The Sun.
London, England, 1859-05-09 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

Woodleigh, by the author of " Wildflower," " One
Thisand Twwoernktyfu,i'ly&esus.
ta3in"sls.
the
aHutuhrostesanpdreßvliaocuksertet:
putation. There are many exciting scenes met
with, and the description of some passages is ad-
mirably given. The hero meets with some singular
adventures in the chances and changes of life, and
) the great difference that existed in the families of
the two brothers, in consequence of one dying pre-
maturely, is the cause of great confusion and mis-
understanding. The introduction of a peculiar
character like Stephen Markingham is an advan-
tage to a story. It imparts to it a life and anima-
tion apart from every-day scenes and common-
place occurrences. It was a fortunate day for
Robert Woodleigh when he met with that strange
individual, who was at once attracted towards one
who was so early thrown an outcast on the wilder-
ness of the world. The events that followed the intro-
duction of Robert to his uncle's family are related in
a natural manner, and are such as seem likely to
occur whop persons of such diverse tastes and
habits suddenly meet on an intimate footing. There
is great skill displayed in the account of James
Woodleigh's household. Each member seems to
be apart from the others. Richard, the eldest, was
an idle extravagant youth, forming a strong con-
trast to Upton, the second son, who resembled his
father in his plodding conduct, and zeal and apti-
tude for business. The sisters are also unlike.
Constance is by far the most pleasing, although
inferior in abilities to Caroline. The Heberdeens
are a striking group ; there is more vigour in their
natures than in those of their friends, and there is
a mournful interest attached to the account of their
reverse of fortune, their estates being taken from
them is a law suit. The successful claimant was
Stephen Markingham, and nothing could surpass
his kindness and generosity towards them.
The pride and stubborness which marred
the many fine qualities possessed by father and
son however militated against the good endea-
vours of their foeman, and it was not until in a
foreign land Markingham rendered signal service
to the old squire on the occasion of his meeting
with a serious accident that any reconciliation was
effected. In that solemn hour, when human pre-
judices are seen in their nothingness, and human
passions are revealed in their unworthiness, it was
probable that a noble nature like that of Heberdeen
should turn from strife to peace, and recommen d
his children to the care of his relation. Marking-
ham nobly redeemed his promise, and find-
ing that young Heberdeen was engaging in
new endeavours to repossess himself of the estates,
which would plunge him into endless expense with-
out gaining his point ; he magnanimously relin-
quished the fruits of his hard-earned victory, and
divided the estates between himself and his friend's
children. It is true that such conduct is not often
witnessed, but it was strictly in accordance with
the character of the man here pourtrayed. There
is an effective sketch of a Methodist preacher, who
was the cause of much misery to Robert Woodleigh
in his childhood. To his great horror he married
his mother, and a change came over the tenor of
Robert's life from that day. Finally, after many
stormy scenes the boy ran away from his miserable
home, and on his way to London encountered
Stephen Markingham. He presented himself to
his uncle, who found him employment in his ware-
house, which he kept to for a short time ; but in
consequence of a quarrel with young Heberdeen,
between whom and Robert had always ex-
isted a feud, a separation took place. It
was not until Mr. Markingham's kindness
made him independent that Robert became
reconciled to his relations. Richard Woodleigh's
career was a very sad one, and he continued, as
persons of his habits often do, to make many others
miserable who were in no way connected with hini
or any of his schemes. Amelia Bowden is a strange
disposition ; she was Mr. Bowden's daughter by his
first marriage, and, like her step-brother, could not
agree with the irascible and captious preacher.
She left him long before his union with Mrs.
Woodleigh, and supported herself as a governess.
She was in his uncle's family when Robert met her.
Though not pleasing, she is an attractive study,
from her concentration of thought, and decided
manner. It is satisfactory to find that at the death
of Mrs. Bowden, the father and daughter ad-
justed their differences, and continued to live
together. There are exciting passages at the con-
clusion of the story, in which many important
changes take place in the fortunes of the dramatis
personce whom we have followed for some years in
their stormy pilgrimage. Taken altogether, this
appears a successful work of its style, and it will
most likely meet with the same approval that has
attended its predecessors. There is great variety
introduced with the different families, and the
varying events, which may furnish the reader with
ample opportunity for amusement and reflection.

The Miser _Lord. By Captain Curling, author of
" The Soldier of Fortune," " Frank Beresford,"
&c. Skeet.

This is a singular tale, which possesses features
of interest for those who like the mysterious. The.
Miser Lord himself is a very good representation of
his class; and the deplorable state to which a man
may reduce himself by the extremity of meanness
and miserliness is very ably depicted. To suit the
purposes of some designing lawyers he was nomi•
pally put in possession of some estates, and in one
of his supposed mansions he led a wretched life.
He shut himself up by day, and at night wandered
forth in quest of food. He seized the rabbits and
hares in the covers, and devoured his own turnips,
thinking they were stolen, One of the most pleas-
ing characters in the story is Ellen Moore, the
daughter of the false lord. She had not experienced
the advantages of a good education, but notwith-
standing all drawbacks, there is something agree-
able in her disposition, and a fearlessness in ex-
pressing her opinions, that is frank without being
forward. Adela Vere is an attractive young lady,
but very different from her friend. The hero,
Damain, meets with many remarkable vicissitude*,
and his career is a very painful one, but he is left
in much improved circumstances. After his mar-
riage with Adela Vere his regiment was ordered
abroad, but she opposed his intention of retiring,
believing he would be happier if he remained in
an active career ; and they are left on their voyage
abroad. There are some lively scenes in the
story, and the description of Pounce is excellent.

Rose-Coloured Spectacles. A Novel,in one volume.
By Mary and Elizabeth Kirby. James Black-
wood.
This is an amusing little tale, which without
being anything remakable, presents some lively
sketches of domestic life. The character of the de-
ceiving Charles Cumberland is very well drawn,
and displays a considerable knowledge of human
nature. The heroine is also pourtrayed in a
superior manner, and her unwise custom of always
regarding events and persons through an exag-
gerated medium, occasioned her a great deal of sor-
row and disappointment. All these facts are
represented to the reader in an impressive manner,
and may afford a useful lesson to the youthful and
inexperienced, while there is sufficient interest in its
narrative to afford amusement to those who merely
desire to while away an hour.

The Sacred Minstrel, with Sketches of the Authors.
By the Rev. C. Rogers, LL.D. Houlston and
Wright.
The editor of this little work, fully appreciating
the merits of sacred poetry, was desirous of making
a collection of the best we possess, for the encou-
ragement of the weary- and consolation of the
sorrowful. He remarks, in his preface, with truth
that few of our most eminent poets have been
distinguished in this branch of their art; but he has
succeeded in making a very admirable and attrac-
tive collection, in which the spirit of devotion and
true poetical beauty are happily blended. Some
poems have been admitted which, however sincere
in their intention, are sadly deficient in poetical
ability, and there are a good many others
are merely indifferent in their quality;
are, scattered through the volume,
lo many poems
qualifications, that
butw there
combining both the requisite ilun
those who seek poetical beauty,
"
and those who
desire an earnest expression of devotional feeling,
will be equally gratified. The great number and.
included testify the collec-
tor'svariety of the authors
fußvron, Beattie, Moore,
unbiassed taste and
them are the names
_9 .iin ed
ici o u s selection. Among
Montgomery, b Mrs. Hemans, Eliza Cooz,
eble, Longfellow Cowper,
de many others. The,
collection
Amelia Opie,
Milman, Burns, d
u
cilott,erk:
on its compiler, and we have
reflects great erect);
classes of readers.
ne doubt will pro's e apvaluable acquisition to many

PEOPLE'S EDITIONS. •
Byron's Poetical Works. Part 11. Murray.
Bosweirs Life of Johnson. Part 111. Murray.
The Rev. Sydney Smith's Works. Part IV. Long-
mall.
Moore's Irish Melodies. Part VIII. Longman.
The Poetical Works of Thomas Moore. Part I.
Longman.
Readers of limited means have in these days a
great advantage over those of other generations.
Up to a very recent period, although cheap litera-
ture of a good and wholesome class was circulated
among the million, the standard works of our lan-
guage were inaccessible to all but the fortunate
possessors of wealth or competence. Now'
in how-
ever, thanks to the system of reprintingparts,
and the enterprise of the publishers,someofoir
best works, in prose and verse, arcs
the reach of all classes who are likely acptloaea within
ppreciate
' them, Mr. Murray's editipp of Byron's poems is

in clear type and on excellent paper. It will be com-
pleted in nine parts, at a shilling each, though, of
course, each part may befurchased separately ; and
he who can obtain Childe Harold complete for one
shilling has no reason to repent of his bargain ;
Boswell's Life of Johnson has reached its third
number. The edition has been revised by the editor,
and those who are fond of copkus notes will be
able to gratify their taste.
The edition of the Rev. Sydney Smith's works,
which Messrs. Longman are now issuing, is uniform
with the people's edition of Macaulay's History,
which they published some time back. It includes
his contributions to the Edinburgh Review. The
same indefatigable publishers are also offering to
the public a new and cheap edition of the poetical
works of Thomas Moore in a similar form. -It will
be completed in ten monthly parts, the first of
which contains Lalla Rookh. The people's edition
of the Irish melodies, with the symphonies and
accompaniments, is progressing satisfactorily.
Twelve or thirteen melodies are given in each part.
The type and paper are excellent, and the sin
most convenient.
We trust these various publications will obtain
the success they merit, as their circulation cannot
do otherwise than raise and refine the popular
taste.