Godey's Lady's Book

Philadelphia: Carey & Hart.

This volume is a good counterpart to the Greek Reader of Professor Anthon, noticed in our May No. We are glad to see that authors are complying with the wants of the people, and giving us an opportunity of gaining a little more knowledge of works hitherto inaccessible, by putting them in a cheaper form, and especially by giving us such convenient abridgments as this. And yet it is not an abridgment in the orthodox sense of the word, i. e. a work cut up, and cut down, and twisted, and compressed out of all proportion, but a number of extracts made with good taste, and forming a complete treatise of rhetoric.

research, Mr. Walter has collected from a great variety of Alden's Quintilian! Boston: Marsh, Capen, Lyon & Webb. sources, the satisfactory materials from which a Journal of the twenty years' captivity of the far-famed Scottish Queen has been constructed. "It is thought," says the author, "that one of the principal sources of satisfaction to the reader of these volumes, will be found in the materials of which they are composed. The facts of the remarkable drama exhibited in these pages, are, in a great measure, narrated by the actors themselves, who bespeak credit by the very absence of any thing artificial in the narrative. In the letters and journals of which we have largely availed ourselves, is exhibited a faithful picture of the every-day life of an interesting period of English history. The portraits are not sketched in outline; all the details are filled up. It is thus that the reader becomes, as it were, a contemporary with the actors in the scene; their modes of life, their manners, and very features are before him: he converses with them with familiarity and unreserve. To use the language of a lively writer, "It is not fanciful to say, that we often know more about our ancestors, than they themselves knew. Many a secret for them, is none for us. The letter which was prayed to be thrown into the flames, when read, we hold in our hands; the cabinet conversation, unheard but by two great statesmen, we can listen to. They viewed the man in his occasional relations; we scrutinize into his entire life. They marked the beginning of actions, but we the end.""

One of the great attractions of these volumes, are the letters of Mary herself, which are full of vigour and warm with feeling. They place her character in a new point of view, and enable us to trace the real motives of many of her actions, which have been misrepresented and discoloured, sometimes for the worst of purposes. The reader will not fail to be touched with the following burst of feeling in one of her letters to Elizabeth.

"The Queen of Scots to Queen Elizabeth. "MADAME,-The late conspiracies in Scotland against my poor child, and my fears for the consequence, grounded on my self-experience, call upon me to employ the remainder of my life and strength, fully to discharge my heart of my just complaints, which I do in the present letter. I trust that as long as you survive me, it may serve as an eternal testimony, and be engraven on your conscience, as well for my acquittance to posterity, as for the shame and confusion of all those, who, under your connivance, have up to this hour so cruelly and unworthily treated me, and reduced me to the extremity in which I am. But as their designs and practices, detestable as they are, have always prevailed against my just remonstrances and honest deportment; and as the power which you have in your hands has always been your justification in the eyes of men, I will have recourse to the living God, our only judge, who, under Him, has established us equally and immediately for the government of his people. I will invoke Him in the extremity of this my pressing affliction, to render to you and to myself (as He will do in the last judgment) the due of our merits and demerits one towards the other. And remember, Madame, that from Him we can disguise nothing by the paint and policy of the world; though my enemies, under you, have been able, for a time, to cover from the eyes of men, peradventure from your own, their subtle inventions. In His name, and as it were before Him, seated between you and myself, I would remind you, that by means of the agents, spies, and secret messengers, sent in your name into Scotland, while I was there, my subjects were corrupted and encouraged to rebel against me, to make attempts against my person; in a word, to speak, undertake, and execute all that led to the troubles which have befallen my country.

"And now, Madame, with all that freedom of speech, which I foresee may in some sort offend you, though it be nought but the truth; you will, I doubt not, find it more strange that I now come to you with a request of far greater importance, and yet very easy for you to grant me. It is, that, not having been able hitherto, by accommodating myself patiently for so long a time to the rigorous treatment of this captivity, and my carrying myself in all respects, even the least that regard you, to obtain any assurance of your good favour, or give you thereby some earnest of my entire affection towards you; and every hope being taken away of better treatment for the short time that is still left me to live, I supplicate you by the bitter passion of our Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, to allow me to withdraw out of this realm into some place of repose; to seek out some comfort for my poor body, worn out as it is by continual sorrow; and with liberty of conscience to prepare my soul for God, who is daily calling me to Himself."

We were sorry to see that the editor could not find place for a portion of the noble criticism of Latin authors-the gem of the work;-but it would perhaps have made the volume less compact, and less appropriate, as coming from a Professor of Rhetoric, in the pretty college of Williamstown now too little known.

The text is neatly printed, and the pages numbered along the margin, so as to make the book well-adapted for recitations. It is got out altogether in the neat style for which its publishers are deservedly celebrated.

The Ursuline Manuel, a collection of Prayers, Spiritual Exercises, &c., interspersed with the various Instructions necessary for the forming of Youth to the practice of solid piety. New York: Edward Dunigan. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. This work was originally prepared for the use of the young ladies educated at the Ursuline convents.-It has lately been revised by Rt. Rev. Dr. Hughes-and this is the first edition published in America, The preface is an admirably written paper, and may be read with advantage by Christians of all religious sects. There is a spirit of liberality in the views on education which we are glad to see.-If these views are carried out, there need be no danger apprehended from the spread of the catholic religion. That it was the true faith all will concede; let us hope and pray that what of error has been fostered in the dark ages may be done away, and that it may be restored to its original purity. The work is beautifully printed.

Charles O'Malley, the Irish Dragoon, by Harry Lorrequer, with Illustrations, by Phiz. Nos. 9, 10, 11, and 12. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart.

This series of graphic, humorous, and dashing sketches, is marked the previous numbers; in fact the spirit of the story continued without any diminution of the fun and frolic which seems to increase in interest; and the fund of incidents to promise inexhaustible variety. There is fun alive in the Pic nic party in the beautiful vale of Llanberris. And then the idea of the free and easy system' as practised in Jamaica. "Talk of West India slavery indeed! It's the only land of liberty," exclaims the joyous Mousoon. "There is nothing to compare with the perfect free-and-easy, divil-may-carekind-of-a-take-yourself way that every one has there. If it would be any peculiar comfort for you to sit in the saddle of mutton, and put your legs in a soup tureen at dinner, there would be found very few to object to it. There is no nonsense of any kind about etiquette." O'Malley's account of his adventure in Lisbon is admirable. And then the felicitous contrasts with which this story abounds. Take a sample of a moonlight scene on the borders of the Tagus.

"It was a rich moonlight night, as I found myself in the street. My way, which led along the banks of the Tagus, was almost as light as in daytime, and crowded with walking parties, who sauntered carelessly along, in the enjoyment of the cool refreshing night air. On inquiring, I discovered that the Rua Nuova was at the extremity of the city; but as the road led along by the river, I did not regret the distance, but walked on with increasing pleasure at the charms of so heavenly a climate and country.

After three quarters of an hour's walk, the streets became by degrees less and less crowded. A solitary party passed me now and then; the buzz of distant voices succeeded to the gay laughter and merry tones of the passing groups, and, at length, my own footsteps alone awoke the echoes along the deserted pathway. I stopped every now and then to gaze upon the tranquil river, whose eddies were circling in the

pale silver of the moonlight. I listened with attentive ear, as the night breeze wafted to me the far-off sounds of a guitar, and the deep tones of some lover's serenade; while again the tender warbling of the nightingale came borne across the stream, on a wind rich with the odour of the orange-tree.

views and very interesting letter press. A better Christmas gift for a young Miss or Master cannot be found.

not the extensive list then we have now.

The Young Prima Donna. Lea & Blanchard, Philadelphia As thus I lingered on my way, the time stole on; and it was near midnight ere I roused myself from the reverie surround- The best story with this title was published in the Lady's ing objects had thrown about me. I stopped suddenly, and Book in 1834. It was written by Alexander Dimitry, A. M., for some minutes I struggled with myself to discover if I was now of Washington city. Let those who have files of the really awake. As I walked along, lost in my reflections, I had entered a little garden beside the river; fragrant plants Book refer to it. This same story was copied into an English and lovely flowers bloomed on every side; the orange, the magazine, translated into French, and retranslated into Engcamelia, the cactus, and the rich laurel of Portugal were lish, and travelled extensively through this country, nobody blending their green and golden hues around me, while the recognizing its first appearance in the Book. Certes, we had very air was filled with delicious music. "Was it a dream, could such ecstasy be real?" I asked myself, as the rich notes swelled upwards, in their strength, and sunk in soft cadence to tones of melting harmony, now bursting forth in the full force of gladness, the voices blended together in one stream of mellow music, and suddenly ceasing, the soft but thrilling shake of a female voice rose upon the air, and its plaintive beauty stirred the very heart. The proud tramp of martial music succeeded to the low wailing cry of agony; then came the crash of battle, the clang of steel; the thunder of the fight rolled on in all its majesty, increasing in its maddening excitement till it ended in one loud shout of victory.

The present publication is one of feeling, as may be imagined from the plan of the novel, that of forcing a young girl to adopt stage singing for a profession. Mrs Grey has managed her story well, and has succeeded in giving to the public a work full of beauty and interest.

Harry Lorrecquer. Carey & Hart, Philadelphia.
Since our last, a new edition of this work has been put to
press. It is the concrete essence, the portable edition of all
Irish whim and waggery.

All was still; not a breath moved, not a leaf stirred, and again was I relapsing into my dreamy skepticism, when again the notes swelled upwards in concert. But now their accents were changed, and, in low, subdued tones, faintly and slowly uttered, the prayer of thanksgiving rose to heaven, and spoke their gratefulness. I almost fell upon my knees, and already Ten Thousand a Year: by the author of Diary of a Physician. the tears filled my eyes, as I drank in the sounds. My heart was full to bursting, and, even now as I write it, my pulse throbs as I remember the hymn of the Abencerrages."

To sum up all in a word-Charles O'Malley is decidedly the lion of the season.

Three Voyages for the Discovery of a Northwest Passage, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and narrative of an attempt to reach the North Pole. By Sir W. E. Parry, Capt. R. N., F.R.S., in two volumes, forming 107 & 108 of Harper's Family Library. New York: Harper & Brothers. Carey & Hart, Philadelphia.

The two volumes here presented to the public, are of peculiar interest. They narrate a noble and daring attempt to

extend the boundaries of science and of that civilization

which follows in its train. Five voyages were made by that distinguished navigator, Capt. Parry, under the sanction of the British government, in search of a passage from the eastern to the western side of the American Continent, through the Arctic Ocean. The official report of these voyages has been published, and fills several expensive volumes. The present is an uninterrupted narrative of these voyages, in Capt. Parry's own words, but divested of the official form, and com. pressed into the present neat and commodious volumes, by an omission of all such details as were not inviting to the general reader, whose attention is thus kept on the alert by a rapid succession of striking incidents. The task appears to have been judiciously executed, and the enterprising publishers deserve the thanks of the public for this valuable accession to geographic as well as general knowledge.

The Maryland Medical and Surgical Journal, and official
organ of the medical department of the Army and Navy
of the United States. Baltimore: John Murphy.
This journal is very handsomely brought out, and is oc
casionally embellished with engravings, wood-cuts and por.
traits. Besides professional papers from some of the most in-
fluential numbers of the profession, the work is enriched with
biographical sketches, and occasional papers on art and science.
In the present number, for instance, there are two practical
articles on the Daguerreotype process. We doubt not that
this journal will advance the interests of more than one im-
portant branch of science.

Two Hundred Pictorial Illustrations of the Holy Bible, etc.
Robert Sears, 122, Nassau street, New York. Carey & Hart,
Philadelphia.

This book, as its title imports, contains two hundred illus trations from the Bible, beautifully executed. The landscape scenes are from original sketches taken on the spot. We humbly recommend this work as one containing beautiful

Carey & Hart, Philadelphia.

The third volume of this work has made its appearance, and the author appears to warm with his subject. Tittlebat has taken possession, and a splendid set out it was. A literary lady of New York, pronounced this decidedly the best book of the season.

Number 13 of Master Humphrey's Clock has struck. Messrs. Lea & Blanchard say that the demand for it increases with every number.

The Gentlemen's Magazine has been purchased by Mr. Graham, the enterprising proprietor of the Casket. It will hereafter be published in conjunction with that Magazine, with punctuality on the first day of each month-success to the joint concern.

CHIT CHAT OF FASHIONS.

Two figures of our fashions this month, are Ball Dresses, viz. Nos. 3 and 4. No. 2, is a Bride's dress, and No. 1 a dress suitable for evening visits. We give these as there is but little change in the fashions during the winter months.

Cloth dresses, it is said, will be introduced this winter, made up to the throat, with three rows of buttons down the front, and the sleeves cut like those of a man's coat. A small round cambric collar double, not two collars, but the two sides of the one stitched together and made very stiff, with or without a narrow Valenciennes round, will be worn with those dresses.

HATS.-A slight change has taken place in the hats; they are perfectly flat upon the top of the head, and sit much closer to the sides of the face, consequently they do not rub the hair off the top of the head as much as they have been doing lately.

In jewellery there is nothing so recherche at present as coral, a necklace of camios of cut coral united by fine gold chain work, more valued just now than perhaps any precious stone. Diamonds, of course, keep precedence of all.

TORTOISE SHELL COMBS.-This is an old fashion revived, and one that promises to become very general. We mean the combs with very high galleries or heads, which were so much in vogue in the time of our grandmammas; they are of the same form as those employed at the court of Napoleon in its early days; they were then ornamented with precious stones of all kinds; those now coming into use are set with gold, cameos, or coral, and the last appears decidedly the most in favour.

SPLENDID DRESSES.

The Duchess of Kent, who was present at her Majesty's speech, wore a dress of white satin, embroidered with gold, a bandeau of diamonds, and a plume of ostrich feathers. The

Queen of the Belgians wore a magnificent robe of white flow. ered satin, richly trimmed with lace, a plume of ostrich fea. thers, and a profusion of diamonds.

Her Majesty wore a robe of white satin, richly trimmed with lace, and fastened in front with gold cord and tassels; a stomacher, necklace, ear rings, and a tiara of brilliants.

A correspondent of the Enquirer and Courier of this city, mentions a new fabric for curtains and other draperies. The rich damask pattern is woven in glass and silk-producing a dazzling effect-beyond silver or gold in richness of display.

VELVET SPENSERS.-Some have the sleeves demi large, with the fullness confined, both at bottom and top, in longitudinal folds by fancy silk trimmings and buttons. Others, and these last are very novel, have the sleeve of the bishop form, but of a very moderate size, and the upper part tight to the arm, and ornamented with velvet disposed in a kind of corkscrew roll, and intermingled with tassels.

BALL DRESSES.-The most elegant full dresses are of satin, with a corsage a pointe; an open skirt, and a rich white brocade as a petticoat. The dancing dresses are of crape, looped up, and trimmed with flowers.

BONNETS.-Velvet bonnets still retain their vogue, their number increases every day, satin ones are also being adopted, that is to say, pale pink or white ones; the latter have the exterior trimmed with white marabouts, shaded with green, and the interior decorated in a very light style with a mixture

of tulle and green velvet foliage. Pink bonnets have the crown decorated with a wreath of exotics, formed of velvet; the interior of the brim is decorated at the sides with blond lace intermingled with very small coques of velvet.

ANNOUNCEMENT.

The publisher respectfully informs the subscribers to "The Book," that the same style of Engravings will be used during the year 1841. It also gives him pleasure to state, that Miss Leslie will contribute to every number during the year. This, in addition to the already great array of talent, will enable the Book to maintain its proud superiority.

We require a regular notice to stop the Book-returning a number is not legal-the Post Masters will always give us notice if requested. We hope after this that no subscriber will receive the January number who does not intend to con⚫ tinue through the year. The person whose name is registered on our book, is always considered liable for the subscription.

Exchange papers in noticing the embellishments in the va rious magazines should make a distinction between those engraved expressly for a work and second hand plates. We give two engravings in each number from steel plates engraved expressly for the Book.