The Sun.
London, England, 1864-02-09 00:00:00

LITERATURE,

Popular Edition of Macaulay's History of England.
Part Four. Longman and Co.
This work, now being published in shilling
monthly parts, has already advanced so far
in its regular periodical issue as to have placed
within the hands of its multitude of purchasers, with
the present instalment, the completion of the First
Volume. That first volume, led off; it may be
remembered, with a brief, but deeply interesting
memoir of the Great Essayist—for with all our ad-
miration for the marvellous beauties of his magnum
opus, he is far greater, in our estimation of his
genius, as an Essayist than as a Historian. After
the " Memoir of Lord Macaulay," there are here
comprised within the compass of very nearly four
hundred closely-printed double-columned pages (to
be precise, exactly 395 pages) the six opening chap-
ters of his enthralling narrative. First of all, there
is that magnificent Introduction, giving us withi❑
less than one hundred of these pages the whole
survey of our national history ab initio down to
the epoch of the Restoration. Chapter two carries
the European annals down to the demise of Louis
the Fourteenth. Chapter Three gives that un-
paralleled epitome of the state of a great nation at
a memorable period in its history—showing us
what England was towards the close of the Reign
of the Second Charles, in regard to its revenue, its
population, its agriculture, its commerce, its
capital, its country towns, its fashion, police, its
postal. system, highways, hostelries, newspapers,
newsletters, literature, arts, sciences, wealth,
pauperism, morality, or rather, it should be said,
remembering what the epoch was—its immorality.
Chapter Four, beginning with the death of Charles
the Second, and ending with the introduction of
the bill for the removal of the attainder of Stafford,
relates, according to Macaulay's view of things, all
about Oates, about Baxter, and about Dangerfield.
Chapter Five contains within it, among many other
Macaulayan records of memorable incidents, the
account of the execution of Montrose, the account of
the Bloody Assizes, the account of the flight,
capture, and death of Monmouth. Chapter the
Sixth and last in volume one, opening with the
power of James the Second atits height, closes with
the dismission of Rochester, with the dismission of
Clarendon, and with the fall of the Hydes. Altogether
a noble volume, rhetorically considered, or viewed,
let us say, as a great literary performance. But
as the work of a historian—according to our ap•
preciation of it, about as free from party prejudices
and party predilections as though Lord Macaulay
had been really and truly what one of his cynical
depricators dubbed him, in a moment of excessive
indignation, no better than a great Whig Pam-
phleteer.

The Last of the Cavaliers. New Edition. Bentley

The new volume of Bentley's Popular Novels con-
tains the very romantic and interesting story of " The
Last of the Cavaliers." The chivalrous Grahame
of Claverhouse is here depicted with a happy
pencil, and the charming and loveable Alice Scott
will win the hearts of all who read her story. As
a felicitous specimen of the romance of history, this
story has been wisely selected for a popular edition.
It is embellished with two illustrations—" The
Challenge," and " Rejected Love."

Dr. Sievekzny on Epilepsy. Second edition, revised
and enlarged. Churchill.
The recent appointment of Dr. Sieveking in the
household of the Prince of Wales may naturally
render any new work from his pen an object of par-
ticular attention. A very cursory examination of
his writings, however, will be a sufficient guarantee
that his official appointment is not due to Court
favour but to individual ability. His observations
are characterised by so much common sense and
practical wisdom that the un-professional reader
may learn much from his pages, while to the less ex-
perienced of his medical brethren his researches are
likely to prove of incalculable advantage. The disease
which forms the principal subject of this volume
is considered in all its symptoms and in all its
bearings, and very encouraging examples are given
of the beneficial efficacy of medical science and skill
in its ultimate cure. Some very useful and impor-
tant advice on general hygienic laws is given in
the last chapter. The forcing system in educational
training, so much in vogue in the present day, is
very wisely censured for its evil consequences in
after life. "A whole chapter on the moral manage-
ment of the nursery," says the Doctor, " might not
be out of place here, did it not occupy more space
than I can devote to the subject." He has said
enough, however, to afford ample and satisfactory
testimony that the medical supervision of the Royal
nursery at Marlborough House is in excellent
hands. •

Dan to Beersheba ; or, Northern and Southern
Friends. One Vol. pp. 336. Chapman and

Hall.

This is an interesting story of American life,
which relates the adventures of Sybil Fanning, a
Northern lady on ber visit to some Southern friends.
The social life of North and Sul:lth is brought into
vivid contrast, the author's sympathies being in-
clined to the former, and the horrors of slavery
occasionally darken the pages.

CASSELL'S SHAKSPERE TERCENTENARY POCKET
KEEPSAKE :—ln connection with their wonderful
Penny-a-week Illustrated Edition of the Dramat is
Works of Shakspere, now being issue d in anticipa-
tion of the coming tercentenary anniversary of the
Poet's Birth (on the 23d of April, 1564, in the
upper room of the little old two-storied house at
Stratford-upon.Avon)—the Messrs. Cassell, Petter,
and Galpin have just now published this really ex-
quisite little bijou of a pocket keepsake. The design
of it, as a memento, is " to show the wonderful scope
which Shakspere affords for illustrating, by quota-
tion, almost every conceivable subject." This is
accomplished, readily enough, by accompanying each
of the facts recorded in the calendar of the twelve
months of 1864 with an appropriate quotation.
Opposite the pages of the months are—besides this—
(what is inestimable just now in such a pocket
keepsake) the very pick of the few reliable scraps
of information of which the world has any positive
knowledge in regard to Shaiispere. Opposite
January, for example, in one sufficient paragraph,
we are told all that there is to know about the name
of Shakspere. Opposite February—all about
Stratford-upon-Avon, his birthplace and his death-
place. And so on : opposite March—his Home :
April—his Birthday : May—his Boyhood: June—
his Marriage : July—his Wit: Azgust—his Early
Editions: September—his Will : October—his
Monument: November—Tributes to his Genius :
December—the state of contemporary literature,
that is, of course, in the time of Shakspere. A
perfect Shaksperian Treasury, in fact, this little
Keepsake is, and one, moreover, that is purchasable
by any one for a penny, twopence, or threepence,
accordingly as the said purchaser may care for it,
in gilt paper, gilt cloth, or gilt leather.
THE DUBLIN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE.—"Mark
Wylder's Hand" is at last concluded. This story
has gone on for some time, and been a constant
feature of attraction in the pages of this magazine.
The conclusion is a very impressive one, and the
reader is almost bewildered by the succession of
startling changes that take place, "Wylder's Hand" at last
reveals his doom, and from his unhallowed grave tells of
his untimely end. This is a very ably delineated tale, on
the whole, and will doubtless be a favourite with the lovers
of the marvellous, There are many well sketched charac-
ters encountered in its course, and the discomfiture of the
lawyer will delight all who have watched his circuitous
road and his want of good feeling. The new story called
" Yaxley and its Neighbourhood" is continued, and pro-
mises to be interesting as it proceeds. There is a very
interesting article on " Lord Lyndhurst," which will be
read with attention, and can afford some entertaining re-
miniscences to those who aro pleased to discuss a grt
man's career
_when he has departed from amongst us,
It is said that Lord Lyndhurst would have been a more
successful man had ho devoted himself more exclusively to
either politics or law, instead of endeavouring to combine
them. " Their Majesty's Servants" affords us glimpses of
some histrionic celebrities, and is worth of notice. "The
Coirt of Frederic William" is rather a gloomy reminiscence
of that period ; and " Etchings of th 3 Confederacy" is a
spirited sketch of the South as it appears to us duffing the
war. It is said that all we know of the Southerners tends
to elevate our opinion of thorn, and to match their merits
"we must go back to th© times of those ancient heroes

whose example genius has consecrated in undying records."

This sketch is written in a spirited manner, and is worthy

of the subject of which it treat% Some readers will be

glad to catch a chance of hearing something of " Paul

Feval," the author of " Bel ilemonio" and the " Duke's
Motto." There is a paper on " Shakspere's New Editors,"

which contains some very just strictures on the futile at-

tempts that are made to alter and rearrange what had much
better be left alone, and is no way benefited
,by their inter-

Terence,

LUTTRELL OF ARRAN. By Charles Lever.
No. 3.—ln this Dumber the story makes but little

progress, although possible future events are fore-
shadowed. Sir Gervais Vyner penetrates into the
Irish Highlands to examine the property which he

is desirous of purchasing. He is accompanied by his

'riend Grenfeld, who, by the way, is becoming something

of a bore to the reader, and he evidently is to his friend

N yner. The description of the rebel keeper of the moun-
tain " Sbebeen," and his escape and troubles in ninety-

eight, are imbued with that zest which distinguishes all

Mr. Lever's delineations of native characier. The ruck, yet

hospitable reception of Vyner in the mountain retreat of the

outlaws is characteristic of the wild Celtic race, the contrast
between whom and the careless adventurous Englishman

is singular. In these portions of the number the reader

...,
receives some compensation for the disappointment he ex-

perienced in the first chapter, wherein sir. Mackinlay holds
a loving tete-a• tete with the butler at the cottage in Wales,
and is disturbed by an unexpected and most improbable
visit from a party of tourists, who storm the cottage and
then beat a hasty retreat, without any particular object.

There may hereafter be some explanation for this, but for
the present we are left to uncertainty.
__ . ..

VICTORIA MAGAZINE.—Thomas Hughes, well
known as a kindly practical philosopher, as well as
the most popular exponent of school life, gives us a
genial account of the new social experiment now
being made in Commercial-street, Whitechapel. If
the establishment is at all what it is represented to
be, and the visitor was not'favoured with an extra supply of
"soup, meat, potatoes, and plum pudding for fourpence
halfpenny" in deference to his superior gentility, it is
certainly a marvellous affair, especially as we learn that its
managers succeed in paying rent, wages, and interest on
their capital, besides all current expenses. It would be well

if such institutions were a little more general in our poorer
neighbourhoods, and it would be a deed of real and practi-
cal kindness to aid in establishing them. A long and well
written paper on Robert Browning shows a full appreciation
of his merits—fuller, indeed, than most readers will be in-
clined to share in. Mr. Thomas Adolphus Trollope con-

tinues his interesting story of " Lindisfarn Chase," and
leaves poor, straightforward, honest Kate hopelessly
entangled in the meshes of the syren Marguerite. It is to
be hoped that the chapter of accidents will befriend her,
since the old Doctor has already some suspicion of the
truth. Professor Leone Levi contributes a lengthened
article on the Decimal Coinage, and Mr. Nassau, senior,
proceeds with his "Journal kept in Egypt," This number

is alt-gether a good one.
MACMILLAN'S MAGAZINE.—T he most attractive
feature in this magazine is, of course, Mr. Henry
Kingsley's story "The Hillyars and the Burtons "
which loses none of its interest. Another story
going on at the same time is laid in the very
antipodes of the sunny colony of Cooksland. Never-
theless, the young student's career at a Scotch university
has its romance as well as the loves and fortunes of Gerty
Neville and Emma Burton. The "Competition Wallah "
continues his letters, which are useful in throwing an
every-day homely light on some Anglo-Indian perplexities.
He is honest and uncompromising in his views of our rule
and influence in our great Indian empire. Matthew
Arnold gives us the second part of "A French Eton," and
the editor recalls some traits of old Marischal College and
its worthies. The very last paper in the number is by no
means the least, for it is an eloquent and feeling tribute to
the genius and goodness of Thackeray.
THE NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE. " Africa
Laid Open " is the title of the first paper, founded
on some of the more noticeable of the recent works
on that country. Sir Nathaniel discourses agreeably
enough about Marcus Junius Brutus. The two long tales
which are now proceeding are neither of them very attrac-
tive, but a new one has begun which we must hope
may improve upon them. We have besides an
account of an Alpine ascent, a criticism on " The Gentle-
woman," a chant for the infant Prince, a poem on
Thackeray, and an article on France and its journalism.
THE ECLECTIC REVIEW.—This number is more
interesting than usual, being less sectarian. We
have a criticism on Mr. Froude's " Elizabeth," a
paper on Mr. Charles Knight's " Recollections," an
article on New Inland, and a lengthened essay on
" Noses," whinh sets forth in impressive style the
special characteristics of that organ,
THE JOURNAL OF THE WORKHOUSE VISITING
SOCIETY. No. XXVIII.—This journal, which has
now taken a recognised place among our serial
literature, devotes itself to all matters concerning
workhouses and their inmates. The working of
our Poor-law system is not so satisfactory as to
be able to dispense with supervision, and the best and most
efficient check on their proceedings is afforded by voluntary
inspectors. The Workhouse Visiting Society have done
good service in calling public attention to many deficiencies
existing in our unions, in encouraging the establishment
of schools and the better and more liberal treatment of the
infirm, incurable, and imbecile. These classes occupy a very
large portion of our workhouses, and the stringent rules
made to discourage able bodied pauperism press heavily
upon them. In many instances, the guardians, masters,
and matrons are kind and considerate, but in cases where
they are otherwise too much is in their power. A very
interesting paper in the present number of the journal
narrates the efforts being made in the Home at Birming-
ham to reclaim and train young girls, who from perverse
dispositions, bad parents, orphanage, or other circumstances,
labour under serious drawbacks in the battle of life. The
success of many of the most hopeless cases shows what
marvels may be wrought by faith, patience, and kindness.
Many other subjects of deep interest are treated of, and
we heartily commend this journal to the attention of all
who concern themselves with the welfare of their friendless
fellow-creatures.
SAUNDERS, OTLEY, AND MORGAN'S BRITISH
ARMY REVIEW—the compactest and completest
military organ yet published—has just now made
its fourth monthly appearance. The issue of it as
a sixpenny periodical began in November. It may
be regarded, therefore, as having by this time steadily
settled down to its place among professional publications, It
is capitally well arranged throughout. It is thoroughly
readable, and it gives a large amount of timely information
within a very brief space—its information, moreover, so far
as we have yet been enabled to test it, being most satisfac-
torily well authenticated.
MISCELLANEOUS MAGAZINES.—The new series
of the Family Friend shows no diminution of its
merits as a domestic referee and entertainer.—
Events of the Month is a new claimant for public
favour, having begun with the new year. It has
made a fair commencement, and fully carries out
its programme of supply of " News, literature, science, and
general information," the comments on the news of the
month being a somewhat novel and attractive feature.— The
Monthly .Packet, under the editorship of the gifted authoress
of " The Heir of Redclyffe," has the attraction of a tale
from ber pen, besides papers on English history, " The
Englishman in India," " Life in Holland," and other topics
of varied interest.—Newton's London Journal has an article
on the Patent Law and its opponents, besides the usual in-
formation on the subject.—le Toilet, whose report on the
fashions we have already quoted, is as charming as ever
and the gay evening toilettes betoken the coming
season. The Reformatory and Refuge Journal col-
lects all information with regard to the houseless poor,
discharged prisoners, and similar topics. It is a favourable
symptom of our ago that such a journal should exist, and
the good works which it chronicles deserves every encou-
ragement. A contrast to the serious subjects thus earnestly
thought of is found in the pleasant pages of Every Boy's
Magazine, where smugglers' adventures and marvels of
land and sea are grouped together in amusing conjunction.
Mr. Cassell's services to the poorer portion of the reading
public have secured a wide spread recognition of their merits,
and his reputation will certainly be enhanced by his
Illustrated Bunyan, now publishing; while his Illustrated
Robinson Crusoe will delight hundreds of readers. the
_History of England and Popular Education, also issued by
the same enterprising publisher, exhibit their usual merits.
The Chessplayee s Magazine is adorned with a portrait of
Mr. Buckle, who was, it seems, a noted player. This is by
no means singular, as that grand old game is well known to
have been a favourite of many eminent teen, demanding, as
it does, those high intellectual qualities which lent Mr
Buckle his power as a writer and a thinker.

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge,
accompanied by the Princess Mary, honoured the Lyceum
Theatre with their presence last evening.

MR. CHARLES DICKENS.—We deeply regret to
hear of the sudden death, on the last day of 1863, in the
officers' hospital at Calcutta; of Lieutenant Walter Landor
Dickens, of the 26th Nativo Infantry Regiment, and doing
duty with the 42d Highlanders,
second son of Charles
Dickens,

ADELAIDE RISTORI, we learn from Italian papers,
has engaged an Italian poet, Paolo Franchi, to
write for her a drama, to be entitled Henrieo VIII., in
which she intends to play all the king's (five) wives, one
after the other. Perhaps, says the reviewer in mentioning
the rumour, this is a joke.
AN INTERESTING RELlC.—There is now in Dept
ford Dockyard a model, constructed in the year 1558, of the
yacht built for Queen Elizabeth. The mulel is in excellent
preservation, and recently came into the possession of Mr.
Brown, of the dockyard, at the sale of the effects of a de-
ceased naval officer,