Godey's Lady's Book

GODEY'S LADY'S BOOK
Philadelphia, March 1850

EDITORS' BOOK TABLE.

THE SEASIDE AND THE FIRESIDE. By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, &, Fields. 1850. pp. 141. The grace and beauty of the poetry moulded by the mind of Professor Longfellow, are too well known to require description. This thin volume contains new gems of fancy and feeling, and will be warmly welcomed by all who admire his choice productions. The " dedication" is very beautiful; and " The Building of the Ship" seems inspired with the energy of action as well as the wisdom of meditation. Nothing the author has written since "The Psalm of Life" has so charmed us as this noble poem. There are other gems; indeed, the whole is well worthy of the favor the work will win – worthy of the name of the author.

THE EOLIAN. By David Rates. Philadelphia: Lindesay & Blakiston. pp. 210. We should welcome this volume were it only for the sake of its exquisite poem –" Speak Gently" – but there are many other beautiful pieces. The author has a vein of pure, cheerful morality running through all his productions, which stamps a high value for the young. We are sure this book will be welcome at the fireside.

THE MAIDEN AND MARRIED' LIFE OF MARY POWELL, AFTERWARDS MISTRESS MILTON. Philadelphia: Getz & Burk, No. 3 Hart's Buildings. There has been no work, except the "Diary of Lady Willoughby," that could compare with this excellent imitation of the quaint, expressive style of the old writers. This story is even more interesting than was that of Lady W., because it embodies so much of the history, which seems like truth, of the noblest of England's bards, John Milton. We commend it to young ladies.

THE GREAT METROPOLIS, OR NEW YORK ALMANAC FOR 1850. We have received a copy of this work from the publisher, H. Wilson, 521 Pearl Street, New York. It contains a neatly engraved map of the city, and memorandum pages for every day in the year.

MARY MORETON; OR, THE BROKEN PROMISE. By T. S. Arthur. T. B. Peterson, 98 Chestnut Street, has sent us a copy of this American novel, which we have read with great pleasure. The pure sentiments and excellent morals which pervade all the writings of Mr. Arthur, are too well known to the general reader to require any illustration from us. In this work he maintains his usual high and elevated ground, and, at the same time, presents us with some vivid pictures of character, so correctly drawn that they can hardly be contemplated as fictions.

T. B. Peterson, 98 Chestnut Street, has also sent us copies of "AGNES GREY, AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY," and of "DAVID COPPERFIELD, THE YOUNGER." The first-named work is by the author of " June Eyre," "Shirley," etc. etc. This work is thought by many persons to be even superior to any of the former productions from the pen of the same author; but, be that as it may, it is certainly equal in point of interest, in delineation of character &c., to any of its predecessors. In reference to its early publication in this country, something is due to the enterprise of Mr. Peterson, who received it in proof impressions from the London press, in advance of its publication in that city.

As to the "Personal History and Experience of David Copperfield, the Younger," it will probably be enough to say of it, that it is from the pen of Charles Dickens.

THE POETICAL WORKS OF JAMES MONTGOMERY. John Locken, Philadelphia. This splendid edition contains a memoir of the author, by the Rev. R. H. Griswold. The work is got up in a style that does great credit to the publisher; and it is an invaluable one, from the fact that it contains all the writings of this celebrated author. The engravings which it contains are finely done in mezzotinto.

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN. We have received from the publisher this volume of the writings of Bunyan. It contains a portrait of the author, and other engravings. We need hardly say that the " Pilgrim's Progress' will be found in it, with a number of fine illustrations. It is a work that ought to be found in every library. The binding and the press-work are both beautiful.

THE GOSSIPS OF RIVERTOWN: with Collected Sketches and Poems. By Alice B. Neal. Philadelphia: Hazard k Mitchell. With a Portrait: to be issued next month. Beautifully bound by Altemus. The public will see the above announced with pleasure. Mrs. Neal has, by her beautiful story of " Helen Morton's Trial," made for herself a name, that will live as long as there is a true appreciation of the beautiful in the hearts of mankind.

ANCIENT AMERICA. We have received a pamphlet with this title – the twenty-first edition – which we commend to the perusal of our friends. It is published by Jewett, Thomas, & Co., Buffalo, New York.

THE POETS AND POETRY OF AMERICA. By R. W. Griswold. Carey &, Hart, Philadelphia This is the tenth edition. revised and illustrated. It forms an elegant and very valuable volume, and is too well known, after the sale of nine large editions, to require more than a passing notice. The volume internally is subject to criticism; but we doubt not Dr. Griswold has done better, perhaps, than any one else would. It is a magnificent gift-book.

POEMS. By Frances Sargent Osgood. A. Hart, late Carey & Hart, Philadelphia. A superb edition, with twelve elegant engravings from original designs, by the most celebrated artists. It is, indeed, one of the most elegant volumes eye ever rested on. The paper, type, and binding are faultless, and reflect great credit on all concerned. As a poet, Mrs. Osgood is too well known and appreciated to require praise from our pen. We are glad to see her works in this beautiful form.

STEPHANIE BEAUHARNAIS, THE DUCHESS OF BADEN. Same publisher. A tale of the French Revolution of 1787, written by Captain Edward Ford. The scenes are laid chiefly in Philadelphia; and some well-known characters ate introduced, under fictitious names. It is exceedingly interesting.

PEOPLE I HAVE MET. By N. P. Willis. Baker &c Scribner, New York; Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia. The second title is "Pictures of Society and People of Mark, drawn under a thin veil of fiction. They are readable sketches, as everything of Willis's is; and will serve to while away a pleasant hour to the reader without adding much to the author's reputation.

SHAKSPEARE'S DRAMATIC WORKS. We have received the first seven numbers of the Boston edition of Shakespeare's Dramatic Works, with introductory remarks and notes, original and selected. This work is beautifully illustrated, each number containing one of the finest specimens of the art of engraving we have ever seen. The seventh number is devoted exclusively to the life of the poet, and is illustrated with his portrait, engraved from the picture in the possession of the Duke of Buckingham. The letter-press is quite an improvement in the art; the types being large, and the paper clear, white, and of a durable texture. T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia.

HUME'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Phillips, Sampson, & Co., Boston. We have received the fifth volume of this uniform edition, of which we have heretofore often spoken. It is the most convenient and portable extant.

MRS. SOMERVILLE'S PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. Lea & Blanchard, Philadelphia. It speaks well for the growing scientific taste of the country; that a second edition of this valuable work should be so soon called for. We have before praised this volume, and can only renew our recommendation.

ELLEN SEYMOUR. By Mrs. Saville Shepherd. J. W. Moore, Philadelphia. A religious tale, well written, and full of instruction and interest, by a favorite author. It is very appropriate for the holidays, and got up in Mr. Moore's usual neat style.

THE YOUNG MAN'S WAY TO HONOR, &c By Rev. A. Atwood. Same publisher. A praiseworthy effort of a good man to do good to young men entering life. If they would all read and obey his precepts, human happiness would be greatly advanced.

POEMS. By John G. Saxe. Ticknor, Reed, & Fields, Boston. We have received this beautiful little volume from Hazard & Mitchell, No. 178 Chestnut Street. We regret that we have not room to quote one or two of the poems in the volume; but they are so well known, that it seems hardly necessary. Dr. Holmes must look to his laurels, or Mr. Saxe will win them yet,. Many of the articles in this volume are extremely witty, and all are pleasing and admirably written. It is a book to drive away the "blues."

OLD PORTRAITS AND MODERN SKETCHES. By John G. Whittier. Ticknor, Reed, &, Fields, Boston. A collection of pen and ink sketches of Bunyan, Ellwood, Nailer, Marvell, Roberts, Hopkins, Baxter, Leggett, Rogers, and Dinsmore. They are written in the peculiar and beautiful style of this favorite author; and the book cannot fail to become exceedingly popular. Hazard R Mitchell, of this city, have it, to whom we are indebted for our copy.

HISTORY OF SPANISH LITERATURE. By George Ticknor. Harper & Brothers, New York. We have received from Messrs. Lindsay & Blakiston the second and third volumes of this splendid work, noticed more fully in our last. It has received the unqualified commendation of every criticism so far published; and its immortality is secure. The book itself, as a work of art, will compete with any issued from the British press. No library can now be complete without it.

THE LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. Same publishers. We have received also, from Lindsay & Blakiston, the first number of this serial, to be completed in six parts. It is edited by the poet's son, and embraces a biography, written by Southey himself, and a series of letters to his friends. It is published uniform with Southey's "Common-Place Book," recently issued.

THE BALTTLE SUMMER-being Transcripts from Personal Observations in Paris, during the year 1848. By Ik. Marvel. Baker & Scribner, New York. The popularity of this anonymous author is on the increase. The present work is written in the Carlyle style, but is well done. We are happy to number the author among our old schoolmates and friends, and to rejoice in his success. This work will be followed by a sequel early in the spring.

POEMS. By James Russell Lowell. Ticknor, Reed, & Fields, Boston. We are happy to see the productions of this author extended to two volumes. We recognize many old favorites, and enjoy many new pieces that only serve to raise the reputation of Mr. Lowell. His poems are now standard, and are quoted extensively at home and abroad. Messrs. Hazard & Mitchell, of this city, will accept our thanks for it They have it for sale.

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