The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-03-14
A Great Publishing Enterprise by
Estes a. Lauriat.

The veteran statesman, historian and Christian
philosopher, M. Guizot, he was completing his
eghty-second year, five years ago, was induced to
put in full form, and to give to the public materials
which he had prepared in slight notes. to be expand
ed from his memory in narratisn-fnr the simple
purpose of instructing. while amusing, his own
grandchildren. With a spirit and intent like that
which prompted Sir Walter Scott to put the history
of Scotland into stories told to his grandson, young
Lockhart M. Guzot essayed to deal in the same way
with the history Of France. The carrying out such
purpose, whether orally in writing, reqnres and
result in a work which comes just midway between
mere compend OF dates and facts, and an elaborate
1t not exhaustive treatment of nations annals,
with disquisitons and minute investigations all
complicated and controverted incidents in 1T.
M. Guizot had been furnished by the studies and
aoors OF lifetime for the task which he under
TOOK and bis busy and practiced pen had acquired
facility in style admirably adapted to the special de-
mands Of the work. When he made hs made his
French translation of Gibbons great work. which be
illustrated and some of the critical matters of which
he challenged to good purpose valuable notes.
he became master Of the scholarship OF his present
theme. As professor Of modern history In the Uni
versty OF France he had delivered many courses Of
lectures the history Of civilization, which were
afterwards wrought into his admirable work under
that title. His labors have been faithful in many
literature.
Concluding to write out in a more complete text
and with sufficient elabor alton the notes which he had
actually nsed for their first and only intended pur-
pose. NJ Grizot prepared ior publication in France
work to bear the following title: 1.-THE History Of
France from the Earsst Times to the yoar 17s9 Re-
lated for the Rising Generations This answers TO
title Of popular history. The whole ~e.t, ex-
tending to three and possibly to four substantial vol
umes, is in the hands of the French publishers. A
translation of the first two volumes, by Mr. Robert
Black, has appeared in elegant form in London.
Messrs. Estes g. Lauriat of Boston, have under
taken the costly enterprise OF reproducing the Eng
lish translation in even more sumptuous form.
The enterprise expensive in its outlay to them In
entered upon with confidence that 1t will be appresi
ated and well sustained in this community. Their
proposition is to issue the complete work in serial
semi-monthly parts, OF these. eight have already
appeared, covering about four hundred pages
The English edition is illustrated with two hun
dred and elegant wood cuts, in the highest Style
of the art. OF these Messrs. Estes & Lauriat have
secured eleetrotypes by the famous artist, A. De
MELVILLE. In addition to these the American pub
fishers propose, as peculiar to their edition, fsrsy
magnificent steel line engravings The paper, type
and whole mechanical execution of the work make 1t
credtable rich and luxurious piece Of finished
execution as has ever appeared here.
This American edition will be comprehendsd IN
between forty and forty-eight parts issued, a. we
have said two In each month, at cost of fifty osn,s
each. This price is reasonable that only eensr
Gus patronage remunerate the publishers Tbs
work is a timely one for two especial reasons
France is before the eyes and minds Of all Christisa
people, as In state OF chronic revolution continual
ly engaging our wonder and our sympathy. The
causes of all the revelations and excitements. the
| tragedies ho
ative energies OF the nation lie back In its earliest his
tory. Filled as this is, with romance, heroism, and
the alterations Of triumph and Defeat 1t has ali the
charm, fascination and absorbing interest which
ages of human activity and endurance can connect
| with the scenes Of mans abode. And again, this
| work fills great gap in our aboundng literature.
There is good and Trustworthy volume or sst Of
] volumes on our shelves with which this enter
into rivalry 1t has the field to itself. We have sx-
amined both the English edition of the first two vol
umes, and that portion Of them which has been re-
produced here The elegantly printed pages and inc
| Astounding anC beautiful illustrations OF storod
scenes places incidents and persons, all presen'e
in the harmones OF time scenery, surroanus.
eostumes have all the richness Of the ou
.h-or;c,as while the publication is In progress we
wor,d command IL to general readers anu oePeelsy
70 narents as work which VIII rene" ~ sn.n house-
LA reneated and fresh pleasure once 0rtnignt-
There IA inst enough OF the cnAiAc'ersuc QUALITIES
o,d ace of wisdom and virtue in the venerable
an o 70 engage the attention Of the young and re-
,.,n the interest of the mature reader.
subscriptions received by
FRANCIS H. COFFIN,
100 Middle Street,
Under Falmouth Hotei)
General Agent for Maine.