The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1860-01-26
No. 682.
THE REVIEW.


bers ofsome evening classes, composed ofyoung
men Of the humblest rank, who first met in the
winter evenings at the cottage of one of their
number, for the purpose of improving them
selves by exchanging knowledge with each
other. In a little while, the room was
filed to Overlooking, and they adjourned to the
cottage garden outside, and the classes were
held in the open air. But winter drawing near,
they found it necessary to procure shelter.
large, dingy apartment, that could not be rented
easily, because it had been temporarily used
for a cholera hospital, was procured at low
rate. They taught themselves and each other,
reading and writing, arithmetic and geography,
and even mathematics, chemistry, and the
modern languages.
About hundred young men had thus come
together, when, growing ambitious, they desired
to have lectures delivered to them and thus it
was that the author became acquainted with
their proceedings. He addressed them several
times-upon self help, and the attention thus d.
rected to the subject resulted in this volume
The author has, of course, selected his exam
pies of successful selfculture chiefly from
among his own countrymen, but not for this
reason will the book be less useful to the young
men of America.
In this country, where the disabilities arising
from class distinctions are almost unknown,
every young man of sound health has it in his
power to become whatever Nature has fitted
him for. In almost all cases, if he does not
achieve success, it is because the elements of
success are not III him.
This book, however is good spur to effort
among all classes.
Twelve Years of a Soldiers Life in India Being FIX
tracts from The Letters of the Late Mejor w 8
HodsOn, l. a, Including Personal Narrative OF the
Siege of DelhI, and the Capture of The Kings and
Princes.
Much information relating to the great events
which have recently transpired in India, as well
as vivid pictures of soldiers life, will be found
in this volume.
From an article in the beginning of the
book, copied from Fraser's Magazine, and
written by Thomas Hughes, author of " School
Days at Rugby" we quote the following:
William Stephen Raikes Hodson, third
son Of the Archdeacon of Stafford, was born in
March, 1921, and went, when fourteen years
old, 10 Rugby, where he stayed for more than
four years, two of which were spent in the sixth
form under Arnold. At school, he was
bright, pleasant boy, fond of fun, and with
abilities decidedly above the average, but of no
very marked distinction, except as runner ;
IN which exercise, however, he was almost I'M
equalled, and showed great powers of endu-
rance. None of his old school-fellows have
been surprised to hear Of his success, as the
head of the intelligence department of an army,
or of his marvellous marches and appearance
in impossible places, captain of irregular
horse. Such performances only carry US back
to first calling over, when We used to see him
come in splashed and hot, and hear his CHEEKY,
odd fellow, I've been to Brinklow since din
ner. 4"
From this we infer that Major Hodson was
other than Scud East" as he was ia
miliarly called by the Rugby boys, and who, it
will be remembered by the readers of Mr..
Hughes's charming book, went out in the East
India service We acknowledge an increased
interest in "School-D Days at Rugby" by this
veriable history of one of its heroes. And
those of its readers who care to learn wherein
the BOY is father to the man" can do so in
this history of Twelve Years of Soldiers
Life In India
History of Peter the Great Emprror of Russia by Jacob
AbIou With Engravings NewYork Harper& Broth
No one understands the art of making his
tory 50 attractive to children as Mr.. Abbott,
and tlR volume before fully suStains the
author well-earned reputation.
Peter the Great was one of the most extra
ordinary men that ever lived. Himself half
L. l. Ill
lions of people, and he pursued the work du-
ring his whole lifetime, through dangers, diff
cuties, and discouragements, which it required
asurprising degree of determination and energy
TO surmount Not only the young, but all
classes of readers, will be interested in this lit
tie volume.
TIE Planters Daughter a Tale Of Louisiana. Pbila
deipha r. b. Peterson q Brothers. For ale in
Washington by Joseph Shiilngt0n.
This is a pleasant story Of Southern life-nei-
Their very good nor very bad bat of sufficient in
terest to amuse one. The writer is evidently IA
miliar with the scenes she depicts, and gives
many delineations of manners and character
in the South, thai could only be acquired by a
long residence among its peculiar institutions.
The Crussdes ard Crusaders. John 6 Edgar Boston:
Tcknor d Fields For sale by Taylor & Miury.
Mr.. Edgar writes in simple, unpretending
manner, and adapts his narrative to the capaci-
Is of those for whom it is intended. The
success Of his "Boyhood of Great Men," and
Wars of the Roses" fully attests his popular
itT with the young. In the present volume, Mr..
Edgar gives a history of the Crusades and Cru
saders, which, without being at all elaborate,
still is full enough in detail to satisfy the mind
of the young reader. The story is told with
spirit, and is no more colored than the authen.
ITCHY of history justifies. Eight drawings, from
the pencil of Mr. Julian Fortch, add to the at
tractiveness of the book.
Tom Brown at Oxford; "a Sequel School Days al
Rugby. BY Thomas Hughes, author of I" School Days
al Rugby Securing fth. White Horse" &c. Pub
'ished in monthly parts Boston: TieknOr 4 Fields.
The author of ths attractive work is already
50 popular with American readers, through the
pages of that charming book, "School Days
at Rugby" that the mere announcement of a
new work from his;pen is sufficient advertise
ment But we cannot refrain from the express
sion Of our cordial approval of the two first
numbers Of Tom Brown at Oxford" which
are all we have seen of the Forthcoming vol
ume. brief extract which we give below
will convey good idea OF the style and spirit
IN which the author deals with = popular fall
IL IL. x.-,a&o ~,