The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-10-30
MISCELLANEOUS.
q NeaC 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
eral forms in which the various productions OF the
author OF the ''SketchB Book have been given TO the
public it is estimated that the sale has reached no
less than fifty thousand OF the seres or more than
million volumes. Nor is the demand vet abated. I
On the contrary exertions of enterprise are re-
quired to meet the desires OF a new generation of
readers and keep pace with the progress OF taste and
refinement in the topographic and other mechanic
arts ofthe publishers calling. .-s An
The motive OF this perennial popularitv ia NOT far
10 seek. Ills to beread on every page of he delight
tul volumes in which "Geoffrey 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 ofthe felictious 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
10 bestow it, But it is for the eyer-enduring fame
of IRVING that he chose the exercise of his pen
topics of undying value and Importance In his in
| viting Essays on human life and character in nor
| traying manners, as in the Sketch Book Brace
bridge Hall, /" 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
Gus record of Maomet with the illustrations of the
genius of his race in the romantic fact and legend Of
" The Tales of the Alhambra" and the "Conouest
OF Granada" the felicity with which the author has
mixed MS 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 Knckcrbocker irresistible yhron
ieie Of New York, has imputed mythic interest to
the bare early annals of his native CITY. IT is tbus
that the writings OF Washington Irving NAV he
CLAIMED to be impershable. till what is not likely
soon to happen, the same eyer-weleome themes are
treated in some happier manner. The charm of Iry-
ing Is his acceptability to all "a 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
hemispheres, wherever the English language is nm
derstood OF the few indispensable authors in eve
ry American library, Washington Irving is certainly
among the foremost The delight of childhood. the
ehivalric 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
men. 81"
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, punetually on the first day of each
month until completed, beginning with October: