The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1860-01-05

paying DOCK, as IL wen observes W NC, anu a.
such, commend it to our readers.
True womanhood. BY John Neal. Bosto6: Ticknor
Co. For sale by Philip solomons, Washington
A sprightly reviewer in the North British
Repielo writes thus: " Heinrich Heine -wittiest
of mortals-had what he called 'my own system
of natural science, whereby all things are divi
ded into those that may, and may no4, be eaten.'
Our classification of the genus Novel-novels
that interest, novels that instruct, and novels
that bore--is less summary, but sufficiently ex-
haustive. We were at one time of opinion, in
deed, that the list might be further reduced, and
that searching analysis would unite the latter
two. But this view, On reflection, We rejected
for by it we saw no place could be provided for
those which do not instruct, but which do bore.
We would have excluded, Inadvertently, three.
fourths of our romantic literature
1t would be difficult to decide under which
head Mr.. Meals True Womanhood is to be
placed. 1t certainly cannot be said to amuse
it instructs but little, and bores a great deal.
If it is in accordance with true womlnhood to
make uninteresting speeches, and to possess a
commonplace character, certainly Mr.. Neal
has drawn the picture to life-and may Heaven
defend us from such womanhoodl 1t is not
necessary that womankind in general should
have the lofty intellect of Parthsnia, or the
philosophic tastes of Beulah; yet they may
be able as well to detect the quality of an ar.
gument as to note the texture of peighbor's
gloves; and-(but the writer will be pardoned
for not pursuing the subject further, being
confirmed bachelor, and something of a mi
sogynist-) Yet there are many beausiful gems
scattered throughout the book-passsges which
bear the marks of profound thought and ma
tured reflection. And, too, the author pos
sesses happy facility of expression, which,
anywhere else than in this book, would be adj
mired as it is, the reader is only exasperated
at finding such a useless waste of beautiful
words and ideas. We can best express our
opinion of the book by using the words of an
honorable member, spoken in debate the other
| day: ~ do not mean to impute any lack of
ability to the gentleman, for have often heard
of him as brilliant and able writer; only
wish to say that, in my opinion, he, has been
unfortunate in the choice and mode of treat
ment of his subject"
The Eclectic Magazine for December
This number of this popular periodical is
better than usual. Every article is well select
ed, and some of the subjects which are EN-
braced in the title are of high interest. The
first, on the Life and Times of Prince Meter.
nich," and the next, Concerning Hurry and
Leisure" are fine specimens of their different
styles, covering nearly sixty pages. Blunders
in Vision-Color Blindness and New Gu
r;osities of Literature" The Teneriffe Astro-
nomieal Expedition" Perils of the Bush,"
1.-THE Vienna Death Bringer,"" A Wife's Dis
tresses," Nothing Lost" "Great and Little
Whitton," are also articles, of different lengths,
atfording pleasing variety, all fitted to enlist
the attention. Professionalism in A ustria,' y
"The Leaders of the Reformation"-- Luther,
Meancthon, Pomeranus, and Cruciger," relate
to events and persons of no little Importance in
the world. One of the engravings presents
these four worthless of the Reformation gathered
around table in deep engagedness-Melanc'
thon reading, while the rest are listening. The
other engraving is fine portrait .of the late
Rev. James w. Alexander, d. D., of whom like
wise short sketch is given. The editor and
proprietor promises in his January number two
splendid plates, viz: The Imperial Court of
France" and The Royal Family of England"
both in Sartain's best style.
The LADIES' Reader, designed for the Of Ladies'
| Schools and Family Reading Circles: Comprising
choice selections from standard authors in Prose and
Poetry with the essential rules of Eocuon simp fed
f.. ,r;ctlu icuI, Rv Tchp 6
Hows Professor of Flocuion, author OFFS the Practical
Elocuionist" p" The akspearean Reader &c. Pha-
delphia: T. II. Butler Il Co. 1850 For sale by Bal
lan,yne, Washington, D. c.
This is Reader of higher class than the
ordinary "school readers" On looking through
| it, we find many choice selections FROM the best
authors-Spenser, Dickens, Tennyson, Longfel-
low, Willis, Cooper, and others. We can recon-
mend it as pleasant book for the school and
the family circle.
Abrdgmen of the Debates of Congress from 1889 1870
BY Thomas H. Benton Vol. X. 1s2s-is30.
This volume of Benton's Abridgments" is
of great value and interest. 1t embraces the
first part of Jackson's administration, and the
debate on Mr.. Foot's resolution, now generally
known as the "great constitutional debate. v
We are pleased to see the voluminous discus
sions Of that time brought into the compare
lively small space of an octave of some seven
hundred pages, which, though large, is but a
feather to the bulky quartos containing the de-
bates as originally. This work will, Of necessity,
become the "rade mecur" of every one who
studies the parties and politics Of the country.
The Florence Stories By Jabob Abbott
The Oakland Stories. By George B. Taylor.
Both pub shed by Sheldon Co. For sale by Ballan.
tyne, Washington.
Another installment of Christmas stories for
juveniles. Mr.. Abbott is always sure of a warm
greeting from his young admirers.
New Nieht-Caps told to Charlie BY the Author Of
"Nigt t-Capsn sc, &c. New York d. Appleton
Co. For sale by Taylor Maury, Washington.
This is collection Of charming tales, New
Night Caps" which not only the young, but
the old, may fit to their heads, and profit &C
cordingly.
oethe's Cores pondence with Child. Boston; Tckno
& Fields. 1859.
A correspondence in which there is far more
of the Child " than of Goethe; and very wild
tricksy, elm child it is-swimming down the
Maine after pair of bandboxes that had fallen
from the coach-not to save the laces end rib
bons, but the bunch ofviolets given by Goethe
balancing herself on the fretted arches of K0r
Cathedral, climbing the tower of the Marburg