The Portland daily press., 1867-10-15
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NeU Cabinet Editions
3 r t OF THE
Works of Washington Irving


In announcing several editions. in a st, lie of
improved elegance and convenience, of the WORKS
OF WASHINGTON IRVING, the publisher would take
the oppori unity OF acknowledging the good recep-
tion which his efforts in the presentation of these IA
vorite writings have heretofore received In the sew
era forms in which the various productions OF the
author OF the 'Sketch-B Book have been given 10 the
public, it is estimated that the sale has reached no
less than fifty thousand NJ 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 new generation of
readers, and keep with the progress of tasteand
arts ofthe publishers calling.
The motive OF this perennial popularity is not far
toseek is to be read every page of he delight
full volumes in which "Geofrey 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 of the fecitious style OF wash
ington living the reflection of the amiable hectic
on any topic on which the author had been pleased
to bestow it. But it is for the enduring fame
of 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 nor
traying manners, as in the 'sSkeich- Book" Brace
bridge Hail. 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 tory 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
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 Conquest
of Granada" the felicity with which the .author has
linked his name with the birth place of Shakes
peare the genius of Oliver Colds NTH, the fame of
Scott and Byron, and, not least, the humorous in
yention which, In irresistible hron-
iele f 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 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 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 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
chivalric companion of refined womanhood the SOL
of lite at every period, his writing are an imper-
ishable 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 tor each, combining good
taste with economy The series will be issued in the
following order, punctualiy on the first dav of each
month until completed, beginning with October: