The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-10-03
NesU Cabinet Editions
OF THE
Works of Washington Irving

In announcing several new editions, in style of
OF WASHINGTON IRVING, the publisher would take
the opportunity OF acknowledging the good recep-
tion which his efforts in the presentation ofthese ia
vorte writings have heretofore received In the sew
author of the "Sketch- have been given to the
public it 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 of enterprise are
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. 81
The motive OF this perennial popularity Is not far
to seek tits to be read every page ofthe delight
full volumes in which "Geofrey Crayon" infused the
happy Inspiration of his genius in his devotion to
themes which will always be regarded by successive
generations of readers with ordinary emotions Of
interest. The charm Of the fecitious style OF Wash
ington Irving the reflection of the amiable poetic
spirit of the truey refined gentlemen would be felt
on any topic on which the author had been pleased
to bestow It, But it 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
viting 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 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
record of Aaomet, with the illustrations of the
genius of his in the romantic fact and legend Of
The Tales of the AIhambra" and the Conquest
of Granada" the felicity with which the author has
linked his name with the birth place of Shakes
peare the genius of Oliver Goldsmith, the fame of
Scott and Byron, and, not least, the humorous In
vention which, in hron-
icle Of New York, has imputed mythic interest to
the bare early annals of bis native city 1t is thus
that the writings OF Washington Irving may be
claimed to be imperishable 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 acceptability to ALL grace and refine
ment to please the most fastidious; 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
hemispbercs, wherever the English language Is un-
derstood. OF the few indispensable authors In eve
ry American library Washington Irving Is certainly
among the foremost. The delight of childhood, the
chivalric companion Of refined womanhood, the SOL
ace of lite at every PERIOD bis writing are an imper-
sbable legacy of grace and beauty to his country.
The new publications of these works will be in 1
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 the first day of each
month until completed, beginning with October: