The Portland daily press., 1867-10-01
NesO 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 of these IA
vorite writings have heretofore received. In the sew
eral forms in which the various productions OF the
author of the ''Sketch-B have been given TO the
public, 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 re-
quired to meet the desires OF a new generation of
readers, and keep 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
full volumes in which "Gcofrey Crayon" infused the
happy Inspiration OF his genius in his devotion to
themes which will always be regarded by successive
generations ofreaders with no ordinary emotions of
interest The charm of the elictious style OF Wash
ington Irving, the reflection of the amiable poetic
on any topic on which the author had been pleased
to bestow it, But it is for the eyer-enduring fame
OF IRVING that he chose for the exercise of his zen
topics of undying value and Importance In his in
Vitlng Essays on human life and character in por-
traying manners, as in the " Sketch Book" Brace
bridge Hail." and other volumes he HIS 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
ca Of the nation, George Washington, drawing with
America during his remarkable career; the marvel
Gus record Of Mahomet with the illustrations Of the
genius of his in the romantic fact and legend of
" The Tales OF the Alhambra" and the aConauest
Of afanaa; the felicity with which the author has
linked bis name with the Dir h-place of Shakes
peare the genius OF Oliver Goldsmith, the fame of
Scott and Byron, and, not least. the humorous in
vention WHICH, in KniekCrbocker irresistible hron-
NSA"t N@0 tAtP"hlu AAslhc Antcrest 70
the bare early annals of his native city, 1t is thus
that he. writings 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 acceptabilify to la grace and refine-
menl to please the most fasfidious; 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 Eng lsh language is un-
derstood. OF the few indispensable sutors 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 coantry
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 day of each
month until completed, beginning with October: