The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-10-08
NeaU 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 "sketch-Book have been given to the
public it is estimated that the sale has reached no
less than fifty thousand Of the SERIES OF more than
million volumes. Nor is the demand vet abated.
On the contrary new exertiOns of enterprise are
quired to meet the dcsiies OF new generation of
readers and keep with the progress OF taste and
refinement in the topographic and other mechanic
arts of the publishers calling.
Line motive OF this perennial popularity is not far
to seek tits to be read every page of he delight
ful volumes in which "Geoffrey Crayon, intused 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 the felicitious style of WASH
ngton Irving, the reflection of the amiable noet,c
spirit OF the ruely refined gentlemen would be felt
ON any topic on which the author had been pleased
ooestow it. But it is for the eyer-enduring fame
OF IRVING, that hechose for the exercise of his men
topics of undying value and importance In his in
wiling Essays on human life and character in nor
traying manners, as in the "Sketch-Book," Brace
prldge Hall" and other volumes, he hiss 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
1t the narrative of the Civil and Military events of
America during his remarkable career: the marvel
GUS record OF Mahonaet with the illustrations of the
genius of his race in the romantic fact and legend Of
~The Tales of the Alhambra" and the "Coneuest
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 Knickerbocker's irresistible brou-
ice CT New York, has imputed a mythic interest to
the bare early annals of his native city, 1t is thus
that the writings OF Washington Irving NAV 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 Iry-
ing is his acceptability to ALA 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 endowment peryad
ing his pages, has secured his works home in both
hemispheres, 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, his writing are an imper
lshabie legacy Of grace and beauty to his country
men.
The new publications of these works will he in
several forms of unusual elegance, and ALL in pro-
poruon to moderate price for each combining good
taste with economy The series will be issued in the
following order, punctually the first dav of each
month until completed, beginning with October: