The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-03-11
observation-disclosures.

From the Savannah Republican, Feb. 101
These three chevaliers-as unlike 10 some respects
"a Hottentot, Camanche, and Cssack Of the
Don, and yet with scarcely shade of difference In
other particulars, as In their mutual desire to ope-
rate upon public credulity-these three notorious
adventurers In literature, have each written book
That by Wikoff Is entitled my Courtship and its
Conse quences" the second Is known as the Life OF
Horace Greeley, Editor Of the NeD York Tfiburss;n
the thiTd bears the more dignfed and imposing title
Of "The Autobiography Of z. T. Barnum Esq.,
Gfeeiey's book is fiat and stale, abounding in mis-
social and political vagaies; Bsrnum's is exec
~ vulpar-the worst OF his humbugs but Wikoif's
courtship ia piqusnt, romantic, and rich In the
prices Of lovee. Whatever may be said Of the pro.
priety Of his conduct M lover or Of the pubtica-
ton Of the coquetres which he and his fair indmo-
rata played or upon each other, 1t cannot be denied
that his book is well written, and az tul of romants
interest ~ any novel which the press has thrown
upon Japop!cadom for many months.
Times, however, have come 70 pretty pass when
three such soldiers OF fortune allowed to occupy
conspicuous POSITIONS In the ranks OF literature.
We were wont TO believe, in 0ur earlier DAYS that
1t required much previous study and high order
Of talent to write book. Mental discipline, ex.
tansivs reading, affluencs Of language and ideas,
and vigorous intellect, were necessary, according
to vulgar notions 70 authorize one 70 undertake
whose thoughts, like golden sands have bean wash.
ed down to us by tas stream OF time, made this
preparation and possessed this authority. Sc did
shasspesIe, the incompsrsole 80 did johnson,
N
author Of Junius Scott and their worthy mpesrs;
and no do Irving, Dickens. Bulwer, and Th.ckeray
But who troubles himself nowadays to look for
the pearls at the bottom Of the fountain, when
there are so many pretty bubbles floating on the
surfsce1 What ncvel.resder OF these later days
has the temerity TO prefer the immortal productions
OF Fielding, and Smollei., and Scott TO the sickly
sentimentalites OF Fashion and Famine or Q cir.
cumstantsl account OF the imputent humbugs o,
Phineas I. Barnum, or the biography Of Horace
Greeley, the white coated philosopher These an.
oent WORTHLESS are foges not 70 be toned Ia tbs
same breath with their notified successors He il
q bold man who dares 30 compare DeFoe with Che
waller Wikon' or LeSage with Barnum; or Ger.
vsntes, the Incompatible author of Don Quixote.
with the socialist author at the head OF the 7ibun1
There Is sacIilege In the very thoughts, least 70
Young America.
We have read Of the golden age; this Ia the bra.
rem. There Ia In this day and generation mors i'm
pudenoe than taste-moYe trick than learning
more tiBsel than substance: Men are content with
the flower and do not seek the truit. The Rev.
Cream Cheese sts st my sdy's elbow, aud Trick and
ustiAn and shallowness have asurped the places OF
honesty and spplicatioa and merit. One il ready
70 exoiaim, In tho language Of an old author
"naug4 u everything and everything IA asughl"