New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1849-10-16
REVIEWS OF NEW BOOKS.

REVIEWS OF NEW BOOKS.
THE WORKS or MICHAEL DE aONTAI0NE.-
Pniiscephls } W Moore
We are lsppy to see en- American edition Of
tae work. Of lively gsrrUlous gossping Old French
man, tho, with al his eFotism AID pedsnty was
shrewd observer OF human nature, spirited deinestor
Of passions and msnners and most agreeable enter
tanning and instructive companion. He Essays Ere
among Inc most universally popusr books that ever
written aud they presen, the same charming arc
matte ifeshness that they posse'sed 10 the sixteenth
century They combine the fluctuations Of sGtobiog
rsyhy With the contentious wisdom Of the ssge, and
rich store Of historical and classical Information. Their
character never been more ielicicusy expressed
han By the author himself ia the Preface to tee fret
edition. dated June y, 1850. The frsnkness and ma
ivee Of this description constantly reproduced IN
he Essays This reader IS q book without guile
IL tells thee At the very outset TIA; bad other end
10 putting u together but what domestic sud pn
vate HAD no regard therein either to thy service or
my glory my powers equal 70 no such design. II
was intended for the particular Of my relatives and
nenos in order that when they have iost me, which
they must soon do, they may here find some traces OF
10Y quality and humor, and may thereby noursh more
entire and lively recollection Of me. Had proposed
to court the favor Of the world hsd Get myself out in
borrowed beauties bat twas my wish to be Eoon In my
simple natural and ordinary gzrb, without study or
sriifce for was my,ef had 10 paint. Ny defects
will appear to life in all their native form, as far as
consists with respect 70 the public. Had been born
among those nations who 10 said still live in the pleas
ant liberty of the law OF nature assure thee should
readily have depicted myself at full length aud quite
naked. Thus reader, thou perceivest sm myself the
subject my book ii not worth thy while to take
fare-thec well"
The present edition comprises the Essays, Letters,
and Journey through Germany and Italy with Notes,
Biographical and photographed Notices by Iazlit;
1t edited genial spirit of love and admiration
The numerous quotations from the ancient languages
are all translated into English The whole ia crowded
into volume but tue type is very readable and the
paper fair The edition will be welcomed by the many
tor, and by as many more who will now make their
qaaintsncc with him for the first time. r.
TIE POLITICAL WORKS OF PERCY BYssHE
SHELLEY. Edited by GEORGE g. FOSTER. Third
E1luoS. New-York J. 5 hedneld
If Shelley could enjoy the love and admiration
that havo been svshed his memory since his death
it might be some recompense for the savsge prejudice
and injustice that converted his purely ideal life into
the bitterest Of tragedies Since he buied out OF
society that blindolded with too thick a veil Of
conventionslism and bgotry to appreciate bis pure,
transparent unworthy, and antique nature there has
gathered round his host OF enthusiastic wor'
shipers,to whom he appears as bright golden vision
OF loneliness and grandeur too exalted for the sphere
o. humanity. Many even, who have no fondness FOR
his peculiar vein u subtle aud gttering poetry have
been won 10 personal love for his character, by the
sweetness genteness lotness Of purpose, and gener
ois forgetulness Of sell, which were woven into the
orsina! elements Of his being. His poems which found
comparatively few readers in his etime have within
four years passed 10 4 third edition in this country,
which thanks to toe spprecstng taste aud Jealous in.
dustry of Mr. Foster presented to the public in
a complete and elegant form, which leaves nothing
be desired in this respect lie has done wisely,
think in restoring the passages which 1t was deemed
proper to suppress in the first edition. 1t 10 absurd to
suppose that they could inure the faith or morals OF
any one who had much Of either to lose The wild
shrek Of Indignation with which Shelley uttered his
boyish protest against the many shsckles on human
freedom is most interesting portion Of his persona
history but is Of weight in adjusting the claims Of
theoretical system. We attach no importance to the
opinions of Shelley dogmstist, but we would not
b. defrauded Of any light which serves to reveal the
inner workings OF his soul The value of Mr.. Fosters
edition s enhanced by the Preface, in which be pays
fervent and sfecuonate tribute to the merits Of bis
author and presents many ssgacious criticisms on his
writings in glowing and beautiful language The Ia
vor with which this edition has been already received
by the public the best guarantee Of i,s future sue
cess.