The Sun.
London, England, 1866-01-02 00:00:00

LIIERATURE.

LONDON SOCIETY.--This elegant periodical com-
mences the year with a very brilliant number, and
we meet with several interesting stories. The first
tale is called " Quite Unexpected," and presents us
with an exciting episode of country life. The hero
is a new landlord, who appears in a sort of dis-
guise, and proves the deus ex machina, who puts everything
to rights. Little Rachel Taylor is quite a character, in its
way quite as good as Topsy, and all the incidents in the
narrative are quite natural,while they are of every-day oc-
currence. "Angelica's Betrothal" is a romantic story,
which exposes one of the chief faults of society at the pre-
sent day, the mania for making wealthy marriages, to the
total oblivion of all other considerations. Angelica ran a
great risk by her perverse conduct, although she finally
met with a better fate than she deserved. The sketches of
society given are very animated, and the contrast between
the two brothers well marked. Many fair readers may ap-
propriately take warning by the gloomy events of Ange-
lica's betrothal. "Two to One on the Major" is a peculiar
story, which contains a moral for the sterner sex, and fur-
nishes us with a dramatic episode of real life, which
is as impressive as it is interesting. Even the hard
worldly Major was moved as he received his token
by the grave of her whom he had so deeply
wronged. "A Ball in the Square" is the title of some
verses which are very spirited, and well depict the gay
scene with its inner story of rage, disappointment, and de-
spair. "Sketches in Court" will remind many of unwel-
come scenes, and they are most apt delineations of the dif-
ferent styles of counsel. The consulting, the ecclesiastical,
the argumentative, the jury, the coxcombical, the jovial
counsel, each in his turn steps before us and presents us
with a good idea of his meaning. "Parisian Female Ex-
travagance" is an entertaining sketch, which exemplifies
some of the peculiarities of the present day, and points out
the alarming extent to which the love of finery is leading
the inhabitants of that gay city. "Winter from Your Own
Window" is a lively caricature of some of the petites miseres
de la vie turmaine which attend inclement seasons, and
shows that a winter like that of the good old times is not
so pleasant after all as those who rave about it would have
us think. "Up and Down the London Streets" is an in-
teresting account of the city, and well worthy of perusal
by all who would be informed of the early days of "Lon-
don's famous town." " Mr. Brown's Mistake" is a ludicrous
account of the misadventures of a foolish young man,
"Books to Read" is a very good article, which very pro-
perly dwells upon the superiority of the sympathetic novel
over the sensational one. The writer of this article pos-
sesses a healthy taste and a keen discgrnment in this diffi-
cult subject, and her remarks are refreshing to meet with.
"Fairies in Fustian" presents a new notion of Christmas
pantomimes to our readers, but one which is worthy of
attention. " Historical Notes on our National Card Game"
are very appropriate at this season. The illustrations in
this magazine are very well done, and form an addition
to its numerous attractions.

THE MONTH.—Several articles of interest are
discussed in this month's number, two of them re-
lating to the classic land of Greece. The first part
of a series of essays on the Greek Tragedians is
evidently written by one who has studied deeply
the characteristics of the grand old writers. " Greece in
the Providential Order of the World" is a paper of a diffe-
rent order, but it is thoughtful and eloquent, founded for
the chief part on Mr. Gladstone's recent address to the
University of Edinburgh. " Book-hawking and Popular
Literature" is a very sensible paper, showing clearly the
wide field opened for the cultivation of the poorer classes
by the labours of the colportour. It is remarkable that
persons in rural districts who would never think of
going out of their way to buy books will
purchase them readily when fairly brought to their door
and shown to them. There is the more reason for follow-
ing up this opening, because it is largely used by the
vendors of actually bad and demoralising books, super-
stitious, and even immoral, so that if good seed be sown
this wide harvest field will yield a thick crop of tares.
The writer in the Month very sensibly urges upon the
originators and supporters of book-hawking societies the
importance of making anything that is intended to be
bought and read by the poorer classes attractive. A bright
cover, clear typo, and a lively style will catch thousands
of readers, where a ponderous solemn volume will not
influence tens. There are several other topics discussed
in this part in papers of various merits.

THE SIXPENNY MAGAZlNE.—Assisted by liberal
contributions from the other side of the Atlantic
the Sixpenny Magazine continues to offer its liberal

supply of entertainment to readers who like a plen-
tiful literary table. Among the miscellaneous papers are
articles on " Ireland, and the Reformers of 1798," on "Beau
Brummell," on " Christmas in Scotland," and on " The
Country of the Amazons." There are several tales and
romances, but none of them are of a very high order of
interest or merit.

ROUTLEDGE'S MAGAZINE FOR Boys.--Rout-
ledge's Boys' Magazine begins the new year with
promise. A story of schoolboy life, entitled
Barford Bridge," is the first of its attractions, and
the Rev. F. W. Farrar, M.A. author of "Eric," and other
widely-read juvenile works, begins a series of papers on
"Words which have a History." "The Lathe, and How to
use it," and " Conjuring made Easy," are papers that will
be
_only too fascinating to every boy why reads them.

Memoir of Leopold the First. From the Independ

ante Belge. lye, Burleigh-street.
A succinct memoir of that respected and
lamented monarch whose pacific influence has just
been lost to Europe. It is chiefly remarkable
among the numerous sketches of his changeful
career which have been issued from the press, from
the fact of its being written from a Belgian point
of view, and occupied principally with an account
of his first introduction to the Belgian people, and
the words which he addressed to them when as-
suming those duties as constitutional king which
during a long life he so worthily fulfilled.

The British Army and Navy Review.
The British Army and Navy Review commences
the New Year with a new and promising character,
exhibiting a marked improvement under its spirited
management. It bears the impress of Mr. Richard
Bentley, publisher in ordinary to her Majesty.
This number presents us with the " Mess-Room
Companion" of the British Army and Navy on a
fine large sheet, intended for exhibition in the
mess-rooms. The distribution of the British army
is printed in columns, the headquarters and depot,
the year of embarkation or return, with remarks ;
regiments on foreign stations are printed in black,
and those at home in red, with the Indian Presi-
dencies, Bengal, Madras, and Bombay. The navy
isprinted in black and blue, distinguishing the ships
in commission on foreign stations and those at home,
with all the necessary particulars of the officers in
command of ships, when commissioned and on what
station, whether the ship be screw or paddle, or
armour-cased screw ship. The first article opens
with a memoir of the great but ill-used hero of the
day, the celebrated Edward John Edward Eyre,
Lieutenant-Governor of Jamaica. No subject could
be more appropriately chosen to give an impulse to
the new career of the fighting Review, for both the
gallant spirits of the Army and Navy participated
in the prompt and decisive suppression of that black
rebellion which had been organised by the ambition
of mock religious hypocrites, and perpetrated by the
frenzy of revolting fanaticism. The conduct of the
Governor on that trying occasion was worthy of all
praise, and the details given in this memoir will be
read with corresponding interest. Mr. Eyre is a
man seldom to be met with even among the re-
nowned celebrities of our day. Descended from an
ancient family, his extraordinary career bears wit-
ness to the chivalrous nature of his character. An
excellent portrait accompanies the Review, present-
ing a noble and magnanimous countenance,
full of thought, and expressive of energy
and decision. The memoir will be read
with great interest. " Under Two Flags,"
by Ouida, next arrests the attention of the light
reader. This is followed by " The Health of the
Navy," and " The Navy in 1865," both papers
entering into the care of the seaman's health
and the state of our navy, subjects of vital interest
to our independence as a nation, and well de-
serving the watchful consideration of the country.
Our present position is not the most favourable
in respect to ships, still less in regard to guns.
The " coming" gun seems as far• off as ever, for
though we have an emulative variety as to sizes,
with rifling, smooth bore, and other qualities, we
have not yet found a practical weapon for every-
day work, be it fair or foul, for in war people
don't stand much for repairs, as the phrase goes.
What is wanted is a really workable gun, and a swift
ship to carry it, having a due regard to the comfort
of the crew and the sea worthiness of the craft.
Let Jack have these, and the enemy may " look out
for squalls." " The United States Courts-martial,"
by Captain Hale, is concluded, and does credit to
his discernment and capacity. There are several
other subjects, variously discussed, ending with " The
Sea Worthies of England," which carries us back
to the naval glories of 'other days, and the chivalry
of the Howards.