Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1858-12-03
Recent Publications.

Recent Publications.
TnE HIsroRY OF MINNESOTA from the Earliest
French Explorations ~ the Present Time, by
! Edward Dufiield Neill, Secretary Of the Mime
sofa Historical Society. Philadelphia b.
Lippincottd Co.. Publishers.
Although several works relating to Minnesota
have been recently written and published, we re-
gard the one under notice a. incomparably tho
host yet given TO tho public. Miss Bishops "Flo-
raj Home or First Years Of Minnesota" and
I'ond's Minnesota - it Was and Is," are both
readable volumes. and iupart much valuable
information in regard to tho re-ources and future
prospects of the New England of the West" but
neither Of them give anything like u satisfactory
and accurate history Of tho early explorations and
retirement of the country. The former maps of
Minnesota were full Of errors. and its physical
characteristics were almost wholly misunderstood.
A distinguished gcographcr, in alluding to the
climate Of the Territory, states that the summers
of Minnesota are too brief for agricultural success.
This, aud other statements equally erroneous. has
Ind the effect Of detcrrins emigration. md opera
ted in other ways to the prejudice of the country
The design Of this history IT, as the author states,
frat to show where Minnesota is. its characters-
tics and adaptation for dense aud robust popula-
ton, and then consider tho past and present dwell
lers On the soil.
In the preparation of tho volume, in addition to
the know Lodge obtained from residence of many
years, the works Of Charlevoix, La Hare. lenne-
pin. the Jesuit Relations French Official Doeu-
ments, and tho aliases of De slc. Robert, Bunche,
Vsngoyd Moll and others, besides separate charts,
have been examined.
Concerning tho nborigines of Minnesota, tho
author obtained much information of a valuable
and interesting character from Missionaries who
have spent many years of toll among tho Daooiah
Indians With such ample means for collecting
facts every point, having the remotest bearing
on the subject and possessing as the author does,
the ability to make these facts available, he could
not have done otherwise than produce volume
which We feel assured will prove of lasting value
and Importance TO all readers Of American history
Like everything that emanates from the prolific
pfeas Of Lippincott the book is nm elegant spec-
mon Of typographical excellence.
AGNES: a Novel, by tho author Of Ida May
Boston, Phillips, Sdmpson d Co, Publishers.
Agnes is delightful romance, and one that
will amply repay n second pcrusal. Although its
title is simple. and the style unpretendng yet be-
meath these modest surroundings is concealed
qualities of the most sterling character. The nu-
thor has already in Caste, and Ida May gives tho
reading public taste of her quality, and the sue
cess of the novels-of the litter upwards of sixty
Thousand copies have been sold-wc doubt not is
a foreshad"wins Of the popularity which will Mt
tend upon iynes. Moreover, the scope of the
work is broader than the authoress has before Mt
tempted; nor does it. like Ida May, appeal to tho
abolition and sectional prcjudces Of the country
but to the whole brotherhood Of Americans who
delight to hear Of tho Revolution. Tho scene Of
the story is laid mostly in Pennsylvania.
CoURrsHiP AND MArRiNoNy: with other Sketches
from Scenes and Experiences in Local Life, by
Robert Morris. Philadelphia II b. Peterson
If Bros, Publishers
The author Of this handsome volume is the dis
tinguished Editor Of the Philadelphia Inquirer,
one Of the very best family newspapers published
in this country. and the articles here collected
were FIRST contributed to the editorial columns of
that journal The sketches are admirably suited for
family reading and the volume is in every respect
Family Book, and as Philadelphia contemporary
says "One intended for every day reading one which
no family sio uld be without and which cannot be
familiar inmate Of the social circle without inspir-
ing more or less good feeling and sensible refcc-
ton. perusal Of the work is sure to command
the heartest feelings of approval and respect for
the author, 80 manifest the moral traits and
the sincere desire To do good which appear on ev-
cry page. 1t is matter Of real regret that works
Of this character, free from sectaran feeling, or
the impulses Of nero book making are so rare.
The work has commanded the warmest praise in
quarters where approval is the most tlattering
that authors could wish. 1t is got up in the
handsome style characteristic of Nessrs. I. b. Pc
terson Brothers, and is fine specimen of the
tlook al inc