Star.
London, England, 1831-01-12 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

WiSTKINSTER REVIEW-HEWARD.

A bold spirit of truth--that is to say, a courageous resolution to set
forth, in uncompromising terms, the conviction of an Author's mind—
rerrades every page of this Review ; and no one, who values original
thinking, or who rejoices to see the axe struck at the root of prejudice
and delusion, should be without perusing the Number of the work
lately published. The first ardele is on " Defensive Force." It appears
from this, that the venerable BIDITHAN, described in theory, what in
the National Guard of France is practically brought into reality. The
second Article,—a Review of "L' Ilieloire Natural* de C Holm's, par
R. P. Lesson." is a smart comment on a curious subject; but from
the extracts afforded, the author of the book is not a very profound nor
very accurate writer. The observations of M. Lesson, on the bar.
Woos, or rather unlettered races, from experience of our own, we
consider in several instances too superficial and vague, to be taken as
data for philosophical argument—The Sd Article is on Hannibal's pas.
rage over the Alps, and not very important, except to the inquirer Into
that point of history.—The 4th Article is a very interesting one. It is a
review of what may be considered the greatest achievement of Anglo.
American literature, Dr. Webster's New English Dictionary. This
valuable work, which contains 12,000 words not in Johnson's Diction.
ary, has been edited and republished in this country, by Mr. Barker of
Thetford ; not only as termed in the Review, one of the " moat
industrious," but one of the most profoundly learned scholars of this
age and country—a writer whom we are proud to reckon as a frequent
correspondent. Had we space, we could wish to indulge a little in
offering some remarks on this work; for the philosophy of language has
for many years been a favourite pursuit with us. The sth article is on
the East India Trade—it is bold and acute, like the whole review;
but, on this subject, we deem that an accurate knowledge of facts
would have produced more diffidence in opinion, if not some
change of it. The 6th article is likewise one which we could
have wished moo liberally, or Ices unkindly written. The 7th article
"on the representation of Scotland," is an able upset of the alumina.
tions of the Scotch system. The Bth is a review of " the Heiress of
Bruges," a novel of ability, by Mr. Grattan; and the 9th, a re►iew
of another amusing novel, by Theodore Hook, entitled " Maxwell."
The 10th is on the Belgian Insurrection, and contains much
most valuable information on Belgian politics ; the 11th is
a judicious critique of Jaws P. Cobbstt's tour in Italy.
The 12th, " Major Head's Life of Bruce," is a curious article. The
lath, on " Machine.breaking," is a powerfully reasoned article, on
the present state of the labouring classes ; but rather unjustly severe on
the animus of those who recommend emigration. The 14th is en
" Tennyson's Poems"—these from the specimen we do not admin..
they occasionally chew brilliant ideas, but they appear murdered by
affectation ! The 15th, on " Basil Barrington and his Friends,"
an amusing sketch of a very amusing satirical Novel.
The next two ankles on the late Administration, and on " European
Revolutions," contain matter, which he who reads without interest of
no common kind, must have a mind incompetent fo► political specials.
tion, and a heart devoid of patriotism. The last article is on a part of
Latin Grammar. We have thus run through the number; but shall
make extracts, from time to time, as we end room. Tatty we give
the following on Poland :