The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1841-12-15

PHILADELPHIA, Dec IL, lS4l
DEAR Sir II was capital thought of several OF
our intelligent and spirited publishers to collect, in
tangible form, the miscellaneous writings of the most
eminent British authors, writings which have, here
toore been accessible only in the scattered numbers
of the Reviews and Magazines to which they have
given character and popularity and although dstin-
gushed for ability and eoquence and forming most
attractive and important part of the polite literature of
the day. failed that general notice to which
they were richly entitled, by being confined to the
comparative few, who purchased the periodicals con-
tanning them. The Edinburgh, and London GUAR
tery Reviews have long been conducted with dstin-
gushed talent and the leading articles of each have,
almost invariably, been papers of exceeding ability.
The same may also be said with equal TRUTH of
Black woods far-famed magazine, edited by Professor
Wilson, a notice Of whose admirable miscellaneous
writings culled from the long of volumes forming
this popular journal sent to you in former commu-
nication Messrs. Carey & Hart, the publishers of
the volumes commended, have issued a new and
complete edition, in three duodecimos, of Critical and
Miscellaneous says by T. Darlington Macaulay"
These essays the eloquent productions of one OF
the most profound critics Of this or any age and a
more acceptable offering to the reading public could
not well have been devised. The frequent compilation
of such writings as these will not only to dis
semnate sound views and opinions in regard to books
and their authors, but, by the degree OF favor with
which they may be received, will also serve to elevate
the tone and standard of periodical literature which,
after ALL is the great modern instrument in the adj
vancement Of human improvement.
Mr. Macaulay's reputation is not confined within
the narrow limits of his country, but wherever
the contents of these delightful volumes have been
ceived land where among civilized men, has not the
Edinburgh Review, with its wings Of Saffron and
blue been carried y he has been acknowledged
master-spirit of the age These volumes are filled
with bis contributions to this Review, during the past
Ia or Is years and the following list Of contents will
prove the value Of the subjects discussed Milton,
Machiavelli, Dryden, History Hallam, Southey, By
ron, Bunyan, Johnson and Boswell Hampden Lord
Bureiph, Mirabeau French Revolution, Spain, Wal
pole Chatham Bacon. 1t is seldom that much truly
valuable matter can be found in so limited space.
Macaulay's Essay on the Life, Writings, Character
and Times of MILroN, occupying about sixty pages Of
tbs compilations is one of the most brilliant and eo-
ouent in the language, and worth, ITSELF the price OF
the three volumes Indeed il he had written nothing
else this would have entitled him TO place in the
foremost rank of successful essayisis and critics
The publishers of these "Miscellanies' have also
ssued very curious and handsome volume, by Will
liam Hewitt, author of the "Rural Life of England,"
entitled The Sfudent-Iife Of Germany" The con
fonts of this volume are highly interesting and will
be particularly So those who have given attention to