19-Lives of Men of Letters and Science, who flourished in the time of George III. By HENRY, LORD BROUGHAM, F. R. S., Member of the National Institute of France, and of the Royal Academy of Naples. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. In the variety of his acquisitions and the versatility of his powers, Lord Brougham may be properly regarded the most extraordinary individual of the present age. His efforts have been distinguished at the bar, on the bench, and in parliament; in general literature, in the sciences, and in the Critical Review; and we are now to add another volume of biography to the many which he has before given to the public. The present work embraces clear, condensed, and authoritative sketches of Johnson, Adam Smith, Lavoisier, Gibbon, Sir Joseph Banks, and D'Alembert. An interesting portion of the work is that which embraces a sketch of the life of Adam Smith, and his connection with the system of political economy. The series of brilliant articles which some time since appeared in the Edinburgh Review, from the pen of Lord Brougham, portraying the character of distinguished men, attracted much attention, in our own country, as well as in Europe, and the present work, although less wide in its range, and less rhetorical in its style, is stamped with the impression of the same master mind. We doubt not that it will be read with satisfaction, by those who desire to inform themselves upon the topics which it exhibits, and that it will meet with a wide circulation. 20.-Lives of the Kings of England, from the Norman Conquest; with Anecdotes of their Courts, now first published, from Official Records, and other Authentic Documents. By THOMAS Roscoe, Esq. Vol. I. 12mo., p. 299. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. The present volume is devoted exclusively to the Life of "William the Conqueror;" and, in its preparation, Mr. Roscoe has availed himself of every reliable source of information, embracing not only works of repute, but official documents of the British government; and not only has he explored the peculiarities of the individual disposition, character, and way of that king; studied the influence of external circumstances upon these; searched out the real motives of action; followed his hero into the privacy of domestic and social life, and drawn a picture alike of his virtues and his vices, his excellencies and his failings, his passions, propensities, and eccentricities-in short, every trait by which he is distinguished from the rest of mankind; but has traced the bearings and relations, with their causes and consequences, of the eventful epoch of the Norman conquest; blending them, as they were, with the life, character, and actions of the monarch and the man. The book is handsomely printed on fine paper, but is done up in paper covers-a poor economy for the purchaser, as the binding of a separate work costs nearly as much as the "complete book." 21.-Achievements of the Knights of Malta. By ALEXANDER SUTHERLAND, Esq., Author of the Tales of a Pilgrim, etc. In two volumes. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. The history of the Knights of Malta, who for seven centuries, as the author remarks, were regarded as the chief bulwarks of Christendom against the progress of the Mahomedan arms, will attract at tention at the present day, although we are often told that the age of chivalry has departed. The present volume appears to be a labored history, and the works of the Abbe Valot, Boisgelin, Knowles, Fuller, Hakluyt, Gibbon, Savary, Pococke, Froissart, Brydone, Mills, Hallam, and Sonnini, have been carefully consulted in its composition. The achievements of this renowned body of men, how much soever they may be opposed to the spirit of our own age, must be admitted to have been extraordi nary; and the crusades which cradled and fostered the institution, exhibit some of the most singular circumstances which are recorded in history. This order, it appears, was founded in 1099, and in 1800 its political extinction occurred. "The formalities of the order," says the author, are still maintained with some degree of splendor in the French capital, and it continues to enumerate a number of distinguished members. But the utter dilapidation of its revenues, and the total annihilation of its political influence, have reduced it to the situation of an obscure association-and such, as far as human foresight goes, it is destined to remain." The work is dedicated to "His Imperial Majesty Nicholas," who appears, together with his immediate predecessors, to have taken the order under his especial guardianship. 22.-Carey & Hart's Library for the People. No. 1.-History of the Bastile, and of its Principal Captives. By R. A. DAVENPORT. Complete in 1 vol., 18mo., pp. 350. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. It is the design of Carey & Hart to publish, under the above general title, a series of the best productions of the day, from the British press, in the several departments of standard literature. Popular histories, memoirs of eminent persons, voyages and travels, where such are found to possess sufficient interest and value, are to form the staple of this Library, although other works will be embraced in the range of selections. Fiction is, however, to be excluded, which we do not regret, as we are crowded with it already. Each work, (an important item of the plan,) it is stated, will appear in its integrity; the publishers refraining from making the sightest omission or alteration of the text. The size, style, and price of the volume, corresponds with "Wiley & Putnam's Library of Choice Reading" but it will not clash in the least with that series, as we judge from the twenty-three already announced by the publishers of the present volume. "The History of the Bastile" was originally published in Murray's "London Family Library." Its popularity in England is evidenced from the fact that it has been frequently reprinted. 93.-Wisconsin, its Geography and Topography, History, Geology, and Mineralogy, together with brief Sketches of its Natural History, Soil, Productions, Population, and Government. By J. A. LAPHAM. Milwaukie J. A. Hopkins. New York: Paine & Burgess. This is a very valuable compendium of the history, geography, and topography of the new and growing territory of Wisconsin. It was designed by the author, to furnish to the people who are rapidly scattering themselves over its plains and valleys, the information which would be found the most useful, regarding the face of the country, as well as its population and government. Although it has been but recently that the territory was first colonized, it has advanced with extraordinary progress, even for a new country, and possesses eminent advantages, not only in its position, but in its resources. We here have a body of general information respecting the territorial surface, history, antiquities, and political organization of the territory; and also, doubtless exact and minute details respecting each county. The work is illustrated by a well executed map of the southern part of the territory, that serves to give an additional value to the volume, which is, in all respects, timely and appropriate. 24.-Charles Picot's Series of French Lessons. Philadelphia: Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co. This is a series of six volumes, prepared for those who wish to study the French language. The first of them embraces the orthography and the pronunciation of the language; and these the author teaches by rules so simplified, that the learner will find them much less difficult subjects than they have been hitherto. The second is a concise, but comprehensive grammar. The others are readers, containing selections from the best French writers, in the various departments of literature and science. Their character is, in some measure, indicated by their names-Interesting Narrations, Historical Narrations, Scientific Narrations, and Fleurs Du Parnasse Francais. The author has made such a selection of pieces, that the student will become acquainted with the terms employed in the various departments of knowledge, and with the style of every distinguished French author. Mr. Picot is one of our most eminent teachers, and has devoted nearly a quarter of a century to the work of teaching his native language in this country. To those who are now studying, or who intend to study that language, the publication of these volumes is an important event. 25.-Wilmsen's Reader; from the German of Wilmsen's Children's Friend. Philadelphia: Thomas Cowperthwait & Co. This is a translation of one of the Prussian Readers, and it must be held in high esteem in that country, as the translation is made from the 150th edition. It commences by conveying morals by pleasing little stories, and gradually leads the learner onward through varions branches of knowledge in such a manner that he shall not only acquire facts, but also learn to reason clearly and cor rectly; and that he shall be conscious of the importance of his moral as well as of his intellectual nature. A child that would study this book somewhat thoroughly, would have advantages of no small importance over those who have arrived at maturity without receiving any more than ordinary instruction. It is chiefly intended as a school book, but is also well adapted for the family. The translator is Mr. William Wells, a teacher of modern languages. 26.-A Manual of Natural Philosophy, compiled from various sources, and designed as a Text-Book in High Schools and Academies. By JOHN JOHNSTON, A. M., Professor of Natural Science in the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Ct. Philadelphia: Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co. The principal feature of this work appears to be its clear and thorough explanation of every part of natural philosophy, as now taught by the most eminent professors. In the present day of change and improvement, there is no branch of learning more important; and the present volume seems admirably calculated to give those who study it a mastery of their subject. The name of Mr. Johnston, is favorably known among the scientific as the editor of the best edition of Turner's Chemistry. The present work does the author equal credit, and we hope will meet with equal success. 27.-Areytos; or. Songs of the South. By WILLIAM GILMORE SIMMS, author of "The Yemassee," "Confessions," etc. Charleston: John Russell. 28.-Grouped Thoughts and Scattered Fancies: a Collection of Sonnets. By the author of "Atalantis," "Southern Passages and Pictures," etc. Richmond, Va.: William Macfarlane. The author of these songs and sonnets is a true son of the warm and sunny South-a prolific writer, a poet, biographer and historian, and successful, too, in all. We have not the time or space, or capacity, to analyze the productions before us; and if we had, it would be out of place in our brief" book trade" notices. For sonnets, we have no great partiality; but we think these the most sensible that we have read for a long time. The songs, "inscribed to the young maidens of the South who have not yet survived that golden era in the happy season of the heart," are "not unworthy, in the delivery of their sentiment and allusion, of the best days of chivalry-such chivalry as was made honorable to all times, by the purity of knights like Sidney and Bayard." 29.-Tears on the Diadem; or, the Crown and the Cloister. A Tale of the White and Red Roses. By Mrs. ANNA H. DORSEY, authoress of "The Student of Blenheim Forest," &c. 18mo. pp. 223. New York: Edward Dunigan. Mrs. Dorsey, in this attractive little volume, blends historic facts with imaginary events of an interesting character, which must convince all who may read them, that "truth is stranger than fiction." 30-Memoirs of his own Time, with Reminiscences of the Men and Events of the Revolution. By ALEXANDER GRAYDON. Edited by JOHN STOCKTON LITTELL, Member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: Linsday & Blakeston. The volume whose title we have quoted contains an autobiographical account of the progress of the author from his early youth, as well as the various vicissitudes which he encountered during a long and active life. From the period which it embraces, involving a most important juncture of our political history, it is enriched with interesting sketches of events and persons with whom he was conversant, and which could hardly have been preserved unless in the familiar form of a diary. It also abounds with many judicious and solid remarks respecting the state of parties in the country at that period, and presents a faithful transcript of the life and opinions of the author. Entering upon manhood at the commencement of the American Revolution, and himself a witness of its progress and consequences, he seems to have delineated faithfully some of the most prominent features of that remarkable epoch, and has given us an interesting and valuable work. 31.-Sacred Philosophy of the Seasons, illustrating the Perfections of God, in the Phenomena of the Year. By the Rev. HENRY DUNCAN, D. D., Ruthwell. Summer. New York: Robert Carter. In the Merchants' Magazine for May, we had the pleasure of noticing the first of this excellent series on the seasons. It will be recollected that the volume referred to, in that notice, was devoted to "Spring." In this, the arguments for the Divine perfections, drawn from the works of Nature, entered into in the former, are continued. In this, as in the other volume, the author commences with a view of the various economical arrangements by which the season is distinguished, and rendered salutary; thence passing to the consideration of vegetable life; and thence again to that of the varieties, powers, and functions of animal life; keeping always in view the reference which everything evidently bears to the Rational Man, whom it has pleased the Absolute Being to place in this lower world; or, at all events, to subject to the operation of the senses. 32.-The Confessions of a Pretty Woman. By Miss PARDOE. Author of "The City of the Sultan," etc. Harper's Library of Select Novels, No. 84. 8vo., pp. 200. New York: Harper & Brothers. 33.-Chronicles of Clurnook, with some Account of Bellyfulle. By DOUGLAS JERROLD. 8vo., pp. 59. New York: Harper's Library of Select Novels, No. 83. 34-Facts and Important Information for Young Men on the subject of Masturbation; with its Causes, Prevention and Cure. 18mo., pp. 68. Boston: Bela Marsh. A little treatise highly recommended by eminent medical men, and moralists.] FALL SALES OF BOOKS, PAPER, &c. It affords us pleasure to state, that Messrs. James Ewing Cooley, John Keese, and Horatio Hill, have formed a connection in business for the purpose of conducting an annual trade sale of books, paper, stationery, stereotype plates, &c., and that their first sale is to take place in New York city, on Tuesday, August 18th, 1846. The long acquaintance and extensive business intercourse of these gentlemen with booksellers throughout the United States, and their eminent qualifications, derived from a large experience in every department of the trade, is a sufficient guaranty, that it will be conducted in the most satisfactory manner to all parties, If a large capital, untiring industry, intelligence and integrity, form any part of the elements of success, these gentlemen are quite sure to reap the reward of their present enterprise. ENLARGEMENT OF THIS MAGAZINE. With the present number we commence the FIFTEENTH semi-annual volume, and enter on the eighth year of the existence of the "Merchants' Magazine and Commercial Review." Encouraged by the steady support extended to our enterprise, we have determined on still further increasing the size of our Journal; and, as will be seen by referring to the folio of this page, the present contains one-sixth more than any number published for the last five years, and we may add, one-third more matter than any number issued during the first two years of publication. The Merchants' Magazine is now larger than any other five dollar periodical; and if we take into account the extra expense for the mechanical labor, to say nothing of preparing, statistical works, (nearly double the ordinary letter-press publications,) it is, we have no hesitation in affirming, the cheapest in this or any other country. By a continuance, however, of present support, and the addition of a large class of persons, whose knowledge would be extended, and whose interests promoted, we hope to be able still farther to increase the usefulness, and extend the influence of the Merchants' Magazine. |