. Mary Clavers" comes before the public unmasked of her soubriquet, and gives us her healthy toned thoughts, and sketches of western life and society. Her" New Home", etc., has done much to idealize that section of the country. The secret of the success of this gifted writer has been the genial, pure and beautiful characteristics, temper and spirit exhibited, joined with a quick perception of whatever is remarkable in a character or a scene. Sentiment with her is seen only when regulated by good sense and taste, and then flowing out in sympathy with nature, or whatever is generous and noble. The "Land Fever," "Rustic Balls," "Bee-hunting," the "Rough Settler," "School-master and Village Belle," are described as they would appear to a cultivated and well balanced mind thrown among such scenes.

By LORD MAHON, in two parts. Wiley
New York: Wiley & Putnam.

9.-Life of Louis Prince of Conde. Surnamed the Great. & Putnam's Library of Choice Reading, No's. 34 and 35. The period in which the Great Prince of Conde gained one of the proudest titles as a warrior, is the most interesting of French annals previous to the revolution. It was that following the reign of Henry of Navarre, and full of national as well as of religious struggles. Lord Mahon has embodied the most striking incidents in this biography, which was first written in French, without a view to publication, and now translated under his own superintendence and revision. It has all the merits of a good history and biography, detailing the plans of the hero in addition to striking incidents in the lives of eminent persons at the time. The style is rather condensed, yet clear, and full of rare historical incidents. The character of Cardinal Mazarin is well drawn, and the work is as good a history of state diplomacy as of military men, and chivalric heroism.

10.-The Book of Christmas, descriptive of the Customs, Ceremonies, Traditions, Superstitions, Fun, Feeling, and Festivities of the Christmas Season. By THOMAS K. HERVEY. Library of Choice Reading, No. XXXVIII. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

This is designed not merely as a book of amusement for Christmas time, but of descriptive information, for those who are ignorant of the origin and meaning of those holy-day observances which all know how to keep; of the early history of the festival, and ancient ceremonies and traditions connected with it. The rare tales of the "olden tine," when wine and wassail reigned in "merrie England," and the beautiful sentiments called up by the associations which Irving has made familiar to us, and particularly the numerous facts of obscure points in her annals, will render it a pleasing companion to the firesides of those who venerate the past.

11-The Example of Washington Commended to the Young. By Rev. JOSEPH ALDEN, D. D. New York: M. W. Dodd.

This little volume makes no pretentions to a regular narrative of the life of Washington ; but rather sets forth those incidents which illustrate the prominent moral features of his character-the traits of a truly great man rather than the soldier. It is an exceedingly interesting and instructive volume.

12-Sketches of Modern Literature and Eminent Literary Men, (being a Gallery of Literary Portraits.) By GEORGE GILFILLAN. Reprinted entire from the London edition. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton.

The principal literary men of whom sketches are here given, are Hazzlit, Shelley, De Quincy, Carlyle, Prof. Wilson, Campbell, Brougham, Coleridge, Emerson, Wordsworth, Lamb, Keats, Macauley, and Southey. They contain the author's opinions of their literary works, rather than biographical accounts, though some personal incidents are given. Judging from a perusal of a few of them, we should say the author's literary faith was bordering on the transcendental, and yet they exhibit a general and comprehensive acquaintance with English literature. It will be perceived that a critical sketch is given of but one American writer-Ralph Waldo Emerson, who is much admired by the author. In this view, however, of the noted Emerson, he glances at the state of American literature, and briefly refers to Edwards, Dwight, Brockden Brown, Cooper, John Neal, Moses Stuart, Daniel Webster, and Channing, who he numbers as the great names in our intellectual heraldry.

13.-The Book of the Colonies; Comprising a History of the Colonies composing the United States, from the Discovery, in the Tenth Century, until the Commencement of the Revolutionary War. Compiled from the best authorities, by JOHN FROST, LL. D., author of the "Book of the Army," and "Book of the Navy." New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton.

In the present compilation, Dr. Frost has brought together, in a comprehensive and popular form, the leading events in the history of the colonies from the supposed discovery of the American continent by the Northmen, in the tenth century, to the breaking out of the revolutionary war. In connection with the Book of the Army and the Navy, prepared by the same gentleman, they form a review of the main current of history through the whole period of our colonial and national existence; while each of the volumes is a complete and distinct work, having its proper object and unity. 14.-Sermons preached in the Chapel of Rugby School, with an Address before Confirmation. By THOMAS ARNOLD, D. D., Head Monitor of Rugoy School, Author of "The History of Rome," Lectures on "Modern History," etc. New York: D. Appleton, & Co. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton. Although the thirty discourses contained in this volume were addressed to the pupils of the Rugby School, and, therefore, designed for that "description of readers," others will doubtless be edified by the impressive obligations of duty, both moral and religious, interspersed throughout the whole series. The author was probably the most successful and useful educator of the present century, and although an honored member of a very conservative branch of the "Church of England," he was an enlightened and earnest reformer, and, withal, possessed a truly philanthropic and Catholic spirit. 15.-The Book of Good Examples; Drawn from Authentic History and Biography; Designed to Illustrate the Beneficial Effects of Virtuous Conduct. By JOHN FROST, LL. D., author of the "Book of the Colonies,' "Book of the Army," and "Book of the Navy." New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: George S. Appleton.

This volume is composed of anecdotes of men and women, in all ages and nations, who have displayed in their lives noble or virtuous traits of character. Deeds of virtue are here rendered attractive, and we are scarcely acquainted with a volume that we could more conscientiously recommend to the young. It is replete with examples, applicable to almost every circumstance and condition of life.

16.-The Mass and Rubrics of the Roman Catholic Church. Translated into English. With Notes and Remarks, by Rev. JOHN ROGERSON COTTER, A. M., author of " Questions on St. Matthew and other Gospels." New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: George S. Appleton.

This, we believe, is the first English translation of the "entire mass, with its rubrics," of the Roman Catholic church. The translator is a Protestant, but it is believed that he has given a fair and impartial translation; and in his notes, he appears to have avoided all harsh and irritating language towards Catholic Christians.

17. The Attractions of the Cross; Designed to Illustrate the leading Truths, Obligations and Hopes of Christianity. By GARDINER SPRING, D. D. New York: M. W. Dodd.

Dr. Spring holds a high rank among the Calvinistic divines in this country; and in the present volume he discusses, explains and enforces the distinguishing features of the popular theology in a clear, bold and earnest manner. There are passages in the volume, that will be inviting to some even, who are not of the same theological school, or are not interested in the doctrines which the author desires to illustrate and enforce. It forms a thick duodecimo volume of more than four hundred pages. 18.-The Student of Blenheim Forest, or the Trials of a Convert. By Mrs. ANN H. DORSEY. Baltimore: J. Murphy.

Mrs. Dorsey's object, as stated in her preface, is to illustrate some of the difficulties which those who embrace or profess the Catholic religion may encounter in the world; and at the same time it exhibits a pattern of that constancy and fortitude which a Christian should exercise under trials and persecutions. She has woven into the narrative several doctrines and practices of the Catholic church, which she thinks are misunderstood by persons out of her communion. It is an elegant volume as regards paper, printing and binding, and highly creditable to the taste of our esteemed friend the publisher.

19.-The Complete Works of N. P. Willis. New York: J. S. Redfield, Clinton Hall. The publication of no volume can reflect more honor upon our literature than this. For the first time all Mr. Willis' works are before us in an elegant octavo volume, embellished with a fine portrait of the author, engraved for Graham's Magazine on steel, and dedicated to his editorial associate and friend General Morris. It contains all his prose works, viz: "Pencillings by the Way," "Letters from Under a Bridge," "High Life in Europe," "American Life," "Inklings of Adventure," "Loiterings of Travel," "Ephemera," the "Lecture on Fashion," with the "Sacred Poems," "Poems of Passion," "Miscellaneous Poems," " "Lady Jane," and his two plays of "Tortesa the Usurer," and "Bianci Visconti." Save the "Ephemera," none of them require comment, for they have given their writer a deathless fame, and laurels which need not the breath of his friends to keep fresh and green. The "Ephemera," containing selections of paragraphs contributed to the Mirror, have that peculiar finish and individuality, that gives a permanency to papers only intended to record passing daily events, which, since Addison, none have exhibited. Who, of Willis' " parish" of admirers, on both sides of the Atlantic, will not rejoice for his sake and their own, that his productions can be now read together, and the results of his brilliant imagination, his fine genius, his taste, humor, savoir faire in literature, society, in every thing where God has given his noblemen a field for high attempting, are here clustered like diamonds and gems richly set, whose brilliancy dazzles all, and wearies none. 20.-The Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, First American Edition Complete, with some Remarks on the Poetical Faculty and its Influence on Human Destiny, embracing a Biographical and Critical Notice. By G. G. FoSTER. New York: J. S. Redfield.

To speak of Shelley, or his poems--of his unlikeness to other poets, or other men-of his strange beauty in that loneness in which he stands-of his soaring genius mounting to the highest heaven, and in that fearful elevation fluttering and rejoicing at the dizziness, and anon descending into the abysses of our being, and bringing up the gold and jewels from the wrecks strewn there-sad, not that the world abused him, but that it was too far beneath him to deserve his teaching;-to dilate on these, would be, with our short limits. a mockery and profanation, and yet a luxury, which we leave to better pens and more fitting journals. Mr. Foster's admiration for Shelley's genius, is not an overwrought enthusiasm for his subject, but the earnest, genuine sympathy of a true man, with a kindred spirit. The critical portion exhibits a student's appreciation of their beauties; and, with the short notice of his life, this preface forms a rich interpreter of the treasures they usher us into, beyond. It is not out of place to commend the beautiful binding and pearly paper, with its clear, distinct print, (too small, perhaps,) for the volume richly deserves it.

21.-The Dream, and other Poems. By the Hon. Mrs. NORTON. Francis' Cabinet Library of Choice Prose and Poetry.

22-A Child of the Islands, a Poem. New York: C. S. Francis, & Co. These volumes, the first containing the recent miscellaneous poems of Mrs. Norton, and the second her poem written with reference to the young Prince of Wales, come to us in a very attractive form, Mrs. Norton's poetry has been much and justly admired for merits of its own partly, and partly perhaps from the interest connected with her personal sorrows and difficulties. The first named volume exhibits great versatility of poetical power, and the pieces most to be admired besides the "Dream," are the "Mother's Heart," "German Students' Love Song," "Twilight," and the "Dying Hour." The poem in the other volume, however, does, by far, the most credit to her genius and her heart. In that she makes the "Child of the Islands," a type of the fortunate class, and contrasts their brightness with the darkness of the lower; and the infant prince is made the subject, from his innocence, to foster a kindness of feeling between the higher and lower classes. The poem exhibits the philosophy and true sympathy of the author with the infirmities of human nature. It would be difficult to select works more appropriate, or better calculated to promote the high and holy aims of a true literature, than the volumes thus far embraced in the "Cabinet of Choice Prose and Poetry."

By the Hon. Mrs. NORTON. Francis' Cabinet Library, etc., etc.

23.-A Brief History of the Condition of Women, in Various Ages and Nations. By L. MARIA CHILD, author of "Philothea,' "The Mother's Book," "Letters from New York," "Flowers for Children," etc., etc. Revised and corrected by the author. In two volumes. Francis' Cabinet Library. New York: C. J. Francis.

The popular author of this work, does not exhibit, as she states in her short preface, an essay upon woman's rights, or a philosophical investigation of what ought to be her social relations; but she gives an accurate, and for the magnitude of the subject, somewhat detailed history of the condition of woman, commencing with the Jewish, and following it down through the Babylonian, Carian, Trojan, and Syrian, to our own age and country. In addition to the characteristics of a nation or class, she gives many individual instances, which are in themselves interesting in description, as well as concise and condensed. The book evinces much historical research, and embodies many important facts. It is a work that we can heartily commend, as one that should find a place in every family library.

24-Love's Token Flowers. By EMMA C. EMBURY. New York: J. C. Riker.

This handsome little volume contains the names of more than sixty of love's token flowers, each illustrated with an original poem of the gifted author, whose fancy has beautifully associated love and poetry with flowers; thus spiritualizing truth far more effectually than all the reasonings of sicence.

25-The History of the United States of North America. from the plantation of the British Provinces till their assumption of National Independence. By JAMES GRAHAM. L. L. D., in four volumes, second edition, enlarged and amended. Philadelphia: Lee and Blanchard, 1845.

We are indebted to Mr. Josiah Quincy for the republication of this invaluable addition to our historical literature, as well as for much information respecting its eminent writer. Its merits, as a history, could not be enumerated in a notice of such limits as our pages admit of, nor could we speak of the well known learning, talents or virtues of its author. For the latter, we must refer to his interesting memoir, by Mr. Quincy, which was published both separate from this work, and is also prefixed to it, compiled from his extended correspondence. The history is here published in four elegant octavo volumes, with a fine portrait of the author. How much we are indebted to him, as Americans, can only be learned by a perusal of it, regarded as it has been by such men as Judge Story, Jared Sparks, Judge Savage and William H. Prescott, the historian, as abounding in "laborious research and merit, and written in a faithful and elevated spirit." It is a work of standard value, and enduring interest, and should find a place in every public or private library in the country. We earnestly commend it to the notice of those who have the selection of works for our School District Libraries. 26.-Stable Talk. and Table Talk; or Spectacles for Young Sportsmen. By HARRY HIEOVER. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard.

This is a medley for the sportsman, furnishing rules for the training and curing of his horse, and also hints for his management on the turf, blended with broad anecdotes, jokes, and humour, which makes it just fitted to answer the purpose suggested by its title. The writer is evidently a sportsman in feeling, by nature and by cultivation, and writes for those sui generis. The wit is sometimes broad, but polish would be out of place in the scenes he describes. Still the author is nice in points of honor, and his beau ideal of a gentleman, though characteristic, not too low. The preface is one of the most sarcastic, pungent things, we have lately read; and the sporting world will welcome this addition to their literature, and give it all the

credit it deserves.

27.-The Snow Flake, for 1846. A Gift for Innocence and Beauty. Edited by T. S. Arthur. Philadelphia and New York: E. Ferrett & Co.

This is an almost faultless annual, and rarely surpassed in elegance of publication, or taste in choice of contents. The contributions are from some of our most popular writers, among whom we would mention the gifted editor, T. S. Arthur, George P. Morris, Henry P. Hirst, Fanny Forester, Mrs. Elizabeth Oakes Smith, Mrs. E. F. Ellet, etc., etc. The first is a translation from Kotzbue, of "The Quakers," the scene of which is laid in the American revolution, and the principal characters were General Howe, his suite, and three Quakers. It is interesting, from the scenes and author. There are several delightfully written tales, of which we have not room to enumerate the titles or names of their authors. They deserve the highest rank as short fictions, and are accompanied with many choice poetical contributions. The chief attractions of the volume are the beautifully executed engravings. The frontispiece, "Lady Helen," engraved by Robinson, is the most life-like, speaking countenance, we have ever seen from any artist. The title-page, and "Edith Bellenden," from the same engraver, are unsurpassable. The "Gleaner," by Heath, "The Smuggler's Boat" and "Crew," by Brandard, in fact, all of them are very fine specimens. Paper, gilding, and binding, are appropriate to such beauties of art and genius.

28.-Leaflets of Memory; an Annual for MDCCCXLVI. Edited by REYNELL COATES, M. D. Philadelphia: E. H. Butler & Co.

There is a substantial, rather than delicate richness, about the outward appearance of this annual. In addition to a few fine engravings, of which we could hardly speak in terms of too high commendation the title pages, etc., are illuminated--a rare mode of ornament, particularly in annuals. The contributions are chiefly from the pen of the editor, Dr. Coates, and Henry B. Hirst. They are principally tales of a light character, with the addition of two or three poems. Although the tales are rather lengthy than numerous, the volume is above the ordinary size of annuals, owing to the superior paper on which it is printed. It is, on the whole, the most desirable gift book of the season, emanating from the Philadelphia press, at least, that we have had an opportunity of examining. 29.—The Romish Church and Modern Society. Translated from the French of Prof. E. QUINET, of the College of France. Edited by C. EDWARDS LESTER. New York: Gates & Stedman. 30.-The Jesuits. Translated from the French of M. M. MICHELET, and QUINET, professors in the College of France. Edited by C. EDWARDS LESTER. New York: Gates & Stedman.

The first of these translations contains the lectures of Prof. Quinet, and the second is the joint labor of himself, and his well-known coadjutor, Prof. Michelet. Their purpose was to controvert the growing influence of the society of Jesuits, and, by the exposure of their plans, deceptions, and true spirit, as well as in what consisted the secret of the greatness of the Romish Church, they have given a powerful direction to public sentiment, and been one of the influences which have aided to drive the Jesuits from France to Italy. Nothing can be more encouraging to the progress of intellectual freedom, than the action of these men, and the spirit displayed in these volumes of true appreciation of Christianity, the historical research, and philosophical deductions which they embody, as well as the applicability of much of the advice to the Jesuitism of our land, should make them welcome to all.

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