New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1849-04-07
LITERARY NOTICES.
Mscaulsy's Enginnd.


Tn, So s.ss Vol. and . 80 cent?. z. II Butler Co
Philadelphia
We have waited for the first outpourlng OF ad-
mirstion, with which this magnificent specimen
If historical composition has been every where re-
ceiyed. partially 10 subside, before giving it the
notice in our columns TO which it is entitled, both
from the brilliant popularity Of the author and the
rare intrinsic merits Of the work The voice OF
the public has Anticipated the verdict OF the press
and if any trust is to be reposed ia the result OF
the universal suffrage Of readers, the reputation
OF MAcArLAY is established as a faithful, impair
tial, and singuiarly attractive historian.
He had already won distinguished fame Tor
his varied accom- lishments as literary man, tor
the extent and compreheDsiyeness OF his acqulsi-
tons for the rare union Of ease and energy IN bis
style for the terrible strength Of his satire when
reused to invectiye, by absurdity or pretence snd
forthe apparently unconscious OPulence with"hlch
be flung about him the treasures Of a richer and
broader culture than the most highly educated
English gentleman or statesman can usually boast
His contributions to the Reviews have been eIaoo-
rate productions, exhibiting immense research, Pc
cular yivacity ofthought, and an uncommon maste-
nv over the resources Of language this Is the Sc
cret Of their power and gives them charm with
readers Of the utmost diversity Of opinion, tastes
and intellectual habits but after the first flush OF
excitement has passed away, we do not find that
we have received much from their perusal as
we had bargained for. delightful intoxcation
has been given to our faculties; we have been led
through a vast picture gallery, crowded with the
most attractive and dazzling objects, but 1t is not
often. when we come to gather up the impress
sions that remain alter the enchantment has IA
ded. that W. are conscious Of having gained any
fresh convictions of TRUTH of having been in COM
munion with master spirit who touches our bet
ter nature, unocks the mysteries Of science, or
gives new impulse to the highest faith. MA
cAULAr is not a gifted teacher, but sagacous
critic; he presents no new thoughts that starte
az by their power, while they convince as OF their
truth, but he comments with wonderful acuteness
and brilliancy on the thoughts Of other men; and,
while he makes no pretenslons to the position OF
philosopher, or creator OF scientific systems, he
runs through all which the world has known,
with the grace and CELEBRITY OF musician on the
KEYS of al instrument and brings out ravishlDg
harmony if he does not set forth q convincing de
mopstration We do not say this to his disparage-
ment On the contrary, the slight analysis which
we have given OF the character of his intellect, |
proves his eminent qualifications for the work
which be has so successfully accomplished. His
mind is essentially critical, exclusive, historical.
If he had been more profound, we might have
been wearied with abstract theories II more |
ideal, we might have been bewidered by the au-
roral flashes of imagination.
We are now sure in the perusal Of his captiva-
ting narrative that are in the hands Of guide,
whose eloquent conversation and vivid descrp-
tons are united with perfect knowledge OF the
road, and whose sturdy, practical good sense is
proof against every temptation to abandon It.
The method by which MAcAULAY has given this
History such an unprecedented popularity is the
consummate skill, with which the narrative is
constructed, and with which everything is made
subservient to the strength, vivacity, and pctur-
esaue grace of its movement. He INDUCES in no
wire-drawn tedious speculations, converts what
would have been numbering details in less artistic
hands into lively descriptions, and clothes the
most barren array OF facts III an attractive COS
tune, which makes it impossible ever TO for
get the scenes and actors, among which we
FIRST became acquainted with them. In this re-
spect, MAcAuLAY presents favorable contrast to
BANCROFT, in his History OF the United States
With BANCROFT, the course OF the narrative
never runs clearly the limpid smoothness OF his
style is that Of pool in ilower-garden, from
which we obtain no extensive prospects, nor are
conscious Of any change OF position, rather than
of the broad majestic river, whose bosom we
are borne through regions of fertility and love
illness; his episodes though in themselves mas
nt c.la
attention from the thread OF the story and though
our memory may long retain the exquisite por-
,raitures of individual character which abound
in the pages OF his history it receives no distinct
continuous impressions OF any period or event, We
may have studied; and we ale compelled togive the
author the praise of impassoned and brilliant
dissertator rather than of lucid, systematic
narrator. This fault can never be complained OF
in MAcAULAY. There is no interruption to the How
of his narrative. Changing rapidly with the ever
changing scenes and circumstances, 1t is now
sweet now impetuous, now solemn and majestic
but always transparent, the outlines sharply de-
fined, and the details arranged with minute OBJ
servance OF the laws of historical perspective.
With the superior excellence OF his luminous
narrative, MAcAuLAY must ied the palm TO BAN
CROFT in philosophical insight and depth. BAN
cRoFr's history is the development OF ell idea; he
refers all the facts and phenomena he deals with to
theirprimary springs in human nature, sndreserve
his choicest eloquence and most elaborate coloring
for the illustration OF intellectual systems which
al the basis OF social move ments MAcAULAY avoids
no less from principle than from taste, all discus
sion OF speculative ideas; he has no faith in
philosophy remote from the sphere of the senses
and although he presents sufficiently clear expo
stion OF the various political theories which were
adopted by the contending parties he brings upon
the stage, he never attempts to approach the Ill