The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-04-28 00:00:00

LITER/IRY NOTICES.

Observations on. the Clime, Soil, and Productions of British
Guiana, and. on the' Advantages of Emigration to, and
Colonising the Interior of that Country. By John Han-
cock,. M. D., London: Fraser. .

This is an admirable work on a most important subject.
The author is eminently qualified for the task which he has
undertaken, having sojourned from the year 1804 to 1828,
inclusive, in South America, and chiefly in British Guiana,
where he followed his professional pursuits. His account of
the botany of the country is extremely copious and interest-
ing. For the purpose of making himself acqbainted with
its medicinal plants, and with the peculiar practices followed
with great success by the inland tribes, in the cure of dis-
eases, he frequently visited the interior by the rivers sse-
quibo, Demerara, Pomeroon, Orinoco, &c.; and the result
of his investigations is of the highest importance. In addi-
tion to the medical department of this work, we are fUrnished
with some valuable and appropriate remarks on the soil, and
advantages of cultivation in the interior—the vegetable pro-
ductions of the country—its aninrals—its geplogy—its cli-
mate, and diseases—the condition and prospects of the black
population, &c. &c.

The Illustrated Shakspere, revised from the best Authori-
ties. With Annotations, apd Introductory Remarks on
the Plays, by many distinguished writers. Part 11; Lon-
don : Robert Tyas.
We have not had an opportunity of noticing this work
for some time, owing to the non •receipt of several of the
preceding numbers. The number before us contains "Troi-
lus and Cressida," the illustrations to which are beautifully
and elaborately executed. This work, whether we consider
the beauty of 'its' typography—the number • and exquisite
finish of its wood engravings—or the intrinsic merit of its
annotations—reflects the highest credit on the spirited pub-
lisher. No library can be considered as complete until it is
furnished with a copy of this splendid and unique edition of
the works of " Avon's immortal bard." The encourage-
ment afforded to such works is a favourable symptom of the
literary taste of the day, which is evidently inclined to pa-
tronise the best standard works of the old English writers.

Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland. Parts 67,
68, 69, and 70. Edinburgh : John Sutherland, 1840.
We are glad that we have been furnished with an oppor-
tunity of renewing our notice of this excellent series of his-
torical, traditionary, and imaginative tales. The materials
out of which these amusing and instructive narratives are
formed appear to be inexhaustible. The tales in the num-
bers before us are as attractive as any which have preceded
them, and will:serve to beguile the evening hours of many a
weary'cottager, while they are, at the same time, calculated
to gratify the taste of a more aristocratical class of readers.
In compiling these tales, every word or sentiment of an ob-
jectionable character is scrupulously rejected. This alone
entitles them to our warmest recommendation.

Grant's London Journal. Part 2. London : Geo. Berger.
This is a very agreeable and instructive miscellany, con-
ducted by the author of " Random Recollections of the
Lords and CoMnions, " and numerous other works which
have attained a considerable degree of popularity. It is
published in weekly numbers and monthly parts, and at a
price which places it within the reach of every class of
readers. Nothing but a large circulation can possibly com-
pensate the spirited publisher of this periodical; and this we
hope the intrinsic merits of its articles will secure for it.
Its sketches of character form one of its most attractive
features. The number before us contains an excellent aeries
of articles on " The Errors and Evils of Socialism," the
perusal of which is calculated to effect much good.

Master Humphrey's Clack. By Boz.

Nos. 1,2, 3, 4

London: Chapman and Hall.

This new work, from the graphic pen of the gifted and
popular author of the " Pickwick Papers," is likely to attain
as large a circulation as any of its predecessors. Indeed,
the mode of publication places it within the reach of a class
of readers who could scarcely avail themselves of any of Mr.
Dickens's previous works. Master Ilumphrey's Clock
promises to furnish us with many legendary tales of absorb-
ing interest. The illustrations, by Cattermole and Browne,
are admirably executed.