The Portland daily press., 1867-10-18
MISCELLANEOUS.
Nesc Cabinet Editions
10 .sasflE of THE Fta
Works of Washington Irving


In announcing several new editions, in style OF
impro -ed eleganceand convenience, of the Works
OF wAsHrNeToN LIVING, the publisher would take
the opportunity OF acknowledging the good recep-
ton which his efforts in the presentation ofthese IA
vorto writings have heretofore received In thssev-
sral forms in which the various productions Of the
suthos Of the sksteh- Book" have been given to the
public, Il 10 estimated that the sale has reached no
lssa than atty thousand Of the series. or more than
niiliou velumea Nor 10 the demand yet abated.
On the contrary, new exertous OF enterprise are re.
quired to meet the desires Of new generation Of
readers and keep pace with the progress OF taste and
refinement in the topographic and other mechanic
arts ofthe publishers calling.
The motive of this perennial popularity is not far
to seek. Tits to be read every page Of he delight
ful volumes in which "Geoffey Crayon" infused the
happy Inspiration OF his genius in his devotion to
themes which win always be regarded by successive
generations of readers with no ordinary emotions ot
interest The charm ofthe felicitious style OF wash
ington Irving, the rejection of the amiable poetic
spritof the truely refined gentlemen would be felt
on any topic on which the author had been pleased
TO bestow 1t. But 1t is for the ever-enduring fame
Of IRVING, that he chose for the exercise of his pen
topics OF undying value and Importance. In his in
wiling Essays on human life and character in por-
traying manners, as in the Sketch Book" Brace
| bridge Hail." and other volumes, he has touched,
with mingled sentiment and humor, those emotions
which are implanted in the hearts of all; while his
topics of biography, of history and romance are of
such worldwide celebrity aud passionate interest MS
the story Of COLUMBUS and his followers, with their
discoveries the New World the life of the found
er Of the nation, George Washington, drawing with
1t the narrative of tho Civil and Military events of
America during his remarkable career; the marvel
Gus record of Mahomet with the Illustrations Of the
genius OF his race in the romantic fact and legend Of
The Tales of the Alhambra" and the CONQUEST
of Granada" the felicity with which the author has
linked his name with the birthplace of Shakes
peare, the genius Of Oliver Goldsmith, the fame of
Scott and Byron, and, not least, the humorous in
vention which, in irresistible Iron
icle Ct New York, has imputed mythic interest to
the bare early annals of his native city Itis thus
that the writings OF Washington Irving may be
claimed to be imperishabe, till what is not likely
soon to happen, the same ever-welcome themes are
treated in some happier manner The charm Of Iry-
ing 10 his acceptabity to ALL grace and refine
ment to please the most fastdous; and his peculiar
merit is readily appreciated by every reader his
good sense and humor the air of enjoyment pervad-
ing bis pages, has secured his works home in both
hemisphercs, wherever the English language is un-
derstood. OF the few indispensable suthors in eve
ry American library, Washington Irving is certainly
among the foremost. The delight OF childhood, the
chivshic companion Of refined womanhOod, the SOL
ace of lite at every period, his writing are an imper-
ishable legacy Of grace and beauty to his country
The new publications of these works will be in
several forms of unusual elegance and all. in pro-
portion to moderate price tor each, combining good
taste with economy The series will he ;se ad n, +ta