heartily, the moment that either touches it. Still addressing the land, which we hope is not England, for she ought not to be so nonsensically apostrophized, he says, or sings,

"When to thee our footsteps turn,

(footsteps in a ship!)

Thou with brighter flame shall burn, (why?)
Breaking forth from memory's urn,

Empress of the main !"

Of all the other contributions we can speak, not only favourably but highly, and the illustrations are beautiful, with the single exception of that of "King Alfred's Return." It is very badly conceived by the artist, and the engraver has done justice to it with an equal degree of inferiority-it appears to us to be scratched and unfinished. Were we to particularize the plates that deserve encomium, we should have to name them all save one. Upon the whole, this is a very superior number.

The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., including a Journal of his Tour to the Hebrides. By JAMES BOSWELL, Esq. To which are added, Johnsoniana, or Anecdotes by Hawkins, Piozzi, Murphy, Tyers, Reynolds, Stevens, &c. And Notes by various Hands. 10 Vols.

The alteration in the original plan of this amusing and instructive publication has turned out to be an improvement, and the last two additional volumes will considerably enhance the value of the preceding ones. This ninth volume, now before us and the public, contains twenty parts, all appertaining to anecdotes and reminiscences of the ponderous doctor. Of course, among them Mrs. Piozzi shines conspicuously. This reminds us that we should remind our readers that a very beautiful portrait of this lady embellishes this volume as a frontispiece. How exquisitely the Findens engrave! They had, however, an exciting subject before them, from the pencil of Sir Joshua Reynolds. If this engraving be like her, she must have had a countenance of the most perfect beauty, that is to say, if her complexion was equal to the chaste symmetry of her features. Mrs. Thrale's house at Chatham, after that clever fellow, Stanfield, by Finden, forms an elegant vignette title-page to the volume. Altogether, this is a splendid production.

The Poetical Works of Samuel Rogers, Esq. Part IX. Illustrated by One Hundred and Twenty-eight Vignettes, from Designs by Stothard and Turner. To be completed in Ten Monthly Parts.

The ninth number has now made its appearance, and contains the Nun, the Fountain, and a festal scene after Stothard, and some very beautiful views after Turner, all illustrations of the subject matter of the poet. As sailors, we cannot help remarking, that Turner draws his feluccas very accurately, but does not trim their sails quite so well. When bound up according to the fancy of the purchaser, if he be not quitea Vandal in taste, this publication will make one of the most beautifully illuminated editions that has appeared for some time: we anticipate for it a commensurate success.

The Popular Encyclopædia: being a General Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature, Biography, History, and Political Economy, reprinted from the American Edition of the "Conversationes Lexicon," with Dissertations. &c. By SIR D. SANDFORD, DR. THOMAS, and ALLAN CUNNINGHAM, ESQ. Vol. III. Part II.

This work continues in great force. We have examined this last number more carefully perhaps than the preceding, and we feel satisfied that the greatest pains have been taken with it. An Encyclopædia is not a work which can embrace all points upon all subjects; all that it can do, is to be very correct in what it does say, and if it cannot tell the whole truth, not to tell any thing but the truth. In this we think the editors have succeeded, and their reference to works upon every subject, points out to those who may wish to obtain it, where more information is to be gained. Still we think that sometimes it is too decided in its remarks, particularly when giving its opinions about literary characters. For instance, it says in its observations upon German authors, that Kotzebue was "fertile without dignity, and consequently without good morals." Now, this is not quite correct. In the first place, Kotzebue had dignity, for there is as much dignity to be expressed in the drama of private life, as there is in the public and well-known records of princes; and good morals he had also, although perhaps he did not always adhere so rigidly to them as he might have done. What offence against good morals is there in his celebrated Comedy of the " German Provincialists," of which we shall publish a translation in some future Number of our Magazine. In making this trifling objection, we still wish our readers to understand, that this is not only an excellent work, but the very best Encyclopædia which has yet appeared, and we recommend it strongly.

My Aunt Pontypool. 3 Vols.

These three volumes afford us another instance of talent devoted to what may by many be styled the inferior branch of literature, i. e. novel writing which it most certainly is not. But what else can a man do in this day? History is a drug-classics are worse; they are really dead languages. Travels-there is nothing new, as the prophet said. Where is there a corner unexplored? We do expect three volumes from Timbuctoo, and then we may consider the whole world of travels as completed. Philosophy, we all agree to be fit only for infant schools, and a political economist is but another name for a fool. All the facts in the world have been collected and bound up, and lie imprisoned in our libraries, stagnant lettered lakes. The river of fiction still flows, and as this world is given to lying, like the one in the fable, labitur et labiter. Every one, therefore, who is inclined to launch his bark, now applies to this source, hoists the sail of his imagination, and if he only take care that he has sufficient judgment by way of ballast, generally makes a prosperous voyage, amusing to himself, and to those who read his wondrous tale. The characters although not very new in this novel, are very clearly drawn; the style and language very superior, but the plot is rechauffée. Without plot or newness of character, it has nevertheless been written by a very clever anonymous gentleman, a "ripe scholar," and a keen observer of human nature. In one point he is very superior, he knows how to handle his ladies without spoiling them. We think the public, after these remarks ought to be anxious to read my "Aunt Pontypool," and if they are not satisfied with the contents, they must be rather difficult to please.

The writer of this work has not put his name to the title-page, which he might safely have done, as it will at once establish his reputation as an author. We have had until now, but two authors who have ventured in this peculiar field, Mr. Hope, in his solitary but splendid fiction of "Anastasius," and Mr. Morier, whose works in the same style have been such deserved favourites with the public. Both of these authors have their peculiar merits. In graphic power they are nearly equal, but in "Anastasius" we have more pathos-in Morier's works more wit and humour. The author of " Mahmoud" has neither the pathos of "Anastasius," nor the humour of "Hadji Baba;" but in interest, he is equal, if not superior to them both; he is also their equal in discrimination and developement of character. These are indeed stirring volumes; incident succeeds incident, and wild and graphic scene follows scene, until you have hardly time to breathe. History is blended, and well adhered to, in these pages; the account of the destruction of the Mamelukes, and their previous dissensions is correct, and well worked up. On the whole, we have great pleasure in admitting this anonymous writer into our band of imaginative authors. He at once takes a high degree, and may safely let the world know to whom we are so much indebted. The circulating libraries will, we rather think, wish that he had never taken up the pen, for they at least will be no gainers by the production, for the demand will compel them to take more copies than they will be pleased at.

The Tourist in Spain.-Andalusia. By THOMAS ROSCOE. Illustrated from Drawings, by DAVID ROBERTS.

This very superior work constitutes Jennings' Landscape Annual for 1836, and is devoted to the description of Andalusia. The views are splendid, and must give us an exalted idea of the former magnificence of Spain. The frontispiece is a vivid representation of a bull-fight at Seville, and will be viewed with as much curiosity as admiration. The letter-press is a composition of the first order, well sustained, and glowing with poetical description of a land so abundant in subjects for inspiration. This gorgeous work is dedicated (by permission, we presume) to the King of Bavaria, and truly it is worthy of royal patronage. If we are short in our notice, we are sincere in our commendations; and we know that the success that the work will experience, on account of its intrinsic merits, will render, on our parts, a lengthened panegyric un

necessary.

Records of a Route through France and Italy; with Sketches of Catholicism. By W. R. WILSON, F.A.S., A.Š.R. Author of "Travels in the Holy Land," &c.

This is a book rich in stern truths. We like it for its honest bitterness, and truly patriotic antipathy to gorgeous vice, and tinselled immorality. It may be said that the author has viewed foreign morals and foreign superstitions in a prejudiced light; he has viewed them by the light of Christianity and of virtue, and, if by that light they appear hideous, we should rather be grateful to him for showing them in their true colours, than reproach him with illiberality. We earnestly recommend this book to the perusal of all those who intend voluntarily, or are compelled, to submit their children to the contagion of continental manners.

We are

making, even in England, a progress much too rapid towards that looseness of opinions, which respects nothing, believes nothing, and yet endangers all that is decorous in this world, and precious in the next. The bursts of Mr. Wilson's indignation may sound harshly to courtly ears, but as they are honest, they will be heard, and conscientious, they must be effective. Speaking of the intolerant and grasping spirit of Catholicism, he says, and says truly, "If the concessions that it has obtained produce no gratitude, farther concessions will only stimulate to open hostility. It is enough to brave the company of a muzzled hyena; remove that muzzle-it is already almost gnawed through- and the consequences may be easily conjectured" Wisdom would counsel the knocking the beast on the head, whilst the muzzle was yet over its jaws. The hyena is now most dangerous, since it has Dan for its leader, and is dancing to the tune of ça ira. We cannot conclude without paying a just tribute to the extensive erudition of the author, so universally displayed in this excellent volume.

A Journey to St. Petersburg and Moscow, through Courland and Livonia. By LEITCH RITCHIE, Esq., Author of "Turner's Annual Tour," &c.

This very useful and intelligent work is to be looked upon as Heath's Picturesque Annual for 1836; it is accordingly very superbly got up, and embellished by twenty-five spirited engravings, which are views of Russian urban and suburban scenery. In productions similar to this we usually find a generous contention between the sister Muses, that preside over painting and literature, for pre-eminency, the palm being mostly carried away by the former. In this Annual, the engravings are harsh, and without poetry, and we are bound to give the preference to the latter. Mr. Ritchie's narrative is at once perspicuous and interesting, for there is hardly a grace of style which he has not lavished upon it. He has told the world, with as much impartiality as elegance, what the Russians really are, as fearlessly pointing out in what they are deficient as generously doing justice to the many good points of their character. This work is one that must survive; and, though it now appears in all the transient glories of an Annual, we may fearlessly predict for it the more lasting reputation of a standard work.

On the Educational Institutions of Germany. By G. P. R. JAMES, Esq.

This work, so highly honourable to the author, is published by him without the possibility of his receiving any remuneration for it; but at the risk of loss, with a patriotic feeling of the most elevated order. He has seen what education has done, and is now doing, in Germany; and knowing what it could do, yet does not, in England, he endeavours, in this masterly volume, to arouse the country, and those who govern it, into some interest for so momentous a subject. Our opinion is, that education should be accurately suited to the wants of the people: the mass, who are to earn their livelihood, should have just so much education, and no more, as would enable them to enjoy literature, never so much as to tempt them to become literati. If education is to be general as to those taught, it should be limited in its quantity; and all institutions, avowedly to foster the production of authors, discountenanced. If a man have genius, he will overcome all obstacles, and attain celebrity;

if he have not, he should not be encouraged into the mistake of supposing that he has. Let education be taken up by the government; let them reward literary men who have made their own reputations; and let them read Mr. James's book and be wise; wiser than he is himself, in addressing it so pointedly to Lord Brougham. This, indeed, is the only point on which we mistrust his wisdom. In all else we admire his strong good sense, and the elegance with which he adorns it. Should Lord Brougham adopt Mr. James's views, Mr. James may depend upon it that he will be kept out of sight; for, just now, his lordship is terribly in want of something to keep him advantageously before the public eye.

The Romance of Ancient Egypt. Second series of the Romance of Ancient History. By JOHN GUNNING SEYMER, A.B. 2 Vols. The author of this work informs the public that his first series having been too often mistaken for the "Romance of History," he has decided to publish the future numbers of his series, each in the guise of a novel or a romance. We mention this, as by so doing, we seem to be forwarding his wish of publicity as to the change he has made. Were we to lavish much praise on the work it would not be misplaced, for it is brilliantly written, the costumes, both moral and physical, of the times admirably sustained, and a very faithful impression of history left upon the mind. From the nature of the subject, Mr. Gunning could not effect much in the vein that he has been pleased to treat it. To the far remote in antiquity, the mysterious only can lend an interest. He has made his realities too vivid; everything in his pictures is clear and well-defined, but cold as clear, and stern as well-defined. We have no sympathy with his characters: mere assentation to their excellence is all that the mind cares to give. But though the exciting powers of this work are but limited, its utility is great. A perusal will impress more indelibly upon the memory historical associations than the pages of history itself. Its appearance is, even just now, very opportune, as the public eye has been of late fixed upon several recently-published works appertaining to Egyptian learning, and the great progress made in decyphering its boundless existing hieroglyphics. We wish well to the work, and shall be most happy to hear of its success.

A New Art, teaching how to be Plucked; being a Treatise after the Fashion of Aristotle, and for the Use of Students in the University. By SCRIBLERUS REDIVIVUS.

Heartily we laughed at this sage, scientific, and Aristotleian treatise, the humour of which is most searching. Who, after reading this, will deny that a man is a plucking animal?-when we find learned, aged, and well-wigged doctors, so intent upon plucking young gentlemen, and thus literally taking advantage of their ignorance. Had we been at Oxford, we feel assured that both little-go and great-go would have given us the goby, for of the one hundred and fifteen pluckabilities, or categories, under which plucking is certain, according to this erudite book, we should have infallibly been classed under a hundred-and-one. We do heartily recommend this little brochure, not only for its quaint style and sterling wit, but as a proof also, how potent ridicule can be in the cause of what is right, and that, of all things, vice may be made to appear, what it really is, the absurdest.