Daily Kennebec journal., 1881-12-26
New Publications.

THE WORMS OF OLIVER GOLDSMITH. Ed
tied by Peter Cunningham. +. s. A. In
Four volumes. Harper & Brothers, New
York.
We have here work which lovers OF
books will be pleased with. -Four comely
volumes of fine paper, printed in large and
clear type, contain the works of one Of the
eminent writers Of England, who closed his
career more than century ago. The repro
duction of his writings in the present form,
carefully edited, comprising many papers
which have not appeared in previous editions
of his works, is a strong evidence Of the vi
tality and worth Of his productions.
All editions Of Goldsmiths works which
have hitherto been published have not pre-
sented his writings AZ they were finally cor
rected by him. This defect is remedied in
the present edition. The editor sought the
best information to be had and has been sue
cess:ul in producing better work than any
which preceded it. The second edition of
Goldsmith's works was in part prepared by
himself, but he did not live to see Il go TO
press, and after his death many changes were
made by others before publication. Mr.. Cum
ningbam has restored in his edition, both in
poetry and prose, the works to the form in
which Goldsmith left them after he had care
fully revised and prepared them for pub
ication. Among the works which have
been added TO this selection is
found 1.-THE Bee printed entire with
the exception of Voltaire's letters, which are
omitted. 1.-The Bee" was a short-lived period
l,.,G G>l I'll
conisining many excellent articles that may
be read with delight and profit in these days.
few select passages are admitted from
Goldsmith's ''History of Animated Nature
also one. of his letters from his History Of
England" The introduction of Goldsmiths
letters is one of the new features of this edi-
ton. A poem Of length never before pub
Iished, is likewise added. Each volume 10
supplied with a full index, and copious notes
accompany the text.
Volume ! contains the Poetical Works,
Dramas, and Vicar Of Wakefield. 1.-The
Deserted Village" is one of the sweetest
poems in the English language. Who has
not read of
"Sweet Auburn loveliest village of the plaIn7"
Many Of his poems have a plaintive tone
but some of them are brimful of wit and hu-
NOR. The dramas are still played upon the
stage. ''She Stoops TO Conquer" never
grows old. "The Vicar of Wakefield" IL
regarded as little old fashioned. but il con-
tains many wise and good things that Il
ought never to fail of readers.
Volume II contains AN Inquiry into the
Present State Of Polite Learning in Europe
and the collection of letters, first published ia
the Public Ledger, London, entitled '.The
Citizen of thew orld." OF course the public
has outgrown in measure these productions.
but as model. Of good writing, robust think.
ing, and generally sound opinions they are
worthy Of place in every library.
Volume III contains ''The Bee. Essays"
''Ur acknow ledged Essays" ''Prefaces. In
Productions etc .eThe Bee is reprinted
from the edition of 759. the omission being four
prose translations from Voltaire. The "Es-
Gays" are collected from Goldsmith's anony-
nous communications to periodicals. The
"Unacknow lodged Essays" are contributions
originally published in periodicals and at
trbuted to Goldsmith by what is deemed by
the editor to be competent authority.
Volume " contains Biographies, Reviews,
Letters, Miscellanes. The special contents
are as follows memoirs Of NJ. De Vol
taire, 1859; ''Tbe Life Of Richard Nash,
Esq''-a remarkably fine piece Of biograph-
ical writing: "Tbe Life Of Thomas ParnelI,
ID. D.: 'The Life Of Henry ST. john
Lord Viscount Bolingbroke contributions
to the Critical Review: Contributions to
the Monthly Review; Extracts from an
History Of the Earth and Animated Nature;
"The Mystery Notwithstanding TO the
supposed Cock Lane Ghost; "vida's Game
Of Chess"-A long poem, now first printed
from the original manuscript; 'tGoldsmith's
Letters; Index.
There is nothing left To be added to these
four volumes Of the works Of Goldsmith.
They again bring prominently before the
public writings which have charmed, instruct
ed and elevated public thought for more
than a century. Writers and speakers have
drawn from them largely in quotations,
which are in frequent and familiar use, but
the complete works only reveal the full
genius Of Goldsmith and the extent and mer-
its Of his labors.