THE BOOK TRADE.

1,-Noctes Ambrosianæ. By the late JOHN WILSON, Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh, Editor Blackwood's Magazine, author of the Isle of Palms, &c., and WM. MAGINN, LL. D, J. G. LOCKHART, JAMES HOGG, &c. With Memoirs and Notes. By R. SHELTON MACKENZIE, D. C. L., editor Shiel's "Sketches of the Irish Bar." 12mo., 5 vols., pp. 486, 432, 469, 468, 465. New York: J. S. Redfield.

This is beyond all question the most complete edition of the famous "Noctes Ambrosiana" of Blackwood, which contributed so largely to the reputation of that celebrated repository of conservative literature and politics. The biographies of Wilson, Lockhart, Hogg and Maginn, the accredited authors of these sparkling scintillations of genius, wit and humor, and the copious notes and illustrations, so necessary to a true understanding of the allusions with which the work is crowded, and the personal satire it contains, are features which lend a value and interest to the work they could not otherwise possess. These have been prepared by Dr. Mackenzie, one of the best names in English literature, in the most scholarly and satisfactory manner. The History of the Rise and Progress of Blackwood's Magazine, from the pen of Dr. Mackenzie, is very properly introduced in connection with the papers that formed so unique a feature of that work. The volumes are illustrated with first rate engravings of the distinguished writers of the "Noctes." Mr. Redfield, the liberal and enterprising publisher, has produced the work in a form and style that must commend it to every library gatherer in this country. It may and must be regarded as the only complete library edition of the work that has been or is likely to be published on this side the Atlantic.

2.- Woodcraft: or Hawks About the Dovecot. A Story of the South at the Close of the Revolution. By WILLIAM GILMORE SIMMS, Esq., author of "The Partisan's "Mellichampe," "Katharine Walton," "The Scout," "The Yemasse," "Guy Rivers," &c. 12mo., pp. 518. New York: J. S. Redfield.

The American people are greatly indebted to Mr. Redfield for producing in a substantial style a handsome library edition of the complete works of the most distinguished novelist of the "sunny South." The present story is one of a series connected with the events of the great American revolution. It was first published some years since, and has probably received the final revision of the author. Without making any comparison, we may be allowed to remark, that the historical and other romances of Mr. Simms are deserving of a high rank in our purely American literature. The South, nay, more, the American nation, may well be proud of possessing a novelist and poet so capable of illustrating their history.

3.-The Writings of Thomas Jefferson; being his Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and other Writings, Official and Private, published by order of the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library, from the Original Manuscripts deposited in the Department of State, with Explanatory Notes, Tables of Contents, and a Copious Index to each volume, as well as a General Index to the whole. By H. A. WASHINGTON. Vols. 3, 4 and 5, 8vo., pp. 599, 597 and 612. New York: Riker, Thorne & Co.

The third, fourth and fifth volumes of the present collection of the varied writings of Jefferson, include the letters written while in Europe, from 1784 to 1790, and the letters written after his return to the United States down to his death, in 1826. We have given in former numbers of the Merchants' Magazine, some account of the character of this great national work, and we repeat the title above as it gives a concise and comprehensive description of the contents of the volumes published. The complete writings of Jefferson should be read by all who desire to understand the history and philosophy of our free democratic institutions, and become familiar with the mind and character of their great exponent. The nine or ten volumes which will include the larger part of the most interesting and important writings of Mr. Jefferson, must be regarded as indispensable to every public library. We have ever regarded Mr. Jefferson, in his views and opinions, as far in advance of the statesmen of his time, and but comparatively few in our own day have attained so commanding an eminence in the science of popular government and democratic institutions.

4. A Compendium of the Theological and Spiritual Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg: being a Systematic and Orderly Epitome of all his Religious Works; selected from more than thirty volumes, and embracing all his Fundamental Principles, with copious Illustrations and Teachings. With an appropriate Introduction, prefaced by a Full Life of the author; with a brief view of all his Works on Science, Philosophy and Theology. 8vo., pp. 574. Boston: Crosby & Nichols. New York: Fowlers & Wells.

The contents and character of this large and handsome volume are concisely and comprehensively described in the title page, as above quoted. In its preparation Professor Bronson, who is understood to be compiler, brought to the labor an earnest devotion to the views and principles of the Swedish Seer, combined with a thorough knowledge of his voluminous writings, religious and philosophical, as well as good taste and sound judgment. The writings of Swedenborg are quite voluminous, and his spiritual works abound in repetitions; and it appears to be the object of Mr. B. in this collection to avoid these, and furnish the reader with a comprehensive compendium of the writings of a man, whom the compiler regards as "the most transcendent luminary that has ever yet shone upon the world." He was certainly one of the most extraordinary men that have ever lived. We acknowledge our obligations to Dr. Bronson for culling from the works of his author just what we, and nine-tenths of Swedenborg's readers, will be glad to possess. Swedenborg, in his day, divided the readers of his writings into five classes. The first, he said, neglected them entirely, because they are in another persuasion, or because they are in no faith. The second receive them as scientifics, or as objects of mere curiosity; the third receive them intellectually, and are in some measure pleased with them; the fourth in a persuasive manner; and the fifth, he concludes, receive them with delight, and confirm them in their lives. To these several classes we commend the present volume, and particularly to those who are in ignorance of the character of his remarkable writings on subjects of the deepest interest to the human race.

5.-The Rhyme and Reason of Country Life; or Selections from Fields Old and New. By the author of "Rural Hours," etc., etc. 8vo., pp. 428. New York: G. P Putnam & Co.

Miss Cooper, a daughter of the celebrated American novelist of that name, has evinced, in the preparation of this really unique volume, all the characteristics of a successful book-maker. Correct taste, sound judgment, with a full appreciation of "the good, the beautiful and the true," in country life, are displayed in every page of the present work. The selections here embodied relate to one subject only-but that comprehends a very wide sphere-that of rural life. She has explored its many dif ferent fields, old and new, and gathered and grouped all the variety from them that the most capacious spirit could desire. In it she has brought together, classified and arranged cleverly, many beautiful passages from the best writers, mingled with others interesting rather from their quaintness and oddity, or their antiquity. Not only have the poets of our own tongue in England and America, been laid under contribution for the reader's amusement, but translations from some dozen different languages have also been introduced.

6.-Martin Merrivale X his Mark. By PAUL CRAYTON. 12mo. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co. New York: J. C. Derby.

This story, after the manner of Dickens and other writers of the day, "is being" published in semi-monthly parts. The hero of the story, an ambitious youth from the country, who, coming poor and inexperienced to the city, attempts to earn a livelihood and win a name in literary pursuits. In tracing his varied fortunes the author gives us some amusing and characteristic sketches of life and society, with some clever touches of humor and satire. The previous writings of "Paul Crayton" have been extensively read and very generally admired. Many of his delineations would not detract from the fame of a Dickens.

7.-Letters from Rome, A. D. 138. By the author of " Clouds and Sunshine," "Spiritual Visitors," etc. 12mo., pp. 239. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

This we take it is an imaginary correspondence between distinguished Romans. The volume contains twenty letters from Marcus Sextorius to Lucius Virginius, Marcellina to Octavia, Publius to Caius, Julia to Valeria, and others. The author's epistolary style is easy and graceful, and the series of letters may serve as a suggestive model for friendly and familiar correspondence.

8.-The Parables of the New Testament Practically Unfolded. By Rev. WILLIAM BACON STEVENS, D. D., Rector of St. Andrews, Philadelphia. Elegantly Illustrated. Royal 8vo., pp. 326. Philadelphia: E. H. Butler.

The parable has ever been regarded as one of the most agreeable and attractive methods of conveying to the mind the salutary lessons of wisdom and truth. It conveys the latter in a less offensive or more engaging form than that of direct assertion. In using parables as the Media of instruction, the Great Teacher of the New Testament conformed to the usage of all preceding ages, and to the constitution of the human mind. The design of the volume before us, as its title indicates, is a practical unfolding of the impressive parables of Christ, as we find them recorded in the writings of the Apostles. The author does not give the explanations of various writers, nor store up in his pages the treasures of exegetical criticism, as such a plan would have made his work less acceptable to the popular mind, which he specially aims to reach, enlighten, and expand. The publisher, aided by the artist, has produced a book of great beauty, fitly designed as a gift for the approaching Christmas and New Year. It has, however, a perennial value, and like the parables it illustrates, will stand the test of time.

9.—Elocution; or Mental and Vocal Philosophy: embracing the Principles of Reading and Speaking, and designed for the Development and Cultivation of both Body and Mind, in accordanee with the Nature, Uses, and Destiny of Man, etc., etc. By Professor C. P. BRONSON, A. M., M. D. 8vo., pp. 384. Boston: Otis Clapp and Crosby, Nichols & Co.

This volume contains all that its title indicates, and forms altogether one of the most unique and instructive works of the kind we have ever seen. It is not a mere dry treatise on the elementary principles of elocution; it is a treatise on elocution, and in our judgment a good one; but it is more-it embodies a fund of information, wisdom and philosophy, the earnest study of which cannot well fail of enlarging the mind, and elevating its moral and mental faculties. Some idea of its contents may be learned, when we state that the volume contains near three hundred choice anecdotes; three thousand oratorical and poetical readings; five thousand proverbs, maxims, and laconics, and several hundred engravings. The present edition (the fortieth thousand) has been revised and corrected, with large additions, embracing original and selected dialogues and speeches. It is just such a book as we desire to see widely circulated among the young men of America.

10.—A Journey to Central Africa: or Life and Landscape from Egypt to the Negro Kingdoms of the White Nile. By BAYARD TAYLOR. With a Map and Illustrations by the author. 12mo., pp. 522. New York: George P. Putnam & Co.

Books of travel are as "plenty as blackberries," to use an old saw, which is not always correct, unless indeed, "the exception proves the rule." Mr. Taylor, in choosing fresh fields, and paths which few had trodden before him, evinced his usual good sense and sound judgment. Those, however, who have read his other books of travel, would scarcely need a recommendation to induce them to take up anything from his graphic pen. His pure and beautiful style, and his ready perception of whatever is interesting in "life" or pleasing in " landscape," gives a value to whatever path he attempts to portray. The present volume is not wanting in the characteristics that constitute the readable and the agreeable traveler. It is a model in its way, and as such we commend it to all who would be amused and instructed at the same time. 11.-Poems. By THOMAS WILLIAM PARSONS. Boston: Ticknor & Fields.

Dr. Parsons evinces much true poetic power and imaginative faculties of a high order. There is classic beauty in some of his productions. His style at times, has been likened to Milton, yet he has originality. This volume contains some fifty pieces on varied subjects, grave and gay; one on the death of Daniel Webster, and the Hudson River, are fine productions. Several addresses written for theatrical inaugurations are included in the collection. The poets of America have in this author one of their most brilliant stars.

12.-Uncle Jerry's Letters to Young Mothers. Compiled by ANNA E. PORTER. 18mo., pp. 144. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

This book contains some useful hints on the physical, moral, and intellectual training of children, the necessity of a personal supervision, and other subjects interesting to mothers.

13.-Ornaments of Memory; or Beauties of History, Romance and Poetry. With Eighteen Engravings, from Original Designs. 4to., pp. 189. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

Historical events, embellished with the best efforts of the novelist's art, it is well remarked, have long been a favorite study with the lovers of polished literature. We treasure up passages of our favorite authors, and remember and dwell upon them with pleasure. Taking advantage of this taste, or passion, the editor of the volume before us has given what may be esteemed the "Ornaments of Memory," richly illustrated with choice gems of history, romance and poetry, and embellished with eighteen fine engravings on steel, drawn from some of the best specimens of the painter's art, and which may well challenge comparison with any which have ever been executed. Among the engraved illustrations we notice faithful copies from the paintings of Cole, Leutze, Durand, Ranney, Hinckley, and other American artists of merit. On the whole the volume embodies some of the purest productions of the pen, with plates from paintings of a high order of artistic skill. It is a fitting" ornament" of ory," and well may grace the center table of every "family circle" in which culture, taste, refinement, and a love of the beautiful predominate.

"mem

14.-The Meaning of Words: analyzed into Words and Verbal Things, and Unverbal Things classified into Intellections, Sensations, and Emotions. By A. B. JOHNSON, author of a "Treatise on Banking." "Religion in its Relations to the Present Life," etc., etc. 12mo., pp. 256. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

It is out of the question, in the little space allotted to our “book-trade" notices, to give our readers anything like an adequate idea of the contents or character of this volume, and we should do the author great injustice were we to make the attempt. Mr. Johnson possesses an eminently sound, acute, philosophical, and analytical mind, and is very clever in the treatment of every subject he attempts to discuss. His style is terse, vigorous, and original. These characteristics of mind and manner mark every page and paragraph of the present work. We trust, however, the reader of this notice will not take our word in the matter, but examine for himself, as we feel quite sure he will add much to his store of information by so doing; that is, if he have any taste for the study of "words," which Mr. J. has so ingeniously "analyzed" into " unverbal things," &c. The importance of the treatise will be apparent to all who agree with Blair, who truly says, that in learning to arrange words correctly, we are learning to think correctly.

15.-Jerusalem and its Vicinity; A Series of Familiar Lectures on the Sacred Locali ties connected with the Week before the Resurrection. By W. H. ODENHEIMER, M. A., Rector of St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia. 12mo., pp. 218. Philadelphia: E. H. Butler & Co.

Six lectures connected with the week before the resurrection as observed in the Episcopal and Catholic Churches. The author follows the plan of the Gospels. Without following the chronological arrangement of events selected for each day, he conveys in a systematic form what he conceives to be appropriate spiritual instruction, as well as topographical information, connecting his references to "Storied scenes, and haunts of sacred lore." He has visited the places in "Holy Land" he so gracefully describes. The volume is charmingly illustrated with appropriate engravings, and forms altogether a beautiful gift book for the approaching Christmas, or any other season of the year. It possesses a perennial value and interest.

16.-The Pastor's Wedding Gift. By Wм. M. THAYER, author of "Hints for the Household," "Spots in our Hearts of Charity." 18mo., pp. 108. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

This is a pretty little gift-book, beautifully printed on fine paper, and will do very well for a present from clergymen to married couples. It contains advice to the married, and several poems of some merit on "Love," "Hope," and "Broken Ties;" also the Bachelor's Soliloquy," &c.

17.-Reginald Lyle. By Miss PARDOE, author of "The Life of Marie de Medicis," "Louis the Fourteenth and the Court of France," "Confessions of a Pretty Woman," &c. 12mo., pp. 342. New York: Burgess & Day,

The novels of Miss Pardoe have had numerous readers. Her descriptive and narrative powers are of a high order; and those who have read one of her books, will be very apt to read more.

18.-Biography of the Rev. Hosea Ballou. By his Youngest Son, MATURIN M. BALLOU, 12mo., pp. 404. Boston: Abel Tompkins.

Mr. Ballou was one of the earliest in Boston to preach the doctrine of Universal Salvation. We heard him twenty-five or thirty years ago, when we were a mere boy, and although we have not from that time to his death, we are glad to possess these memorials of his life and character. The biography, a simple and apparently faithful narrative of facts, is a beautiful tribute of filial affection-a tribute worthily paid by the scholarly author to the father who instilled into his mind the love of learning. The author aims to illustrate "the harmony of a Christian character, the daily beauty of whose life accorded with that of his public career; through whose existence religion ran like a silver thread, linking all its component parts together." The unprejudiced and liberal of every sect may read the book with equal pleasure and profit. 19.-Famous Persons and Places. By N. P. WILLIS. 12mo., pp. 492. New York: Charles Scribner.

No writer of the present day so gracefully and so graphically portrays persons and places as the author of these sketches of scenes and society. In the "whim of the hour," its manners, fashions, and those ephemeral trifles, which constitute, in a great measure, the" form and pressure" of all that is noteworthy in this moving, living world, Mr. Willis excels all his cotemporaries, and, to the "best of our knowledge and belief," all his predecessors. His genius, taste, discrimination, truthfulness, and philosophy, (and he has an abundance of the last, as well as the first-named quality,) permeate every page and paragraph of his polished pen. Every editorial in the "Home Journal" is well worth preserving, and will form in all time, part and parcel of the literature of the nineteenth century.

20.-Fruits and Farinacea the Proper Food of Man; being an Attempt to Prove from History, Anatomy, Physiology and Chemistry, that the Original, Natural, and Best Diet of Man is derived from the Vegetable Kingdom. By JOHN SMITH. With Notes and Illustrations. By R. T. TRALL, M. D. From the second London edition. 12mo., pp. 314. New York: Fowlers & Wells.

The design of this work is concisely stated in the title quoted above. The views advocated differ widely from the various writers of the past on dietetics, and are at variance with the habits and customs of society. It is nevertheless an interesting and suggestive treatise, evincing considerable research, and pleasurable, to say the least, arguments. As a compendium of the evidences and reasonings on the whole subject of diet, it is as full and complete as the number of pages into which it is compressed will permit.

21.-The Evidences of Christianity, as exhibited in the Writings of its Apologists down to Augustine. Hulsean Prize Essay. By W. J. BOLTON, Professor in Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. 12mo., pp. 302. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. The work before us received the Hulsean prize in England in 1852-a prize conferred annually for many years, and originally established by a legacy from the Rev. John Hulse, of Elsworth, in 1777. The essay is divided into six " arguments." These are drawn from antecedent probability, from antiquity, prophecy, miracles, superior morality, the reasonableness of the doctrine, and finally from the success of the gospel. The work displays research and learning, and will, no doubt, be acceptable to those who require other evidence than their own consciousness of the truth and excellence of Christianity.

22.--Sister Agnes; or the Captive Nun. A Picture of Convent Life. By a Clergyman's Widow, author of " The Orphan's Friend," "The Widow's Friend," &c. 12mo. pp. 412. New York: Riker, Thorne & Co.

This tale, by an English lady, contains what purports to be an exposition of Jesuitism and of nunneries unveiled, and is written in the desire of inducing persons to pause before entering such places, and of adding an impetus to the movement in England for obtaining an efficient inspection and control of British nunneries.

23.-Tender Grass for Little Lambs. By Rev. CORNELIUS WINTER BOLTON. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.

Six stories of a religious character, as will be inferred from the titles, viz.: 1, Temptation; 2, Redemption; 3, Repentance; 4, Faith; 5, the Song of the Angels; 6, the Resurrection of the Body.