Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1859-11-02
Recent Publications.

tonight in the parior ct the Noryell House
Recent Publications.
Hrsar ST. Joss GksrLErAs. By Jons EsrE'
cookr. Published by Harper 4 Brothers
We do not wonder that old Caxton, in Bulwor
charming story, sold his con, Pisis'rstas that h
must write novel II he wanted the public TO heeC
him. The extensive sale and great popularity Of
gorks of fiction 10 one Of the most noticeable sign'
of the times Dickens, Thackeray, and Dnlwer
command much more numerous army OF reader
than Macauay, Carlyle, or Bancroft The reason
is obvious. The novelist generally handles sub
iects which are susceptible Of appreciation by III"
mass Of mankind. He depicts the romance and
the pathos OF everyday life, paints beautiful pic
lures of domestic happiness and Preside comfort
in which cheerfulness. mirth. tenderness, and he
roism arc tremendously blended; delineates char
acters such as those see living and acting all
around as. This is why the novel is the highway
to the profouudest influence. 1t requires no su'
perior endowment Of intellect or elaborate culture
relish q good novel. Philosophy is tho high
privilege Of few, but the affections are the birth
right Of all. A novelist whose sentiments are
pure and elevated Is great and most effective
leaCnef.
the finest emotions and sympathies Of the human
heart calls into play whatever is most passionate
and enthusiastic in human character. lilo teaches
us to be gentle and tender in dealing with tho fol-
lies and weaknesses of poor human nature We
see in his ifelke portraits how sufer'ngs are
borne. and how victories and TEN ptatons are won.
Who can read 1.-The Bride Of Lammermoor, ""Old
Curiosity Shor," or "Jane Eyre" without rising
from the perusal wiser and n better manf How
much knowledge oc the sweetest and deepest parts
of our nature in them! The profound pathos ct
those immortal novels search oat the tears thai
hide away from mons eyes in their hearts. But
we digress Lot us say few truthful words OF
the novel under review Horny ST. John, Gen
tleman," hears on tho ,itle-page name recently
established in the republic Of letters. John Estcn
Cooks is young yirglnian "" has Not reaeho''
his prime and VIC are yet to have the ~, : fruits
Of his genius. His first literary venture we "''
leye, was tho Virginia Comedians,' book OF
extraordinary merit, and brimful Of talent. No
one who read that admirable novel will soon for
get the powerfully.drawnc character Of Beatrice
The Virginia Comedians was succeeded by the
Last Of the Foresters," which met with hearty
reception, and elected warm encominms from the
press on both sides of the Atlantic. The work be-
fore us is not We think, altogether equal to the
Virginia Comcdians;" but there arc few very
few, American novels ~ which VIC consider 1t IN
ferior. 1t rs thoroughly an American novel, full
of the spirit Of our Democratic institutions, and all
a-glow with the refreshing breezes OF our primeva
woods The scene lie laid in Virginia during 1.-THE
times that tried mems SOULS the most interesting
period in the annals Of our nation, when tho morn
OF the revolution had Just kindled in the horizon,
It's no doubt, an admirable picture of that mem
orable era Our revolutionary history is blended
most successfully with entertaining fiction. The
udious Lord Dunmorc, the last OF the royal COVER.
nors Of Virginia, is o conspicuous character. Sev-
eral of tho fathers and founders Of American in
dependence. who. during the long and tempcstn
Gus years Of our revolution, were burning and
and shining lights of patriotism. are introduced
during the progress of the story. We hnsc
glimpse Of the great orator. Patrick Henry and Of
jefferson, Richard Bland, George Wythe, John
Marshall Edmund pendicton, and several other OF
the fixed stars Of Virginia.
The lovc Of "Bonnybel Vane" for Henry 81.
JOHN is painted with exquisite skill and truth
We say. without fear Of contradiction that in
the conduct Of his stories, our author has shown
more eonstrucfireness than any writer of fiction
America has yet produced. He is n humorst Of
the first water.
When we soy that John Esten Cooke is n man
who has music in his soul, aud can ring sweet
chimes upon tho silver bells Of style. we assscr,
only what is known to the many readers Of his de-
lightful books.
The grace aud delicate beauties of his prose re
mind one Of Washington Irving and Tx Marvel
There is rich geniality of thought pervading it
which can DO likened to nothing but sunshine.
We augur bright future for this gifted young
Virginian, and confidently expect him to do much
for the lighter literature of his country
LOVE ME- LITTLE, Love Me- Lone. BY CHARLES
READE. Published by Harper & Brothers
Mr.. Reade has great powers of humor. sar-
casm, and interesting narrative, but his peculiar
merit is rare freedom from that tedious twaddlc
which disfgrres tho 6etions of many writer's Of
the present day. Sometimes. however, he at.
tempts the Carlylean style OF writing, and very
1888 '''S'S 40 -" oos'ooe i"'ia.'oh VI the ininllta-
bic style OF Mr.. Dickens Mr.. Reade's own clothes
fit 20 admirably that we dislike to meet him in
borrowed garments. Mr.. Rcaae is fnrcible, racy.
staiwart writer. The work hef-re us is not We
think. equal to Peg Wellington, or III Is Never
Too Late To Mend" but it shines on. among the
common place works Of the day, with the lus,Ie OF
positive and individual value. We recognize on
cvery page the breathing spirit of man of genius,
and Of q passionate and earnest man of genius -
Perhaps the best scene in the book, which as