The Sun.
London, England, 1857-12-02 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

Captivity of Two Russian. Princesses in the
Caucasus. Translated from the Russian: By
H. Sutherland Edwards. Smith and Elder.
This little volume will furnish a fund of informa-
tion to those desirous of becoming acquainted with
this episode of •the late war. The accounts must
be authentic, as they have been communicated by
the captives themselves, and evidently in an im-
partial manner. The hardships and sufferings they
underwent, in some sort inseparable frem their po-
sition, did not prevent the Georgian ladies, from
giving praise where it was due to their enemies,
nor did their uncertain fate render them indiffetent
to what passed around them. The saddeit circum-
stance related is that of the infant Lydia- being
killed in the forced march immediately after the
prisoners had been taken. This was partly
accident, but the conduct of the man who had
charge of the mother was very reprehensible. The
description given of the Seraglio of Schamyl (in
which the princesses paised seven months) is very
interesting, and it is written in a pleasing style,
such as does honour alike to the author and the
translator. Added to the work are a portrait of
Schamyl, a plan of his house, and a map of his ter-
ritory, which increase its attraction. The Russian
book, of which this is a translation, was written by M.
Verderevsky, to whom the "princesses related every
particular worthy of notice concerning th • err cap-
tivity. The English reader is indebted to Mr.
Edwards for rendering available so interesting a
work, which, in an agreeable form, brings before
him an account of events and personages that is
worthy of attention, and which otherwise might not
have been easy of attainment.

Haydn's Oratorio, " The Seasons," arranged by
Vincent Novello. Novello, Dean-street, Soho.
This popular work forms ono of Novollo's ori-
ginal octavo editions, and is presented in a cheap,
classical, and perfect combination, which requires
no recommendation to induce the public to pa-
tronise it. Mr. Novello has done much.to advance
the diffusion of sound and elevating- music, and
to render the highest productions of the Divine Art
accessible to all ;it is therefore gratifying find
that the circulation of his publication is increasing
rapidly.

The Angler's Instructor. By William Ba,yley.

Longmart and Co.

If we were inclined to the " weakness" of Isaao
Walton, we should certainly pin our faith on the
explicit and straightforward directions contained
in this little book. It explains the mysteries of
lines, rods, and baits, describes the habits of fish,
points out their haunts at the various seasons of the
year ; and, in short, is oue of the best oompendiums
of the kind that has fallen in our way. If we ever
dedicate a thy to "tickling trout" or hooking
gudgeon we shall certainly put Mr. Bayley in
our pocket before starting.

Colburne's New Monthly. —" The end of an Ill-
st;xred Visit" continues the fortunes. of Susan
Chase. There is not so much interest in this por-
tion of her adventures, as it is merely a recapitula-
tion of events that bad been previously mentioned.
Susan starts at last for England, after having been
very much disappointed in the conduot of Mr.
Carnegie, who had not improved since he had been
married to Emma. Mr. Leicester is an example of
an honest nature, which contrasts favourably with
a selfish and unprincipled man like Carnegie.
Although full of melancholy details, this story pos-
sesses considerable interest, on account of the skill
with which it displays character, and the likely man-
ner in which the chief circumstances are introduc: d
to our notice. Sir Nathaniel continues his " Notes
on Note Worthies," and carries them back to the
days of Hippocrates. "The Press in America" gives
a history of its rise an d progress in transatlantic states.
" The Land Revenue of India, and the Village Sys-
tem," is the title of a long and important article on
the government of Hindostan. Mrs. Bun by continues
her translation of the Swedish voyage round the
world, and describes Singapore and Hong Kong.
"The Baths of Lucca," are brought to a conclu-
sion by the agreeable writer, who takes the name
of Florentia. A melancholy love story is told in
this part. " The Fergusons of Castle Ferguson,"
is the title of a Kerry legend of rather a gloomy
character. " Suggestions for the Re-establishment
of Posting," is an amusing paper, Suggesting that
railways should be superseded as a mode of convey-
ance for the wealthy. Nicholas Michell has some
spirited verses entitled " Bound for India."