The Sun.
London, England, 1859-03-07 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

Sir Gilbert. A Novel. Bentley.
I There is a great deal of ability displayed in this
little book, and although many readers will doubt-
less wish that the author had chosen a more agree-
able theme for the exposition of his powers, it is
well calculated to attract attention from the vivid
manner in which some of the passages are described,
and the vigorous style in which, for the most part,
it is written. There is something particularly
mournful in the accounts given of Sir Gilbert; the
constitutional failing under which he laboured was
the deplorable one of Cowardice ; and through the
machinations of his cruel enemy, a vindictive kins-
man, he was forced to enter the army. In attack-
ing some fort in India,he showed such signs of de-
falcation in a soldier:s duty that he was dismissed
the service. In consequence of many deaths, the
fatal secret would have died out had it not been
preserved by one of the officers in a diary, which fell
into the hands of Carnac, a distant relation of Sir
Gilbert's, and a most despicable character. He
continued to hold the most tenacious authority over
the wretched . youth in consequence of this fearful
secret being m his keeping. The story is very
complicated; and it is very dexterously arranged,
but the chief point is the manceuvring of Carnac,
whose consummate acting is described in a very
able manner. The contrast between the female
characters is strikingly represented. Ave
Mortlake and Julia Calverly are very different in
everything, and their friendship was but a name,
for there was no sympathy between them. Julia
was thoughtful and reflective, while Ave was giddy
and trifling. It was a fortunate day for Gilbert
when he was freed from the fascination of Miss
Mortlake, and a still more propitious occurrence
when he met with Julia Calverly, whose influence
was ever exerted for his good. In his marriage
with her the first prospect of happiness that his
wretched life had ever known was opened before
him, and the first promise of becoming something
better likewise dawned upon him. He nerved
himself to what is often the greatest effort in life,
the relation of his hidden torture to Julia, and
though death shortly afterwazds removed his
enemy, he never regretted having made the effort.
In the midst of a fire he also saved another foe
from a frightful death, at the imminent risk of his
own life; and with these satisfactory evidences of
his zeal and earnestness in the endeavour to trample
his ancient enemy under foot, we take our leave of
Gilbert, whose sad story is told with such truthful'
mournfulness that the reader becomes interested in
him notwithstanding his unfortunate peculiarities.
With its striking sketches and brilliant style, this
story is most likely to gain admirers, and it cer-
tainly possesses many noticeable passages.

The Mechanics' Magazine. Robertson, Brooman,

and Co., Fleet-street.
The Mechanics' Magazine has recently com-
menced a new career, with every prospect of suc-
cess, and firstly, that of deserving it. It is greatly
improved both in contents and appearance. The
subjects are more varied, and generally important,
and the size and type are much better. The
introduction of short leaders on the topics of the
day which are connected directly or indirectly with
mechanics or manufactures, tend to lighten its more
scientific portions, and are adapted to those who
arc not fully conversant with technical knowledge.
The inclusion of a wider range of subjects, in the
introduction of the branches of agricultural ma-
chinery and manufactures, is another advantage.
We cordially wish it success in its new and im-
proved form, as calculated to diffuse much useful
information, and to introduce amon° mechanics
and engineers a knowledge of the scientific prin-
ciples of their occupation.

The Art Journal.

The most pleasing of the plates in this month's
number is the second, which is taken from Achen-
bach's picture of " The Monastery," in the Royal
collection. The engraving of the statue of Jenner
is marred by the rigidity of the limbs, the promi-
nent knee bones catching the eye immediately.
Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Hall continue their " Excur-
sions in South Wales" with spirit. Some of the
vignettes are charming. William Frederick
Witherington is the " British Artist" whose life and
labours are treated of in this number, and engrav-
ings of some of his delightful landscapes are given.
The criticisms of the exhibitions of the season are
interesting, and the whole journal is full of pleasant
reading for the lovers of art.

The English C'yclopeedia of Arts and Sciences.
Conducted by Charles Knight. Bradbury and
Evans.

A new division of this valuable work is now
making its appearance, entering on the important
and comprehensive departments of art and science.
The labour and study bestowed on its compilation
are evidently great, and the range of its subjects is
unusually extensive. Law, medicine, chemistry,
mechanics, literature, art, mathematics, political
economy, are among the departments; but within
these opening parts a host of miscellaneous subjects,
which do not come regularly under the head of any
particular section, are also encountered. As a
specimen of the care and research bestowed upon
the work, we. would instance the articles on the
words " Alphabet," " Air-pump," " Ague," and
" Agent," which display the varied nature of the
contents. We anticipate that this fourth and last
division of the English. Cyclopedia will fully equal,
if not surpass the merits of their predecessors.