The Portland daily press., 1865-12-19
Recent Publications

CHAsTELARD, A TRAGEDY. By Algernon Charles
Swnburne. New York: Hurd and Houghton.-
1866. -.... .
The marked favor with which Mr. Swinburne'
"Atalanta in Calydon," was received, both IN Ens'
land and this country, has given special interest &c
the announcement of new production Of bis muse.
We have not as yet been able to give to "Chastelard
the careful reading which it deserves; but we have
studied it sufficiently to feel sure 1t is destined t
achieve popularity far more general than that of it
predecessor. Fully to appreciate the form and spri,
of the Greek tragedy requires natural mental bia
somewhat peculiar, and course OF culture whtci
has made the classic models more familiar than the.
be to ordinary readers. But no such specia
preparation Is required to appreciate the living hn-
man interest which from the first line to the Las
pervades this thrilling story of sorrow, love an
death. The incident on which it Is founded IL I'M
wen-rememDered one in the life OF Mary STU rt' o
the young French poet and noble VINO was put
death for being found In the private apartments Oh
the ouee,. The chief characters of the drama arc
drawn with much skill. Chastelari, rash, fiery, blu
generous and chivalrous as Bayard, the Queen who's
warm, rich, tropical, 1ut shallow ma ure, and fata
gf of beauty brought such sorrow To herself, ant
kept the world in turmoil SO long she lived in IL
the hapless Mary Beaton Darnley, Murray and other
are sketched in singulariy ife-ike lines. The poem
hDOuuuS pdsSuSoS VI Sicat pcdutys Ahoho uic op'
servable in it the same tenderness and delicacy
thought the same melo ty Of rhythm, the felici
tous grace of expression which characterized tt
"Atalanta," with greater naturalness, and freedom
from the affectation OF unusual words. and les.
strainins after effect. The temptation to quote som
of the finer passages is almost irresistible, but thu
alb oute inpossibiity of finding space for them 70.
bids. Several little French songs which are scatter
ed through the vo ume are marvels of simplicity
purity and grace. bla tIa1isG. .,.a
The book is printed and bound in exceedingly taste
fulstye and cannot fail to meet favorable reception
from all cultivated readers. 30
Received of A. Williams g. Company, and sold b.
Davis Brothers.
PIccIoLA. BY x. B. Saintine. A new Edition, re-
viseI by the Author, with illustrations by Leopot
flamen2. New York; Hurd q Honghton.
This is another Of those choice reprints of estat
hshed favortes which these publishers are making
pleasantly famous under the name Of the "Riverside
Classics" Everybody knows the exquisite story
Saintines prisoner and his flower and every vii
be glad to welcJ itin this and attractive dress.
The translate has been carefully revised, and tie
new illustrations are very beautiful. In addition tt
the more elaborate designs, we cannot refrain from
noticing the great variety of head and tail pieces, in
to each OF which is wrought with admirable TASTE TIT
humble glliihower-the 'tpouera Picciola," who's,
discovery growth, care and fate are so beautifully
toldby the author.
Receive by A. Williams & Co., and sold by Davis
Brothers.
CHOICE JUVENILE Books. From the same en-
terprising publishing house, that Of Messrs Hurd
H)ughton, we have also some exquisite spec mems
what modern art do in the illustration ofnurser
literature, Such time-honored fayorites aa GIN
DERELLA, PUss IN BOOTS, BEAUTY AND TIL
BEAST, ETC., are here presented to us printed fin
paper, elegantly bound, and illustrated by Mr. Henry
L. Stephens with designs magnifcently printed in
oil colors. Mr.. Stephens speciality would seem &c
be the presentation of the grotesque legends and fairy
tales which have amused our childhood, in an effect
i've guise and with ideality which elevates Their
from toybooks to the rank of works of high art. Thu
figures OF birds and animals in these drawings have
human expression and intelligence which max,
them rresistibly droll, and remind of the best
German works of the kind. In addition to TIE
above We have The WATER LILY, q pleasing story
by Harriet Myrtle, with twenty illustrations by Hab
lot X. Browne and ON THE FERRY RoAT, by Jenni,
Harrison, also adapted 10 the youthful TASTE
All the above may be had of Davis Brothers.
THE WoRD-WALKs FROM EDEN. By the Auth
of "Wide Wide Worll." One volume l6 mo. Illus
trated. New York: Robert Cartor and Brothers.
This is one Of the many attempts which good PEG
pie constantly making to illustrate and witty the
Old Testament Narratives, and to invest them witt
those accessories Of scenery, custom and circunl.
stance which shall seem to make them more real tt
the common imagination. The task is one Tor which
this writer is doubtless b tier fitted than most VIII
have undertaken it. and her book will be found tc