The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
HE REVIEW

| N
! 1872 For sale by Taylor Maury, Washington, D. C.
This book seems to be kind of De Quincy
ana--a gathering up ofthe fragments, that moth
ing be lost; and every fragment bears the un-
mistakable stamp Of its subtle, analytic author
| " The Avenger" is one of those stories which
eonvinces by its Ordisembldnce and chills by its
detailed terrors. The paper on Chinese affairs
speaks of his Celestial Majesty in very unim-
perial English. Indeed, we cannot help think
ing that Mr.. De Quincy has bestowed on
him an amount of indignation quite dispropor-
toned to his merits. To be angry with man
lifts him, for the time at least to our own level
1t it rather amusing than otherwise to hear the
Brother of the Sun arrogate craftsmanship over
Great Britain, and claim alliance with France
| on the ground that she has never rebelled
against his government. Mr.. De Quincey has
himself no doubt as to which is the aggrieved
party in the Chinese troubles, but we should
prefer to hear an equally able pleader on the
other side before deciding.
| The short article on Aelius Lama is very
characteristic.
Studies Stories ADD Memoirs. By Mrs Jane. on author
| of Characteristics of Women" ETC. etc Bostt n
| Tcknor & Fields. 1889. For sale as above
| Mrs. Jameson's "Studies " have led her into
the company of artists of the buskin, the pencil,
and the pen and she glides about among them
all with infinite grace and ease. There is no
formal biography or criticism, but sunny
memories" dainty touches, an occasional out
gush of generous enthusiasm, fond lingering
among scenes and people whom she loves and
is 10th to leave. The memoir of Allston is a
noble and hearty tribute to Americas third
great man." If, as the " Professor tells us. we
have a new revelation, and the name of its
Messiah is woman, Mrs. Jameson is certainly
one of the apostles. She who does, accom-
plishes more for her sex than she who only
talks about what her sex can do. Rosa Bon
heur need not argue that women have capaci-
ty for the fine arts. Mrs. Jameson, however,
does not hesitate TO speak out brave true
word for woman, whenever occasion calls.
The Poetical Works of James Gates Percival vnb s.
biographical sketch. In volumes Boston Ticknor
& Fields. 1850. For sale as above
! 1t is not without sadness that we contemplate
mind so brilliant in promise so rich in ac-
| QUESTION, so varied in its achievements. vet
failing to leave such mark on the age as we
instinctively feel such mind should leave. We
watch the constant struggle with poverty, with
! shyness, with the obstacles which ignorance
and stupidity cast in his way, and we cannot but
feel that there was much power gone to waste
His poetry is not read as it deserves to be, and
his extraordinary attainments in literature and
science are hardly recognised beyond his own
immediate circle. We hope this little +" blue
and gold tempter will bring many a guest to
the banquet which they will be sure to find
dainty and delicious, as well as Strengthening
and ennobing.
! The Postcal Works of William Motherwen With a
memoir of his life. Fourth edition, greatly enlarged
Boston: Ticknor & Fields 1859. For sale as above
Songs of old Vikings, rushing exultant to
tore-doomed death, or wooing, sword in hand,
the yellowhaired Morse maiden; songs of young
lovers in the spring-time of "hinnied hopes :"
and "green burnside" and "broomy braes 8"
songs of broken hearts, and roses paled to lilies
and love yielding to despair, and despair dying
into madness; songs of May mornings and
midnight wind, and gay, green wood, and the
FLASHING of merry brooks; songs of belted
knight, and troubadour, and gray-haired mari
ner; songs of demon ladies, and weird bright
eyes, and fearful riders on coal-black steeds in
4 the dimness of mirk woods-stirring, tender.
plaintive, joyous, "uncanny."
/ Notes in the Sunbeam; or PARALLELS from Nature BY
! Mrs. Alfred Gauy. New York: Robert Carer & Broth
] Dill
! OF late years, many allegories for children
| have been written, such as the "Shadow of
the Cross" and others, which have acquired
well-deseryed popularity. This little volume
contains a series of parallels, or analogies, in
tended for children. They are so perfect, and
are executed with so skilful hand, that they
can hardly fail to interest minds of even
larger growth. Each parable is headed by
text of Scripture, which explains its moral.
The conversations between birds and insects
are given with the most charming naturalness
and simplicity. An outline of one of these
little stories, headed, Not lost, but gone be-
FORE" will serve as fair specimen of the
merits of the book. The grub of a dragon.1y,
darting about in his watery home is seized
with an uncomfortable desire to know what is
going on in the great world above the water.
He asks a friendly frog (who makes excursions
into the unknown world to CRAFTY his laudable
curiosity Froggy consents, and offers to take
our little friend on his back, to the terra incoq-
nitG. AS soon as the poor little grub breathes
the atmosphere, he falls off into the pond, con-
WINGED that nothing but certain death exists
for him out of the water. The frog meets the
grub some time after, and tells him that he has
seen wonderful sight. He then goes on to
describe the slow ascent of water-grub to the
surface of the pond-his gradual climbing up
bulrush, his bursting his chrysalis and
floating through the air. superb winged crea-
ture, glorious in red and blue, and glittering
in the sunshine.
Poor little grub could hardly believe this
marvellous recital. In the course of time. how
ever, ne felt himself irresistibly impelIed to 90
upwards; he assembled his friends together,
and made them solemn promise, that, should
he be permitted to explore the wonders of the
land above, and be transformed into a glorious
! creature with wings, he would return, and tell