The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-10-17
MISCELLANEOUS.
NesC 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
vorite writings have heretofore received In the sew
eral forms in which the various productions OF the
author OF the "sketch-Book" have been given to the
public, 1t is estimated that the sale has reached
less than fifty thousand Of the series. more than
million volumes. Nor is the demand yet abated.
On the contrary, new exertions OF enterprise re-
quired to meet the desires OF new generation OF
readers and keep pace with the progress OF taste and
refinement in the typOgraphie and other mechanic
arts ofthe publishers calling.
The motive Of this perennial popularity Is not far
TO seek nis 20 be read every page Of he delight
tuI volumes In which sGeofirey Crayon" Infused the
happy inspiration OF his genius In his de~otion TO
themes which win always be regarded by successive
generations Of readers with ordinary emotions
interest. The charm fthe iecitious style OF Wash
ington Irving the rejection of the amiable poetic
spirit OF the truely refined gentlemen would be felt
on any topic on which the author had been pleased
to bestow 1t. But IL Is for the ever-enduring fame
Of IRvIsG 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 hes 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
the story of COLUMBUS and his followers with their
discoveries of the New World; the life of the found
or of the nation, George Washington, drawing with
it the narrative of the Civil and Military events of
America during his remarkable career; the marvel
genius of his race 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 birthplace of Shakes
peare, the genius OF Oliver Goldsmith the fame of
Scott and Byron, and not least, the humorous in
vention which, in Knckorbocker irresistible hron-
icie ct 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 imperishabe. 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 fastdous; 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
hemisphercs, wherever the English language is I'M
derstood. OF the few indispensable suthors 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 his writing are an imper-
ishabe 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 the first dav of ca
month until completed bepinning with October.