GODEY'S LADY'S BOOK
Philadelphia, January 1850

THE BRILLIANT. A GIFT BOOK FOR 1850. Edited by T. S. Arthur. New York: Baker & Scribner. This is, in truth, well named the Brilliant, with its fifteen beautiful engravings and its richly embossed cover. The contents are interesting, and, like all that is sanctioned by the name of the editor, worthy of a place on the parlor-table of those who admire the beauty which, in the sentiment, is derived from truth and goodnese.

THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE OFFERING, FOR 1850. Edited by T. S. Arthur. New York: Nafis & Cornish. A very beautiful book, and worthy of the welcome it will doubtless receive from the public. This is, we believe, the first Temperance Annual; but the pure fountain of thought and feeling, taste and genius here opened, will, we are sure, long continue to flow. The editor and publishers deserve much commendation.

POEMS. By Henry W. Longfellow, The poem in our present number is a gem from this rich mine of Thought and Fancy. We need say no more to make our renders seek' the source of light from which our "Star" is derived. Published by Ticknor & Fields, Boston.

THE SACRED ANNUAL. A Gift Book for all Seasons. Edited by the Rev. H. Hastings Weld. Philadelphia: published by T. K. Collins, Jr. An excellent annual, or rather perennial, for its literary merits will not be exhausted by a first perusal. And then its illustrations are unique in their beauty; and, as specimens of the perfection which the art of engraving on wood has reached in oar country, deserve great commendation. There are eleven of these large engravings: all are spirited, and some have uncommon grace and beauty. Editor, artist, and publisher have each and all done well; and the Sacred Annual will be a favorite among the new Gift Books of the season.

HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. By Richard Hildreth. Harper & Brothers, New York; Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia. We have received the third and last volume of this fine work, which closes with the year 1789. It is an acquisition to any library, both by reason of its internal worth and its handsome dress.

GLIMPSES OF SPAIN; OR, NOTES OF AN UNFINISHED TOUR IN 1847. By S. T. Wallis. Same publishers. A well written and very interesting narrative, by one who ought to write again. It introduces the reader to real life in Spain, and gives many particulars heretofore not generally known.

HUME'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Phillips, Simpson, &, Co., Boston; J. W. Moore, Philadelphia. We have received the fourth volume of this handsome work. It will be completed in six volumes, and the last volume will contain a complete index of the whole work.

THE POET'S OFFERING, FOR 1850. Edited by Mrs. Sarah J. Hale. Grigg, Elliot, & Co., Philadelphia. We have at last a volume of poetical quotations worthy of the name. Our coadjutor has labored faithfully to make this work as nearly perfect as possible; and well has she succeeded. It contains nearly six hundred octavo pages, of fine double-column letterpress, carefully and tastefully selected from all the home and foreign authors of celebrity – classified and arranged in the most convenient manner. It is invaluable to a writer; while, to the ordinary reader, it presents every and any subject at a glance. As a gift-book, it is not surpassed by any of the season. It contains a fine portrait of Mrs. Bale, an illuminated title-page, and twelve of Sartnin's best mezzotint; and is bound superbly in Turkey morocco, richly gilt. It is one of the most elegant books ever published by this or any other house.

GALLERY TO SHAKESPEARE'S DRAMATIC WORKS. G. & B. Westermann, Brothers, New York. We have received Nos. 9 and 10 of this magnificent work, embracing part of King Lear and the Tempest,. We see not how any lover of Shakspeare will be without possessing these glorious conceptions of the immortal Retzsch. The whole number will form a rare and elegant book. We perceive that the publishers have removed their establishment to No. 990 Broadway, corner of Reade street, a far more central and desirable location,

THE LIFE OF CHRIST. By Rev. H. Hastings Weld. Hogan & Thompson, Philadelphia. A magnificent gift-book, combining beauty of dress with intrinsic excellence. The whole work is original, and by one of the finest end most effective writers of the age. We are rejoiced to see his talents expended on a work calculated to do great service, and that publishers (at least) appreciate his labors sufficiently to expend so much on its publication. It has two illuminations, and a large number of engravings in tint; and is bound in moat beautiful style. It must have a rapid sale.

RASSELAS. By Dr. Johnson. Hogan & Thompson, Philadelphia. We have, at last, this magnificent production in a form worthy of itself. Those accustomed to see it only in 18mo. boards, can now delight themselves with a splendid octavo, enriched with illuminations and engravings in tint – withal, the whitest paper, the purest, boldest type, and the most elegant binding in the world. We conscientiously declare it the handsomest book, in all respects, we have ever seen from the American press. It is an elegant gift-book Too much praise cannot be awarded to Hogan & Thompson for their enterprise in this publication; and the similar ones of "Paul and Virginia" and "The Vicar of Wakefield," which we have heretofore noticed, and to which we would again call the attention of our readers.

MY MOTHER; OR, RECOLLECTIONS OF MATERNAL INFLUENCE. Wm. B. Hyde. New York. A beautiful tale, exhibiting the influence of a loving, Christian mother upon her offspring. It is anonymous; but we think we recognize the author as one whose previous contributions to literature have been of a healthy and effective character. Every son should possess, and read carefully, this elegant volume, the personal appearance of which reflects great credit on the publisher.

THE DOWAGER; OR, THE NEW SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL By Mrs. Gore. H. Long k Brother, New York. One of Mrs. Gore's last and best works. A very interesting story for the kind.

ROCKINGHAM; OR, THE .YOUNGER BROTHER. Same publishers. One of the most thrilling tales of the present age., It is written by a master hand, and is well worth the perusal.

HUMBOLDT'S ASPECTS OF NATURE. Lea & Blanchard, Philadelphia. A volume of immense value to the scientific man. It gives the aspects of nature in different lands and climates, with scientific elucidations, It is translated by Mrs. Sabine. Anything from the pen of this distinguished author must be of great utility; and the present work adds greatly to his reputation.

LOS GRINGOS. By Lieut, Wise, U. S. N. Baker dc Scribner, New York; Lindasy & Blakiston, Philadelphia. Another book of travels, being an inside view of Mexico and California, with wanderings in Peru, Chili, and Polynesia. It is elegantly written, and will do the sailor-author great credit. The style is charming; and the work ought to be as popular as "Typee" or "Mardi."

POETICAL QUOTATIONS. By John T. Watson. Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia. We have hereto-fare noticed this elegantly illustrated volume; and it is so beautiful a book, that we cannot forbear calling attention to it again. It is, indeed, one of the most elegant books we have ever seen from any press; and its intrinsic value is only enhanced by its external appearance-

SIGHTS IN THE GOLD REGION, AND SCENES BY THE WAY. By Theodore 'g. Johnson. Baker & Scribner, New York; J. W. Moore, Philadelphia. The title sufficiently indicates the character of the contents of the book. It is well written, and gives a vivid account of California scenes, by one who has " seen the elephant." It is got up in the usual beautiful style of these publishers.

THE AMERICAN QUARTERLY REGISTER AND MAGAZINE. Edited and published by James Stryker, Esq., 520 Chestnut street, Philadelphia. We have so invariably praised this valuable quarterly, that we can hardly add anything to what we have heretofore said. We can scarcely conceive that the mind of one man can, once every three months, bring forth so vast an amount of interesting and truly valuable matter. As it has now entered on its third volume, we may consider the work permanently established.

JEREMIAH PARKES. By Mrs. Mackenzie Daniel. H. Long k Brother, New York, We are happy to be able to praise this work, which stands in striking contradistinction with one, by the same author, we have recently noticed. It is a very interesting novel.

ELLA STRATFORD. By Lady Blessington. T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia. We have heretofore noticed this work in terms of commendation, and can only add that it is one of the distinguished author's best.

THE LIVING AUTHORS OF ENGLAND. By Thomas Powell. D. Appleton & Co., New York; George 8. Appleton, Philadelphia. This book, heralded by so many (we incline to think) invidious remarks, has made its appearance, in the usual elegant style of these publishers. We must confess we like the book. These personal sketches of authors known to us, are always interesting; and Mr. Powell gives many particulars and anecdotes heretofore unknown to the world generally. He has made a very interesting and companionable book; and we are glad to see that it is to be followed by one on the living authors of America. It will doubtless create quite a stir among our literati, and particularly among those who would be considered of that class.

HOME RECREATION. By Grandfather Merriman. Same publishers. This child's volume contains a collection of tales of peril and adventure, voyages and travels, biography, manners and customs, poetry, and other entertaining sketches. The articles are by the best writers, and it forms one of the most entertaining volumes we have seen. We notice our correspondent " Clara Moreton" amongst the contributors. The volume is finely illustrated.

HOLIDAY HOUSE. By Catherine Sinclair. Same publishers. A series of tales, by one of the most accomplished female writers of the age. It is handsomely illustrated, and the binding is perfectly beautiful. These publishers have introduced a style of binding that excels anything we have ever seen on books for children, being a sort of illuminated cover, which is alone worth the price of the book.

LITTLE FRANK, AND OTHER TALES. Same publishers. Another book for the very little folks; printed, illustrated, and bound in the same beautiful style as the last. Once seen, the children will have no others.

LITTLE DORA; OR, THE FOUR SEASONS. Same publishers. Another book for children, written by a lady of Charleston, full of pictures and pleasant reading.

SOUTHERN AND WESTERN TRAVELER'S GUIDE. By W. Williams. D. Appleton & Co., New York; George 8. Appleton, Philadelphia. An invaluable companion for the traveler, and full of interesting information for those who read at home. It contains all the routs, distances, fares, descriptions of scenery, &c. &c., and is filled with maps and engravings. It is, beyond doubt, the handsomest book of the sort ever published.

CITY CRIES. George S. Appleton, Philadelphia. Here is something that will inevitably delight the little ones so fortunate as to persuade their parents to buy it for them. It is a long narrow sheet, folded between the covers of n book, and containing full-length and lifelike portraits of the men and women who go about the streets, crying "Ice Cream," "Catfish," &c. &c.

SKETCHES OF LIFE AND CHARACTER. By T. S. Arthur. J. W'. Bradley, Philadelphia. This magnificent volume, of over four hundred octavo pages, is embellished by a fine and faithful portrait of the author, and sixteen other engravings. It can only be had of the publisher, or his canvasing agent, Mr. J. W. Bradley, 48 North Fourth street. Philadelphia, who has displayed great taste in the mechanical execution of the volume. It embraces a large number of Mr. Arthur's minor sketches, many of which will be recognized as old acquaintances. We are glad that he has so collected them, for their preservation is a duty he owes to himself, and will be a pleasure to his numerous friends.

THE PASTOR'S WIFE. A MEMOIR OF MRS. SHERMAN. Robert E. Peterson, Philadelphia. An interesting narrative of the life of an eminently pious woman, the wife of the pastor of Surrey Chapel. Let her example be emulated.

THE RECOLLECTIONS OF ANTONY. By Alexandre Dumas. Stratton & Barnard, Cincinnati and St. Louis; T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia. A collection of tales by Dumas, said to be translated by a gentleman of this city, He has succeeded admirably.

LEAFLETS OP MEMORY. E. H. Butler & Co., Philadelphia. Incontrovertibly the prettiest book of the season. Mr. Butler has surpassed all his previous efforts. The execution of the mezzotint plates is in first-rate style. Some of the subjects we much object to; but these, probably, were not the taste of the publisher: the majority of them, however, are beautiful. The illuminated titles by Sinclair, are in his best style. The literature of the volume is by the best authors.

THE SNOW FLAKE is another beautiful offering for Christmas, of a smaller size than the Leaflets; beautifully illustrated, with one exception. Mr. Butler, in his holiday books, gives us good reading matter, which is not usually the case in similar publications.

PROVERBIAL PHILOSOPHY. By Martin Farquhar Tupper. E. H. Butler &, Co., Philadelphia, Mr. Burr has got up this "Book of Thoughts and Arguments" in a beautiful style for a Christmas present; and a most excellent one it will make. It is from the eighth London edition, and contains a portrait of the author.

CHRISTMAS BLOSSOMS. Same publishers. Ever mindful of the juveniles, Mr. B. has produced another volume of his beautiful little "New Year's Wreath," with pretty plates and appropriate and agreeable reading.

THE ARCHITECT. This valuable work continues to attract general attention, and we are glad to learn that it is liberally patronized. The last number contained the portrait of Wm. H. Ranlett, architect, and the editor of the work. The deigns for cottages in this number are among the most beautiful that have appeared, and render it particularly worthy the attention of fashionable villagers.

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