The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-07-10
WASHINGTON, d. c..
Gbs 8tbis@.

Va have been WalIlLg ioi ioonA " hosiSo
.hor Of books received some two or three
Il. aimee. or more, but important political
no,,er at this uncture does not leave US the
hone of fulfilling our intention, as we wished.
Ne must therefore adopt the plan of grouping
,o,sber. by their titles, q variety OF books, of
different publishers, with such brief comments
8. Va are able to devote to them.
From FRANCK TAYLOR we have received the
following works:
T,rg AND TRAVELS OF HERoDOrUs in the Fifth Century
t-,re Christ An Imaginary Biography, founded on
Fac; Illustrative of the History, Manners, Religion
Literature Arts. and Social Condition of the Greeks
Egyptians Persians Bsbylonsns, Hebrews, Scy thlans
d other Ancient Nations, in the Days of Perices and
Y-hrmiah By Taboys Wheeler, F. X. G. = In two
r, New York Harper Brothers. 1856.
T,s Ur,Ugxor ExlLEs; The Times OF Louis XIV.
historical Novel New York: Harper & Brothers. 1856
Ns-g,Uc,. TABLES. Containing Areas and Circamfer-
nees OF Circles Sc Cutting OF Boiler Plates, Covering
Of Solids and Weights OF Various Metals, &c, &c. BY
Charles H. Hasveil. New York: Harper Brothers.
A.o Two hooks for children, by the same publishers:
R,4sLfs ANo>G ALFs and The LITTLE LEARNER
LEANING TO READ. BY Jacob Abbott.
Likewise Ar HoMz AND ABROAD or III iags and Thoughts
m America and Europe. BY Margaret Fuller Osso
Edited by her Brother, Arthur b. Fuller Boston: Cros-
by Nichols, & Go. 1853.
c,vrRmurloNs TO LITERATURE Descriptive Critical HUI
norou> Biographical Philosophical. and Poetica. BY
Samlel Gman d. ID. Boston: Crosby, Nichols & Co.
--G
Tue SACRED PLAINS. by j. II. Headley. Buffalo; Wan
ssr. McHim, * Co. 1SJ6.
TEyERIyA Romance. By Georg &c sand Translated by
Lady. Preceded by Biographical SKETCH by Oliver
The first of the above books is a republi-
cation of a work in the BONN Series 1t is
printed neatly, with very good map, and
handsomely bound. 1t is also work of real
merit The idea of conveying knowledge by
means Of imaginary travels is a good one, and
ever since Anacharsis's Travels in Greece, by
Bariheemy, led the way, numerous imitators
have followed. Antenors Travels, the Travels
OF Sethos, of Theodore Dacas, as well as 9TH
ers, might be mentioned in proof of the popu-
lsrity OF this species of writing. Old Herodo-
tus has been called the Prince of Historians,
and his well-known History furnishes abun-
dance Of material for the groundwork and
structures and good architect, in their use,
may build slightly edifce. Mr.. Wheeler seems
to have thought so, and has skilfully awaited
himself of its facilities to reproduce view of
the world as Il was then known to Grecian
writer. At the same time, he has availed him.
self of the late researches into the early con-
ditiOn of Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, together
with reference to Scripture history to correct
the errors of Herodotus in certain particulars.
This ancient historian is now found, however,
to be more authentic than he was once sccred-
tied. Mr.. Wheeer's style ia good one, and
his mode of Interviewing information with tie
incidents OF travel is attractive. The volumes
will OF course have wide circulation, and we
believe those of our readers who may dip into
them will feel that the book deserves more
elaborate praise than we can spare room to
give it.
The HaguenOt Erle is well written, the
scenes aud events occurring at that stirring
period Of the Revocation of the Edict of Maj g.
Ut course, it is a tale of persecution, as we'll as
OF tried love. Many touching passages, which
probably fall short of the reality of what was
iet and witnessed by those noble confessors of
the truth, whose loss to France has never been
repaired attest the authors power to move the |
feelings. Defects might be pointed out, but the |
general cast and management of the tale ia supe- |
nor to many similar works. From its being a |
copyright, we Judge it to be the production of |
writer in this country. The preface indicates
'nat the early feelings of its author-though |
OF Huguenot descent-were interested in the
Pomp and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic
rehglon. The style is graphic, and free from
ahectation. The impression the story leaves
on the mind, of course, is not favorable to the
spirit of that Church which sought to sustain
Its power By such bloody means. And, if it be
CLAIMED that Professionalism has little to appre,
bend now from its assaults, it is, we fear, sad
ruth that this is mainly owing 10 the fact that
The power to make them, as formerly, is gone,
while the system itself is as corrupt as ever.
Ihe Mechanics Tables is q small duodecimo
volume, Of seventy pages, neatly printed, con-
tanning numerous tables, of various descriptions,
which must be valuable to the practical man,
as, Dy reference to them, he can save himself
many long calculations, and probably feel more
formed estimates. Many particulars are given
Is 10 eirces boiler plates, shsfting, iron pipes,
&C. which mechanics will know how to vslue
better than any one else.
Like all Harper's Story Books, those on our
list above are full of plates besides containing
much instructive and interesting matter. The
A"ne Learner will be treasure to child of
Tue age to which it is adapted, it is so pretty,
50 easy, so neatly printed, and with so many
pictures. 1t will be hard if the little boy or
girl, to whom parent or friend gives such
"ooK, does not soon learn to read, and make a
PaSume OF it, too. If we cannot ourselves see
ue Alps, to ramble among them, and iesrn
1oout their wonders, is the next thing and Mr..
Aooou has made of the subject book which
even larger children, as well as the littis ones
'Or whom he writes, may thank him.
Margaret Fuller Ossoli and DIR. Gilman are
names so long known to the literary public,
anu 50 identified with American literature, that
We need only say, in reference to the volumes
containing their writings, that they are marked
" The usual characteristics of their style of
tnousht and language. At Home and Abroad
Is a record of neutrality-suspicious. made on the
writer's mind during her summer tour on the
axes and while on a visit to Europe. Many
Interesting facts are given as to the state of
iaiy IN iSi5-49-the authorizes, as our readers
ore probably well aware, sympathizing strongly
WIN the Republican woyelant there and on
the Continent generally.
Ut Gllman's book is collection of Essays,
most OF which. if not all. have boen nuhl;shad