New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1843-11-10
VOL. HEH. NO. Asa.
1lterarp Notices.

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ed, and in the interest with which it is clothed
In the words Of the author, " A subject so splen.
did in itself, SO full of political and military in.
struction, replete with such great and heroic
actions, adorned by 80 many virtues, and darkened
by SO many crimes, never yet fell to the lot Of an
historian. During the twenty-five years of its
progress, the world has gone through more than
five hundred years of ordinary existence; and
the annals OF Modern Europe will be sought in
vain for parallel 10 that brief period of anxious
effort and checkered achievement" In the ar
rangement Of the detail introduced to illustrate
this grand subject, Mr. Alison has followed the
example of the great historian, Gibbon, by dew
ating from the strict chronological order ofevens,
separating each chain Of occurrences, and pur-
suing it from its commencement to It's termlna-
ton. This course does not so strlkingly produce
a knowledge Of mere dates, but it tends vastly to
increase the value of the work, by preserving the
clearness Of the story, promoting better know
ledge of facts greatly augmenting their interest
in the mind, and Strengthening the proper and
legitimate influences of History. The style of
the work, with some glazing faults, is generally
appropriate to the nature of the subject. 1t is
glowing, animated and dramatic; in very many
portions Of great power and beauty: and it tends
to throw around the events Of the story all of the
interest which is ordinarily produced by romance.
The authors estimates of character are generally
clear and impartial and his honesty as an histo-
ran usually unquestionable Taking the book
as a whole, we have no hesitation in saying
that it ranks among the most vivid histories of
ancient or modern times.
The Aristocratic and and anti-American bear
ing Of Alison may be regarded as fault; but it
is one which can do no harm here. His er-
rors of fact with regard to our Country, her in
stitutions and her history, may be easily corrected
here they are mainly corrected by the notes
from the pen of Chancellor Kent appended to
some of the more Objectionable passages; while
the spirited general defence of Aristocratic in
condemnation of Democratic forms is in no dan
ger Of winning disciples on this side of the At
lantic. It may possibly modify GU, ver-weening
self-complacency and pride; it may teach us to
examine and discriminate where we have been
hitherto content to eulogize and adore; but we
who read it will rise from the perusal as firm and
more enlightened Republicans, even though less
exclusive in our admiration for our own form of
government. We may be led to believe that and
understand how different forms may be suited to
other habits, characters and feelings than ours,
but we shall be satisfied that no other system is
adapted to, no other even possible with our peo-
pie than that which has been so benefcently
vouchsafed US.
The Messrs. Harpers have now published the
final number, and also an edition bound in sheep
at five dollars, which is cheap indeed.
SHAKsPEARE's WoRKs-We have received from
Burgess & stringer, No 222 Broadway, corner
of Ann.street the first part of the Complete Works
of Shakespeare. 1t contains two fine engravings,
together with capital portrait of Shakespeare him.
self This well known and beautiful edition is to
be published twice month in % parts, each part
containing two illustrations, which will make in
all 4e. This number also contains Memoir Of
Shakespeare, the preface Of Dr. Johnson
GEMS FROM THE AMERICAN PoETs,' a min
iature volume Of happy selections from our best
Poets has just been published by H. Hooker,
Philadelphia, and is for sale by NV, Dodd,
Nassau and Park Row
CPWe have received the October number Of
Dartmouth, an excellent magazine published by
the students of Dartmouth College.
Gsaasan.ruzas,ssssz-0
No. Mercantile Library AssociatfOn.-The
Annual Course Of Lectures Will be des, sa al
BY Rs4 fS5if FUrN Roxb
oss Lss0s S Fo BEN bEENsoN Y
eCe- Character and Discoveries OF Newton, with 'usTa
One Lecture By Prof pENIsoN oLMsTED, Yale Col
One Lecture 9ST by R se NV WA NV
One One Lecture by CHARLES F. HOFFMAN, Esq,
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Ore Lecture by Rev. HENRY GILES, sOu'hbOr0', Mass
One IsctsSs by Rev HENRY GILES, southboro', Mass.
One Lecture b Prof CALEB S. HENRY, D. D. \. Y.
One Lecture by CHARLES EAMES, Esq, n. Y
One Lecture BY Rev. 5. H.CoX D D., Brooklyn Sc
aef By PiRR &1 Es
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The order OF the Lectures Will be announced hereafter
TERMS FOR The COURSE.
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To be obtained at Wiley Punams l6l Broadway Robert
CareE S. Canalstrcst; Israel eoss IS BoweIy baker
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o''-''' - ANTHONY HALSEY,
no steolt Chairman Lecture Committee.
| ~ Sviyanfa Association.-Ohce No. 2.
Pins e. third story Open from 10 u a NJ. Information
| chesrfIllv given The Constitution gwen 1yl0 u