The Sun.
London, England, 1864-03-15 00:00:00

LITERATURE,

Ristory of Englaad. Part V. People's

Edition. Longman and Co.

The second volume of this beautifully-printed
popular edition of Macaulay's continuation of the
History of England is here in this fifth monthly
instalment of its periodical issue, duly commenced.
It begins with that memorable seventh chapter of
the great work in which the Hero of the Historical
Romance (to call things by their riga name) makes
his appearance.' to wit, that wonderful hook-nosed
demigod William of Orange, who may be said to
have fairly taken the Whig annalist's imagination
captive. Reading the chapter again--dissenting
still tot() cello though we must needs do to the very
last from the conclusions arrived at by the great
writer, who condescended to constitute himself
the systematic traducer of James, and the sys-
tematic apologist of William—we cannot still
help reading on, enthralled and delighted l Neither
enthralled nor delighted, observe I with the opinions
expressed, but simply with the way in which utter-
ance is given to them. It is surely not hyperbole
to assert that without one exception Lord Macaulay
is the most eloquent writer of prose in the English
language.

Dalziek s Illustrated Goldsmith. The Vicar of
Wakefield. Part I. Ward and Lock.
Already the April instalment of this new edi-
tion of the celebrated works of Oliver Goldsmith
has been published by the Messrs. Ward and
Lock. It gives promise of fulfilling our first an-
ticipations of its success. It reflects the highest
possible credit upon the eminent engravers by
whose enterprise, skill, taste, and experience it
has been undertaken. By an opportune fly-leaf
advertisement, emanating from the popular pub-
lishing house through which it makes its appear..
ance, this new illustrated Goldsmith recalls to re-
collection the fact that—" Sixteen years ago Messrs.
Dalziel Brothers, in conjunction with the late
Mr. David Bogue, commenced, and in the year
1850 completed, a very elaborate edition
of Bunyan's ' Pilgrim's Progress,' illustrated
with above 300 designs by the leading draughts-
man of the period, Mr. William Harvey. This edi-
tion was printed on fine toned paper and issued in
a serial form, and the whole issued at a price which
will bear comparison with anything that has been
since attempted, taking into consideration the repeal li
of the paper duty. It is scarcely necessary to say
that since that period the Brothers Dalziel are uni-
versally admitted to have stood pre-eminent in the
production of the highest crass of illustrated litera-
ture, in the most popular form." In justification of
which, the Messrs. Ward and Lock have, in truth,
only to direct attention to the initial instalment of
"The Vicar of Wakefield" here offered to the public
at the monthly cost of sixpence ! Oae, of the loveliest
popular stories in the language, at once boldly
and charmingly embellished by the pencil of
G. J. Pinwell, the drawings being engraved
by the Brothers Dalziel, and the text of the work
exquisitely printed in large type upon ample pages
of delicately-tinted paper. Altogether the serial
is one, we feel satisfied, as sure of winning for it-
self a rapid, widespread, and permanent success as
that superb companion work of the Brothers Dale
ziel, their illustrated "Arabian Nights Eatertain-
ment." About the most graceful embellishment in
this opening instalment of their Vicar of Wake-
field" is the one on the twenty-fifth page, where
Mr. Burchell and Sophia are seen conversing in
the hayfield—dear old Mr. Primrose visib e afar
off—quietly observant.

The Battle of the Standards. By John Taylor

One vol., pp. 93. Longman and Co.

The learned author cf " The Great Pyramid, why
was it Built ?" has in this remarkable little treatise
put forth a most opportune argument in favour of
our old-fashioned system of measurement. " The
Battle of the Standards," it will be borne in mind,
has already commenced this session in the House of
Commons. And now before Parliament commits
itself further in regard to any scheme of in-
novation, or even of partial modification in our
national system of weights and measures, it will be
as well that a man, as much in earnest upon the
subject as any one living, such as Mr. John Taylor,
should have a patient hearing, a deliberate per-
usal, a calm and dispassionate consideration. He
puts forth his argument like (what he is) a logician,
and he discusses it i❑ all its bearings like (what he
is also, as indisputably) a scholar, and h philosopher.

OUR DOCKYARDS.—A very valuable pamphlet
has just been issued from the pen of Sir William
Snow Harris, entitled the "Past and Present State
of Naval Construction in the Government Service
—its Future Prospects." The talented writer, it
will be recollected, was the inventor of the light-
ning conductor now in use in her Majesty's Navy,
and from the sources of information open
to him, it will at once be admitted
that he is well able to give an opinion upon
a subject of such vital importance to the welfare
of England. After an elaborate review of the former
and present mode of construction, he comes to the
opinion that the great want at the present moment
is a "National School of Naval Architecture," and
in this we entirely agree with him. Sir W. Harris
proposes to convert some of our principal arsenals
into as many colleges in which students might be
allowed to enter upon certain terms to be prescribed
by her Majesty's Government. If Chatham, Ports-
mouth, and Plymouth, or even the two latter,
were only selected for such a purpose, Sir William
feels curtain we should at once arrive at all we
could desire. The plan is a good one, and as
the object of the v. riter is to preserve the supre-
macy of England as a maritime Power, his
pamphlet is worthy of the most attentive considera-
tion of her Majesty's Government.