6. The Poetry and History of Wyoming: containing Campbell's Gertrude, with a biographical sketch of the author. By WASHINGTON IRVING. And the History of Wyoming, from its discovery to the beginning of the present century. By WILLIAM L. STONE. New York and London: Wiley & Putnam. 12mo. pp. 324. 1841.

The beautiful valley of Wyoming is probably more distinguished than any other portion of the state of Pennsylvania, by the historic circumstances of which it has been made the theatre, and the literary genius that has painted them. The poem of Campbell, so pure in style, and so delicately colored, has thrown around this spot a hue of romance which has caused it to be regarded with the deepest interest both at home and abroad; and this brief history from the pen of Col. STONE, who was peculiarly fitted for the task, from the circumstance that he is conversant with the facts which have marked that region, has accomplished all which could be performed in the way of literary effort for that interesting valley. The historical sketch of Mr. STONE is well written and satisfactory. It gives us not only the incidents which have borne upon that territory, watered by the Susquehanna, but describes its physical features in a graphic form. Numerous local anecdotes, connected with the early settlers in their connection with the Indians, are interwoven with the thread of his narrative, which certainly tend to throw an additional interest around the history. Col. STONE has taken it in hand to rescue the reputation of the Mohawk chieftain, "The monster Brandt," from the ignominy which has been cast upon it by the poem of Mr. Campbell; and we doubt not that if the dead warrior could rise from the grave, he would not fail to render his fervent thanks to the historian for the solid services which he has performed for the savage chief in this as well as the large work by the same author. Besides the poem of Mr. Campbell, to which we have alluded, the volume contains a biographical sketch of the poet from the transparent pen of WASHINGTON IRVING. It is elegantly printed, and is illustrated by several well executed engravings.

7. The Addresses and Messages of the Presidents of the United States, from Washington to Harrison. To which is prefixed the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States; together with a portrait and memoir of William Henry Harrison. New York: Edward Walker and D. Appleton & Co. 8vo. pp. 716. 1841.

This volume is valuable as presenting, in a compact form, the political opinions of the several distinguished individuals who have filled the executive chair in the federal government of the United States. "Their intrinsic value and importance," it is well remarked in the publisher's preface, "must be coeval with our national existence; they have respect no less to the interests of after times, than to those of the present day; for while they mark the several great epochs of its political history, they at the same time afford the best exposition and clue to the right appreciation of its administrative procceedings." Apart from their public utility, these documents possess great value from the high rank they deservedly retain in their literary reputation, as gems of republican eloquence, exhibiting, as several of them do, specimens of some of the purest models of style which are to be found in our language. The volume is neatly printed and bound, and altogether highly creditable to the taste of the publisher.

8. A Discourse delivered before the Howard Benevolent Society, January 24, 1841. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. pp. 74. 1841.

The society before which this discourse was delivered, was established in 1812, and has been in successful operation ever since that time. Its success may be attributed principally to a wise feature of its constitution, which requires a personal knowledge of distress before relief is granted, and to the judicious character of its members, among whom have been found many of the most active and respectable citizens of Boston. The objects of the society are elo quently set forth in the discourse of Mr. HAGUE.

9. The Natural History of Society in the Barbarous and Civilized State; an Essay towards discovering the Origin and Course of Human Improvement. By W. COOKE TAYLOR, ESQ., LL.D., M.R.A.S., of Trinity College, Dublin. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 2 vols. 12mo. pp. 332-328. 1841.

The liberal and enlightened views displayed in the pages of these volumes, combining laborious thought with original speculation and varied research, will commend them to the attention of the philosophic mind. The design of this essay is to determine, from an examination of the various forms in which society has existed, what was the origin of civilization; and under what circumstances those attributes of humanity, which in one country become the foundation of social happiness, are in another so perverted to the production of general misery. For this purpose, the author informs us that he separately examined the principal elements by which society, under all its aspects, is held together, and traced each to its source in human nature; that he then directed his attention to the development of these principles, and has pointed out the circumstances by which they were perfected on the one hand, or corrupted on the other; and having thus, by a rigid analysis, shown what the elements and conditions of civilization are, he has tested the accuracy of his results by applying them to the history of civilization itself, as recorded in the annals of the earliest polished nations, and is thus led to consider the principal moral causes that have contributed to the growth and to the decline of states. Recorded facts are in this way applied by our author, as a test of the accuracy of his reasoning. There is a chapter in the second volume," On the Evidences of First Civilization," in which the author hazards a conjecture that farther investigations of the American continent will strengthen the evidence already collected, to prove that, previous to its discovery by Columbus, it had possessed a greater share of the arts and sciences than can be deduced from the present condition of the Indian races, or from the accounts given of them by their early conquerors. Messrs. Stephens and Catherwood's discoveries in South America, are quoted in support of this opinion. Although the researches of Mr. Taylor have been similar to those of Cousin, Guizot, Lieber, &c., his work can scarcely be considered as superseded by them. He has condensed and united their several disquisitions, so as to form an outline of the philosophical history of opinions, and their influence on life and action. The work possesses great intrinsic merit, and is worthy of an attentive and careful perusal. We should do injustice to the Messrs. Appletons, were we to omit to mention in this notice, the beautiful style of printing and binding in which these volumes appear. These gentlemen deserve great credit for publishing generally excellent works, which, in point of typographical elegance, vie with the handsomest publications of the British press.

10. The Life and Land of Burns. By ALLAN CUNNINGHAM, with contributions by Thomas Campbell, Esq. To which is prefixed an Essay on the Genius and Writings of Burns, by Thomas Carlyle, Esq. New York: J. & G. H. Langley. pp. 363. 1841.

This delightful volume will be a most acceptable offering to the numerous admirers of Burns. It is well remarked, in the publisher's preface, that whatever attaches to the memory of the "Bard of Scotland," cannot fail to excite, in all the lovers of song, intense and universal interest. Carlyle's critical essay on the genius and writings of Burns, is a splendid specimen of literary criticism; it is marked with all the characteristics of that master-mind: and for nice discriminating taste and power of analysis, it must be regarded as unsurpassed in the annals of literary criticism. The memoir of Allan Cunningham will be read with peculiar pleasure; as presenting a faithful and beautiful history of the life and opinions of the eccentric bard. The volume contains, besides, a series of graphic notices of the localities rendered classic by his muse, together with some original letters, now first published in this country. It is, altogether, one of the most attractive volumes that have appeared for a long time.

11. The Flying Roll; or, Free Grace Displayed. By F. W. KRUMMACHER, D.D New York: M. W. Dodd. 12mo. pp. 296. 1841.

12. The Dew of Israel and the Lily of God; or, A Glimpse of the Kingdom of Grace. By F. W. KRUMMACHER. From the second London edition. New York published by Robert Carter. pp. 270.

13. Jacob Wrestling with the Angel. By Rev. G. D. KRUMMACHER. Solomon and Shulamite. By F. W. KRUMMACHER, D.D., author of "Elijah the Tishbite." Translated from the German. New York: John S. Taylor. 12mo. pp. 284. 1841.

14. Cornelius the Centurion. By F. A. KRUMMACHER, A. M.

Translated from

the German. New York: John S. Taylor. pp. 212, 12mo. 1841. Those who have read "Elijah the Tishbite," and " Elisha, the son of Shaphat," if they have either a spiritual or poetic relish, will need no inducement to read the subsequent productions of the same pen. "Cornelius," it is true, is not the production of him who first made Krummacher a classic name among American Christians, but of a brother and a kindred spirit-one brought up in the same school.

In "Cornelius" we have the work of conversion portrayed by a series of well-finished sketches, in which every step in the process may be distinctly traced, from the first dawn of the morning to the full splendor of the meridian sun. Every page bears the impress of glowing piety; and never is piety more lovely, than when found in the breast of a learned German. It has a depth and fulness that has often charmed and instructed us.

15. The Philosophy of History, in a course of Lectures.

By FREDERICK VON SCHLEGEL. With a memoir of the Author. By James Burton Robertson, Esq. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 12mo. pp. 319–302. These volumes, comprising a view of the philosophy of history, or a general view of the causes and consequences that have acted upon the human race as a whole, are written in a flowing and elegant style, which is peculiar to the German writers, and especially to this, one of the most distinguished. The design of its author is to show, from the political and moral causes which have acted upon past nations, that the progress of empire points to one grand result, the regeneration of the human race. In the illustration of that position, he takes the ground that history is a series of facts, not isolated, but connected with other facts, all of which establish certain principles bearing upon the ultimate destiny of mankind. With that object he enters into a general sketch of man, from his first entrance into civil society, and traces the advance of nations, by showing the causes which have borne upon their several characters; thus deducing the idea of a universal history, or that harmonious system of principles which must ultimately control the destinies of the world. In the revolutions of empires, in the rise and downfall of states, he thinks he perceives the finger of God; and sums up his view in the following remarks: "It is only with sentiments of grateful admiration, of amazement and awe, we trace in the special dispensations of Providence for the advancement of Christianity and the progress of modern society, the wonderful concurrence of events towards the single object of divine love, or the unexpected exercise of divine justice, long delayed, such as I have in the proper places endeavored to point out. With this faith in primitive revelation, and in the glorious consummation of Christian love, I cannot better conclude this Philosophy of History' than with the religious hope I have more than once expressed, and which is more particularly applicable to these times, the dawn of an approaching era, that by one thorough religious regeneration of the state and of science, the cause of God and of Christianity may obtain a complete triumph on the earth." The work is well worthy of perusal, as evincing a connected and philosophical view of past history, which, as Lord Bacon remarks, "is philosophy teaching by example;" and, moreover, it derives increased value from the circumstance that it is the offspring of one of the master-spirits of Germany. The volumes are beautifully printed and neatly bound.

16. A Classical Dictionary, containing an Account of the principal Proper Names mentioned in Ancient Authors, and intended to elucidate all the important points connected with the Geography, History, Biography, Mythology, and Fine Arts, of the Greeks and Romans, together with an account of Coins, Weights, and Measures, with Tabular Values of the same. By CHARLES ANTHON, LL.D. New York: Harper and Brothers. 8vo. pp. 1424. 1841.

The learned labors of Dr. Anthon in advancing the cause of classical literature, rank him among the first scholars of the age. His admirable text-books for the study of the ancient languages are not only fast superseding others in this country, from their superior correctness and more copious illustration, but are extensively republished in Europe, and introduced with marks of the highest approbation into the first literary institutions there. In the Herculean work before us, the learned author still more signally displays the extent of his erudition. He states, in his preface, that the labor of years has been bestowed upon it; and this we can readily imagine, when we consider the vast number of subjects treated of, the research that was indispensable to furnish the necessary information, and that all the articles have been prepared by himself; or, in other words, that the work is entirely original. In no similar work that we have any knowledge of, is there embodied any thing like the same amount of valuable matter;-the classical reader is presented with a complete picture of the ancient world, in all its most interesting, physical, political, social, literary, religious, and moral aspects. No scholar can be without this volume; and to the general reader, it will be scarcely less interesting and convenient for the purpose of occasional reference.

17. Remarks on Banks and Banking, and the Skeleton of a Project for a National Bank. By A CITIZEN OF BOSTON. Boston: Torrey and Blairs. 8vo. pp. 62. 1840.

The present position of public opinion upon the great question of a national bank, renders this subject one of peculiar interest at the present time. Besides various argumentative suggestions, the writer lays down the frame of a great national institution, whose charter shall continue for a period of forty years; whose name shall be the Bank of the United States of America; and whose capital shall, at starting, be fifty millions of dollars. He then enters into a view of what he deems the proper mode of its management, and sketches a brief political history of this question, which has so long agitated the government. It is to be desired, that the patriotic and clear-minded legislators of the country may bring to the task of considering and establishing the national policy upon that subject, all their forbearance and moderation, and fix the principles which shall regulate it upon a solid and lasting basis, equally satisfactory to the people and productive of good to the country.

18. A Treatise on Digestion, and the Diseases Incident to it, which are comprehended under the term Dyspepsia. Adapted for general readers. By WILLIAM SWEETSER, M.D., author of a Treatise on Consumption, &c. Boston: George W. Light. 12mo. pp. 359.

The design of this treatise is to present a history of the phenomena, causes, and treatment of dyspepsia, founded upon a general acquaintance with the physiology of the organs which it implicates. Dr. Sweetser is, we believe, a successful and popular practitioner, and this treatise is divested of the technical language of medicine, so as to come within the comprehension of all classes of the reading community.

19. Memoir of Nathaniel Bowditch. Prepared for the Young. Boston: James Munroe & Co. 18mo. pp. 158. 1841.

This delightful little volume exhibits, in a simple and attractive form, the life and character of an individual, alike eminent for his attainments in science, and for the purity and goodness of his life.

20. Sacra Privata. The Private Meditations, Devotions, and Prayers of the Right Rev. T. Wilson, D. D., Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man. With a preface by J. H. NEWMAN, B. D., Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. Reprinted entire. New York: D. Appleton & Co. pp. 334. 1841.

21. Godly Meditations upon the most holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. By CHRISTOPHER SUTTON, D. D., late Prebend of Westminster. With a preface by J. H. NEWMAN, B. D., Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 18mo. pp. 334. 1841.

These two volumes form part of a series of standard religious literature in the course of publication by the respectable house named in the title pages we have quoted above. Of the first, it is sufficient to say that no words are necessary to introduce the name of Bishop WILSON to the members of that church, of which he was, in his day, and has been since, in sacred language, "a burning and a shining light." The exercises of the learned prelate have been regarded by a portion of the Christian church as a model of the best form in which serious persons may keep a record of their religious feelings.

"Godly Meditations" will be equally acceptable to the friends of the Episcopal church, and in fact to a large number of those who hold the popular or "evangelical" views of Christianity. There is in these works a freedom from the controversies of the time in which they were written, that it were to be hoped might even now more generally prevail. The several volumes composing this series of books, will, thus far, compare with the finest specimens of the typographic art that have been furnished by the English press.

22. Writings of Charles Sprague. Now first collected. New York: Charles S. Francis. 8vo. pp. 182. 1841. The publisher deserves well of his countrymen for presenting, in a very beautiful form, so far as they could be found, the writings of one of the most estimable of poets and men among us. "He commenced his undertaking," he informs us, "partly in order that the public might be no longer withheld from their desire, and partly also with the view of anticipating a similar design from another quarter, which he learned to be already entertained, and which was not likely to be accomplished in a manner to satisfy the friends of so favorite an author. He has carried it through, only not forbidden by the author himself; who he hopes will look with some complacency on the task, which he would do nothing to promote." Mr. SPRAGUE stands in the very front rank of American poets, and we regret much that he cannot be drawn out a little from his rather shy retirement. Not that we wish him less skilled as a financier, but that he would discount more freely from his intellectual capital.

23. On Heroes, Hero- Worship, and the Heroic in History. Six Lectures. Reported, with emendations and additions. By THOMAS CARLYLE, author of "The French Revolution," &c. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 12mo. pp. 280. 1841.

We can merely announce, as our Magazine is going to press, the publication of this last work of a most remarkable man. The writings of CARLYLE are familiar to a large class of scholars and intellectual men on this side of the Atlantic; and to that class the reproduction of these Lectures will be a grateful offering.

24. The Principles of Christian Union. By WILLIAM HAGUE. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. pp. 61. 1841.

Mr. HAGUE, the author of this discourse, is somewhat distinguished as a preacher among that large and respectable portion of the Christian community denominated Baptists. In the work before us, the author aims to promote union among denominations, who, in regard to an outward and formal union, are very far apart. We hope his efforts will be successful in the promotion of so desirable an object.

VOL. IV.-NO. V.

59