The New York herald., 1872-10-30
LITERARY CHIT-CHAT.

EARLY IN NOVEMBER Messrs. Scribner Armstrong
co. will publish the first volume of MI. Froude's
History Of Ireland" 1t promises to be as graphic
| and interesting as his "Hlstory OF England.n
TIE COMING CHRISTMAS SEASON wond not seem
itself unless 1t was accompanied by the usual
variety OF illustrated books. They have now,
for more than quarter Of o century, been looked
for as the natural concOmitants Of the anni-
versary. Though the manner OF execution has
changed with the predominance OF various modes
of production, and photography has almost dis
placed the beautiful line engravngs Of the Heaths
and Fndens and other celebrated artists, there
seems now tendency to recur to the old style.
noticeable example OF this Is afforded by a
splendid folio edition OF the famous political rO-
nance by John Keats-"Endymion.n It is Illus
trated with splendid engravings on steel from
paintings by E. ]. Poynter, associate of the Royal
Academy, whose picture OF 'Perseus and AndrO-
medal was one OF the chief attractions OF the Royal
Academy Exhibition of the present year. The
plates are engraved by q distinguished French
artist, F. JOubert, who has done justice to the
charming classical designs of the painter. Among
English art students Mr.. Poynter is almost alone
in his devotion to the antique, and his mind seems
thoroughly imbued with the indescribable charm
that pervades the personhcations due to the poets
and sculptors OF the old Hellenic world. No more
attractive volume than this has been produced for
many a day.
PROMINENT PLACE IS CLAIMED either as an orna-
mental or as standard library book by DR.. Will
helm Lubkc's "TIistory Of Sculpture from the Ear
lest Ages to the Present Time," translated by +.
E. Bunnett, In two VOLS, royal octave. DIR. Lubke
Is well known to European and American readers
by his general "Hist0ry OF Art" That, however,
from the extent OF the topics embraced In its plan,
was necessarily sketch more or less imperfect,
and yields in value to the present work. Its subject
sculpture, was expressly selected by the author as
the division OF art most requiring investigation as
having been almost passed over and neglected,
owing to the greater prominence given to painting
and architecture. English literature, in fact, is
quite destitute OF any work of the kind except
has done justice in the thorough German style to
the wide field before him by personal nvestiga-
tion Of the existing remains OF ancient art through
out Europe, and brings to their consideration all
the learning necessary for their appreciation.
DR.. II. G. LATHAM has volume In preparation on
the subject OF Hamlet.
TIE EFFECT OF the Russian censorship OF the
press which is again enforced with rgor is to I'LL
the country with contraband books, pamphlets and
periodicals, introduced from abroad which every
one makes point OF buying simply because they
are forbidden.
SIR T. ERsKINE MAY is engaged upon "History
OF Democracy in Europe" from the earliest times
TO the present.
NJ. JEAN MrcHELETs second volume OF his "TIis-
tory OF the Nineteenth Century, VIII be issued in
the course OF November.
IN MEXICO a new illustrated weekly paper has
appeared with the title OF Mejico sus Costun,ores