Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1852-05-13
BOOK NOTICES.

by w. w. IudCkeTdY.s IuDllSUeu ny ~. EAp-
pIeton g.. Co., 200 Broadway N Y.
The Paris Sketch Book contains Innings of
men and manners in the French capital, by one |
OF the most popular of English writers. These
sketches are not profound, philosophic views of
society in the great city, but rather, bold, free,
graphic glmpses, both of the lights and sha-
dows of Partisan life. Thackeray looks upon
life was what Burns called call Variorum,''
and seems to consider it 10 be of little conse-
quence how it goes. He sketches the horrors of
a gamblers death, the reign of terror, and the
scene on board of Boulonge packet, in the same
light, racy style. Perhaps some readers might
consider his style TOO fippant for the tragedy of
Partisan life; and if there ever was any pure
tragedy 10 be found in Paris, from the Pere la
Chaise to the Barriere de L'Etoile, perhaps it
would be; but death itself is comedy in that
cty,-a comedy, the horrible nature of which is
best illustrated by such pen as Thackerey's.
The Sketch Book contains several interesting
tales, written in Thackerey's happiest vein.-
They illustrate both the heroism and grandeur of
humble virtue, as well as the miseries Of conven-
tonal position.
This is another of the series of Appeton's Pop
ular Library. II can be had, with all the works
preceding it, at Keith, e. Co.'s, 259 Main St
A DICTIONARY OF CoNGREGATIoNALIs
ReU. Preston Cummingc, Boston: S. X. Whip
pie & Co. Worcester: E. Dorr.
This is dry title, and somewhat repusive to
such as judge of book by its back-side. And yet,
when UNDERSTOOD the title is, like the book itself,
full of meaning. The work sets forth under topics
alphabetically arranged, the principles of Congrega-
tionallsn, declared by the most reliable auhori-
ties, as illustrated by general and usage, and
as developed by historical facts. Superficial minds
will have more depth by reading the book atten-
lively; and the best minds will the best appreciate
its contents. 1t informs, and it suggests. There is
in ii no attraction of romance, and yet it exhibits
| principles whose energy has moved the world,
changed its aspect, and determined its destiny.
The work is by means perfect; it makes no pre-
tension to anything more than wemeant begin
ming We cannot say it is the best work of the
kind, for there is no other to compare it with. It's
the result of careful, patient and extensive research
and its author has done public service. The libra
ries of clergymen and lawyers win of course have it,
for it will fill up chasm on their shelves which
they have long regretted. Intelligent congregational
Christians will be the wiser, and the more attached
10 their principles, for being familiar with it, and
of all denominations viii find in it portrait of
times past, to be imaged in the institutions of the
world for all time to come Ii is book well fitted
to make its reader think for himself
THE WORLD WE LIVE IN.-By Robert Turn
bull, Author of The Genius OF Scolland,'' &c.
Published by II. E. Robbins, Hartford and New
York.
This work is compendious survey of the scenery,
resources, and characteristics of all the nations Of
the world and will prove excellent companion to
travellers, 10 those persons who love to explore,