The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-10-02
NesU Cabinet Editions
OF THE
Works of Washington Irving

In announcing several new editions. in style of
improved elegance and convenience, of the Works
OF WASHINGTON IRVING, the publisher would take
the opportunity OF acknowledging the good recep-
ton which his efforts in the presentation ofthese IA
vore writings have heretofore received In the sew
eral forms in which the various productions Of the
author of the 'Sketch-Book' have been given 10 the
public il is estimated that the sale has reached no
less than fifty thousand Of the SERIES or more than
million volumes. Nor is the demand yet abated
On the contrary, exertons enterprise are re-
quired to meet the desires OF q new generation of
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 "Geofffey Crayon' infused the
happy inspiration OF his genius in his devotion to
themes which will always be regarded by successive
generations ofreaders with ordinary emotions of
interest The charm Of the fecitious stye of WASH
ington Irving, the reflection of the amiabe poetic
spirit of the ruely refined gentlemen would be felt
on any topic on which the author had been pleased
to bestow 1t. But it is for the eyer-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 DOL
traying manners, as In the Sketch Book" Brace
bridge Hail. and other Volumes he his touched,
with mingled sentiment and humor, those emotions
wi orn i,,a,,l, ~. AZ
topics Of biography, of history and romance are of
such worldwide celebrity and passionate interest as
the story of COLUMBUS and his followers with their
discoveries of the New World; the life of the found
er of the nation, George Washington, drawing with
it the narrative of the Civil and Military events of
America during his remarkable career; the marvel
GUS record of Maomet with the illustrations of the
genius of his 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 sirresstible hron-
icle of New York, has imputed mythic interest to
the bare early annals of his native city 1t is thus
that the writings OF Washington Irving may be
claimed to be impershable, till what is not likely
soon to happen, the same ever-welcome themes are
treated in some happier manner. The charm of Irv-
ing is his acceptabiliy to ALA grace and refine
ment to please the most fasdious and his peculiar
merit is readily appreciated by every reader his
good sense and humor the air of enjoyment pervad-
ing his pages, has secured his works home in both
hemispheres, wherever the English language is I'M
derstood. OF the few indispensable authors in eve
ry American library, Washington Irving is certainly
among the foremost. The delight of childhood, the
chvalric companion of refined womanhood, the SOL
ace ofe at every period, his writing are an imper-
ishable legacy of grace and beauty to his country
men.
The new publications Of these works will be in
several forms of unusual elegance, and ALL in pro-
portion to moderate price for each combining good
taste with economy. The series will be issued in the
following ORDER punctually on the first day of each
month until completed, beginning with October: