The Press.
London, England, 1855-12-15 00:00:00

THE PRESS.

take courage and become a German scholar by read-
ing the tale introduced, and studying the grammati-
cal rules given in the rotes and in the appendix.
The tale is one of Franz Hoffman's, of which a
literal translation is given, far more encouraging
and less fatiguing than the constant search for
words in the dictionary and the forgetting them the
next moment. In order to make a deep impression on
the reader's mind, the principal rules of the grammar
are given in the notes, and the separable compound
verbs, so puzzling and tiresome, have been par-
ticularly attended to, and illustrated by examples, so
that no one with a tolerable memory could possibly
forget them. In the appendix is a very good ar-
rangement of the formation of the tenses of the
verbs, the only plan for learning verbs thoroughly
in any language, and of the terminations of the
nouns, dividing the feminine, on account of their
simplicity, from the masculine and neuter nouns,
which are more difficult to remember, and for which
four rules are given. The exceptions to these rules
of course must be learned as such, or impressed
upon the memory by reading. The irregular verbs
have been arranged under three separate heads,
viz., those irregular in two, in three, and four parts,
and can only be regarded as a matter of memory.
In conclusion, we can only say that this book ought
to be in the hands of every one desirous of ac-
quiring German quickly; and we sincerely hope to
see a reading book of the kind arranged in every
language for the use of students.

The Wanderer in Arabia. By George T. Lowth,
Esq. Two Vols. Hurst and Blackett.
"DE gustibus non est disputandum," and this is a
book which will be judged according to the taste of
the reader who takes it up. Viewed good-naturedly,
it is lively, clever, and novel; hut sour criticism may
object to it as puerile and affected. The volumes
describe a voyage up the Nile, and a ride through
the Holy Land, made in the autumn and winter of
1851.2. The author, accompanied by his wife—" the
Sitt "—commenced his wanderings with a determi-
nation to be pleased, and to realise in the Arabia of
to-day the land of the Caliph Haroun Alraschid, and
the dreams which were familiar to his childhood
through the " Arabian Nights." Hence he viewed
all things under the most favorable aspect; was
well served by his attendants ; met with few mis-
haps ; and was never weary of admiring the strange
and storied scenes which met his view. There is
something infectious in all genuine sentiment; and
the author's continued cheerfulness and exclama-
tions of delight beguile our attention, give us a sen-
sation of pleasure, and make us loth to part with so
very attractive a companion. Persons who meditate
a similar trip may, for their arrangements, consult
the book with profit, as Mr. Lowth and his lady seem
to have been singularly fortunate in all their jour-
neyings. The sketches, if a little idealised at times,
have the merit of making us thoroughly acquainted
with the objects described, and of bringing scenes
and persons with great distinctness before the eye.
The manner of Mr. Lowth has, besides, the charm of
perfect originality. For description be has a pencil
of his own, and uses it in his own way. Much of his
narrative is masterly, from the distinct impressions
it leaves on the mind. Mr. Lowth gives us an idea
of some months of delightful travel, and shows,
though in an unpretending manner, the accomplish-
ments of a scholar, and the skill and discernment of
an intelligent traveller. He writes with freedom,
and, in addition to all his other good qualities, is
evidently, from his care and frequent mention of
" the Sat," a most affectionate husband.