The Portland daily press., 1867-10-24
MISCELLANEOUS,
Nesc Cabinet Editions
OF THE
Works Of Washington Irving

In announcing several new editions in a style of
improved elegance and convenience, of the WenKs
OF WAsHIsGToS IRVING, the publisher would take
the Opportunity CT Acknowledging the rood recsn-
ton which his efforts In the presentation ofthese "a
vorise writings have heretofore received In the sew
eral forms II which the various productions ofthe
author OF the "Sketch. Book" have been given ia tba
public 1t Is estimated that the sale has reached no
less than fifty thousand Of the series, or more than
million volumes Nor Ia the demand ret abated.
On the contrary new exsrtons OF enterprise are 70.
CURED to meet the desires Of new generation of
readers and keep pace With the progress Of taste and
refinement in the topographic and other mechaulc
arts ofths publishers calling. ssS1 W&se4at
The motive OF this perennial popularity is not far
TO seek Its to be read on every page of he delight
ful volumes in which "Georey Crayon. infused the
happy inspiration of his genius in his devotion to
themes which win always be regarded by successive
generations Of freaders with no ordinary emotions of
interest," The charm of the fslicitous style OF WASH
ington Irving, the reflection of the amiabe poetic
spirit Of the truey refined gentlemen would be felt
on any topic on which the author had been pleased
tobestow It. But it Is for the ever-endureng fame
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 emotiions
which are implanted in the hearts Of all; while his
i
topics Of biography of history and romance are OF
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 Mahomet with the illustrations Of the
genius of his race in the romantic fact and legend OF
"The Tales of the A lhambran and the q Conouest
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 Kniokcrbocker's irresistible hron
icle of 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 may be
claimed to be impershable 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 acceptabflity 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 enjoyment pervad-
ing his pages, has secured his works home in both
hemisphercs, 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
ciivalric companion of refined womanhood. the SOL
ace of Life at every period, his writing are an imper
ishabe legacy Of grace and beauty to his coantry-
men. 9 t
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 each
month until completed, beginning with October: