LITERARY REVIEW. sincere followers of all creeds conducive to morality and religion, but contemn those, who from a bigoted zeal, or self-presumption, arrogate a superiority of mind over their fellows, and boldly promulgate their principles, as the only ones by which society should be governed. The work is beautifully printed, and as a manual of devotional exercise, deserves and will receive, an extensive circulation. THE SOCIAL LYRIST: Linen & Fennel, New-York.-This is a very charming little volume, containing the most popular songs of the past and present day, set to music, and arranged for one, two, or three voices. The compiler has executed his task with taste and skill, and as a pocket companion, it is invaluable to the musical amateur. DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA-PART THE SECOND: BY ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE: J. & H. G. Langley, New-York.-This is a most beautiful volume, being a new edition of this celebrated work. This second part, which treats of the social influence of Democracy in America, is more congenial to the community at large, than the first; being a philosophical examination of our tastes, feelings, and manners, and a critical reflection upon private opinions, religious creeds, literature, and the arts, all of which are descanted upon, with a discrimination of judgment and a sincerity of spirit, that, however annoying to our national pride and self-esteem, must be received as an unprejudiced dissertation, of an intellectual admirer of Democracy in its strictest principles. Among the many topics which come under his THE CONFESSIONS OF HARRY LORrequer, with ETCHINGS, minute observation, we may instance the private pursuits and BY PHIZ: Carey & Hart.-The popularity so deservedly manners of our country, and especially the character and edu-acquired by the inimitable Boz, has found a rival in the author cation of female society; the latter subject, he has handled with of Harry Lorrequer. We shrewdly suspect, had he appeared the pen of a profound philosopher, and proud should we be of first in the field, that the Pickwick Papers, would have had a the evidence of such a writer, that proves the daughters of severe struggle to establish their present fame. Boz has America, to be purer in moral principles, and more proficient in certainly the ascendancy over his Irish brother, in descriptions domestic relations, than any other country in the world. The of the pathetic and domestic scenes of life; but in fun evoking latter chapters of the work are a confirmation of the tenets con- merriment and exuberant fancy, he cannot compare. Good tained in the former volume, with regard to the effects of demo-reader, get it and laugh as heartily as we have done over its hapcratic opinions on the political portions of society; showing,py pages, as it will prevent many a grey hair from waving over that Democracy, sooner or later, must be the prevailing govern- your temples. Nor are the etchings one tittle inferior to the text. ment of Europe,-and certainly, it is a political consummation The artist seems to have caught the ideas of the author, and most sincerely to be desired, if there is truth in the author's pourtrayed them with the most consummate skill. affirmation, "that Democratic nations, to be virtuous and prosperous, have only to will it." We are sorry that our pages will not permit us to extend our review of this admirable work, to a greater length, and will conclude, by recommending it to every citizen and statesman who desires a deep acquaintance with the moral and political institutions of America. TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST, BY R. H. DANA: FAMILY LIBRARY: Harper & Brothers.-This narrative is one of the most interesting and vivid descriptions of a scaman's life, that has ever come under our observation. A portraiture of their exact condition at sea and on shore-of the discipline to which they are subjected, and of the character of those who are placed to dispense that discipline. The concluding part of the work, is invaluable for its sound reflections upon the present position of officer and sailor; for the suggestion it contains for the promotion of the religious and moral improvement of the seaman, and the ameliorating of the severity to which they are at all times too much exposed. It is a volume that affords instruction and amusement to all classes, and we strongly recommend it to a wide perusal. PARRY'S VOYAGES: FAMILY LIBRARY. Harper & Brothers. This is a very interesting publication, being a narrative of the three different expeditions for the discovery of a NorthWest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific, as also that of an attempt to reach the North Pole. The reader will find in it an immense fund of information, blended with novel and remarkable incidents. Besides being a work of intrinsic value to the interests of science, it is particularly adapted for the study of youth, imparting as it does, instruction under the garb of pleasure. CHARLES O'MALLEY, WITH ETCHINGS, BY PHIZ: Philadelphia, Carey & Hart.-This is another amusing work, by the same author, and so far as we have proceeded in the perusal, we are more confirmed in our opinion, that " Mr.” Lorrequer, is the most original and racy writer now existing. In this, as in his " Confessions," the same fertile vein of invention, the same joyous and mirth-inspiring genius are as brilliant as ever. It promises to outdo the "Confessions,"-a thing which we considered an impossibility.-Wiley & Putman. That FLORENCE DALBIAC, AND OTHER TALES, BY MRS. L. C. H. TREMAYNE: S. W. Benedict.-Four prose tales and one poem constitute the contents of this volume. The poem is merely a descriptive ballad on the loss of the Lexington. Of the tales,-Florence Dalbiac and the Rescue, are the best written. of the Three Widows, we condemn for the bad example it presents, and the loose moral it inculcates. Our authoress appears to have followed in the steps of Bulwer, in the composition of this story, advocating the sacrifice of female affection and domestic duty upon the shrine of infatuated passion. This censure which we express, arises from a desire that Mrs. Tremayne may hereafter avoid a similar error, into which nothing but inexperience could have betrayed her. same time we condemn, we are ready to allow, that there is much to praise in her writing, and shall rejoice to see her again in the fields of literature. At the MASTER HUMPHREY'S CLOCK, BY Boz: Lea & Blanchard.Numbers ten, eleven, and twelve, of this work, are before us. It requires no meed of praise at our hands. Universal consent has acknowledged it one of this author's best. The publication is in Lea & Blanchard's usual style of excellence. We need say no more to ensure it a wide circulation.-G. & C. Carvil. TEN THOUSAND A YEAR: Philadelphia, Carey & Hart.-This story, originally published in Blackwood's Magazine, and confessed to be one of the most delightful of the present day, is now reprinted in three handsome volumes. We have read it with pleasure, and can honestly recommend it to all who sickly, sentimental writers, who talk in the language of the love a good moral in the guise of fiction. THE URSULINE MANUAL: Edward Dunigan, New-York.-This is a collection of prayers and spiritual exercises of the Roman Catholic Faith. The preface, which we have carefully perused, is a dissertation upon the education of the female mind. The writer is, no doubt, sincere in his opinions, but to our taste, it is too deeply imbued with a monkish austerity, that does not at all accord with the true character of a christian. We respect the THE YOUNG PRIMA DONNA: Lea & Blanchard.-A work which we do not relish. The authoress belongs to that class of boarding-school, and whose experience of the world is acquired in the circle of blue stockings and spinsters. MARYLAND MEDICAL AND SURGICAL JOURNAL: John Murphy, Baltimore. We have received the third number of this work, but neither of the others. The contents are furnished by gentlemen who rank high in the world of medical science. We consider it a publication where much useful information may be obtained beneficial to both the student and practitioner. THEATRICALS. PARK. Since the appearance of Mr. and Mrs. Wood, opera has been the reigning amusement at the Park. La Sonnambula, Cinderella, Fra Diavolo, and Love in a Village, have been successively produced, or rather revived, with considerable effect. Mrs. Wood is all that ever she was in professional excellence; nay, we are almost inclined to believe her voice is of fuller volume and greater compass, at least her execution of that splendid scena, at the end of the second act, in the Sonnambula, we never remember, on her former visit, to have heard so magnificently executed. It was absolutely thrilling--a triumph of art, that created as absorbing emotions in our bosom, as ever did the greatest delineations of the masters of the tragic scene. Her seting of Amina, is one of the most touching pictures that ever was pourtrayed by dramatic artist. It is so perfectly true to nature, so utterly devoid of trickery, that the illusion becomes almost a reality. With respect to Cinderella, although the music is of the highest order, yet it fails to touch the heart, like that of the Sonnambula. It is a composition of varied merit, many gems but more dross. Mrs. Wood's singing of the finale, is worth the whole of the opera together. Of her performance ia Fra Diavolo, we can find nothing to say but praise, she does more justice to the music than it deserves. Mr. Wood has certainly improved, both in his acting and singing; there is more grace in his action and more melody in his voice, than when before us some years since. His performance of Elvino, is perfect. Mr. Leffler, who for the first time in America appeared as Rodolpho, in the Sonnambula, is a singer possessing a beautiful baritone voice, of genteel appearance and modest demeanor; the latter quality, a passport to every candid and honorable critic. The impression which he made, must have been flattering to his feelings, it was, what is termed in dramatic phraseology, a decided kit. He sang the music most delightfully, divested of all false flourishes, unfathomable depths of tone, and affected pathos. Kamel, we wish we could speak of it in terms of praise, but as candid critics, we cannot. In vain have we sought to find some redeeming quality that might soften the rigor of censure, but not one can we find. The plot is mysterious, the language insipid, and the attempts at wit, most abominably stale and common place,-incidents there are none, and the music is soulless and apathetic. There is hardly a piece of melody, that for ten minutes will linger upon the ear. All is overstrained-a jumbling together of parts, that have neither assimilation nor connection with each other-a heterogeneous compound of sounds, destitute of cause, or sense. In ballad composition, Mr. Horn has few rivals; but, as an operatic composer, he is deficient. It is something with music, as it is with poetry, he who can write a beautiful and faultless song rarely can grapple with an epic poem; so is it with the ballad composer, he may embody and give to the world a gem of beauty and brightness, but an opera he cannot achieve, it is the crown jewel of the science-the acme of musical greatness. Of the performers,-Miss Poole, and Messrs Manvers and Guibelie, had the principal vocal parts entrusted to them. They individually did their best, but they appeared to feel that the matter was of a character that nothing could be done with it, a shadow without the substance. One of the most passable compositions in the opera, is the ballad sung by Miss Julia Wallack. This young lady, from a first appearance, and considering the arduous task allotted to her, acquitted herself most meritoriously; she has a most flexible and melodious voice; assiduity and study, we trust, will not by her be neglected, and a prosperous career will be sure to follow. The other performers who were most conspicuous in the opera, were Messieurs Latham and Blakely, but we regretted to see their talents exerted in a cause so hopeless. Mr. Horn is a gentleman of whose abilities as a musician and a ballad composer, we entertain the most profound respect; but we cannot admit his claim, from the present sample, to the exalted title of composer of an original and successful opera. The theatre has our warmest wishes for its welfare. It is complete in every department that can give effect to any production, and we believe that Mr. Wilson will spare no exertions to deserve the support and good will of the public. Since the withdrawal of Ahmed Al Kamel-La Gazza Ladra has been produced and crowned with the most brilliant success. Mr. Penson, we are happy to perceive, has been appointed leader of the orchestra, an arrangement which has given universal satisfaction, and one which will greatly benefit the interests of the theatre. NATIONAL-Horn's New Opera.-New-York has certainly to boast of one of the most magnificent theatres that any country at this moment possesses. It is constructed from the design of Calvin Pollard, by Mr. Black. The internal decorations are by Signor Guicini, and the Curtain by Signor Brigaldi. There are four tiers of boxes, including twelve private boxes; the latter, however, to our thinking, are too effeminate in their decorations, while the naked appearance which their interior presents when revealed to view, are in bad keeping with the other portions of the house. The pit is partitioned into distinct seats for each individual. The chandeliers are formed of rich glass and placed at equal distances through the house; the draperies and hangings are displayed in graceful folds, and supported by the crescent, the whole constituting a gorgeous structure of oriental design and ornamental beauty. Of the stage we may say, that it is one of the most s pacious and best constructed of any theatre we have yet beheld, and the machinery and scenery are of the first order. Mr. Lehr, the productions of whose pencil we have frequently admired, has, in the scenic depart-displayed in the embellishments, and the attention which has ment, transcended all that he has hitherto done. He is to America what Stanfield is to England, the master of this artthere is no mannerism about any thing he does-each scene is fraught with distinct ideas and effects, correct in design, and harmonius in coloring. Messrs. Isherwood and Grain have also contributed to this department of the stage, with considerable success, and but one opinion appears to prevail, that the scenery is the only entertainment of the evening. The curtain by Brigaldi is executed with the greatest fidelity to the rules of art. The upper portion of the landscape is very fine in its tone of color, but the architectural one is too dull, while the introduction of figures is in very bad taste. This is also a fault to be found in Mr. Lehr's Act Drop, and we are sorry for it, as the landscape and execution would have been more perfect without the group, which so conspicuously occupies the foreground. Such departures from the rules of art, may afford an opportunity for the display of the ingenuity of the artist, but are at complete variance with correct taste and the principles of seenie composition. A word now of the opera, Ahmed Al BOWERY.-The enterprising Mr. Hamblin is busy in transforming his theatre into an equestrian establishment, where a succession of magnificent entertainments, as yet unknown in America, will be brought forward. The taste of this gentleman is the best guarantee for the fulfilment of his announcement. HILL'S THEATRE.-This is the name now given to the Franklin Theatre, lately opened under the direction of Mr. Hill, the admirable delineator of Yankee characters. The taste and beauty been bestowed upon the comforts of the audience, are deserving of every support, while the praiseworthy determination to permit no females to enter the theatre, save under the protection of gentlemen, is an inducement to parents and husbands to bring their wives and daughters, to a place of public amusement, without beholding morality outraged by the unblushing front of profligacy and crime. OLYMPIC.-This pretty little theatre is every night filled to overflowing; and certainly, the tact of Mr. Mitchell in catering for his friends, is deserving of all the success he is receiving. Well aware that neither his theatre nor his company, as a whole, are adapted to the production of the legitimate compositions of the stage, he seizes upon and embodies with wonderful dexterity, the local incidents of the present time. "New-York in nineteen hundred and forty," is one of these light, airy, and mirth-inspiring trifles, that will cause a man to laugh in spite of himself, without knowing why or wherefore. We know of no better way in which an idle hour may be innocently beguiled, than by laughing at Old Crummels and his dramatic family. In our last, we informed our readers that we had entered into negociations with several new and distinguished writers, hereafter to contribute to the Companion. We are now happy to say, that F. W. Thomas, author of Clinton Bradshaw, and the last popular novel, Howard Pinckney; W. Gilmore Simms, author of Guy Rivers, Yemassee, and the Partizan; Epes Sargent, author of Velasco, etc.; William Falconer, of Paris; and many others, with whom we are in immediate treaty, will, in future, contribute original articles to the pages of our Magazine. In addition to these, we have still to boast of a continuation of the following writers, who have hitherto imparted their assistance to the work: Lydia H. Sigourney, Emma C. Embury, Frances S. Osgood, Mrs. E. F. Ellet, Ann S. Stephens, Hannah F. Gould, Mrs. Seba Smith, Miss Mary Anne Browne, Mrs. M. St. Leon Loud, Professor J. H. Ingraham, Professor Barber, Professor H. W. Longfellow, Henry W. Herbert, Rev. J. H. Clinch, Rev. Charles Constantine Pise, G. P. Morris, J. E. Dow, Samuel Woodworth, Park Benjamin, Seba Smith, Henry T. Tuckerman, Rufus Dawes, Robert Hamilton, Grenville Mellen, John Neal, and Albert Pike, forming a galaxy unparalelled in the annals of American literature, while our own determination to spare neither industry nor capital to enhance the value of the publication, will, we have no doubt, secure a continuance of that support, which has far exceeded our most sanguine hopes and expectations. A succession of engravings, such as have already adorned the work, will still be continued, equal, if not superior, in beauty of design and execution. The musical selections will receive the consideration of a competent master; additional pages of original matter will occasionally be given. In short, nothing will be neglected to sustain and advance the character of the "Ladies Companion." THE APOLLO ASSOCIATION.-This institution contains in its present exhibition, many compositions of great merit and originality of genius. Most sincerely do we regret, that the compass of our work will not permit us to give a minute analysis of the whole of the collection, and must therefore content ourselves by referring to those of a superior quality, and commending the society to the support of the enlightened and liberal. mong one hundred and sixty-four pieces which grace the walls, the head of Isaac of York, takes precedence. It is by Allston, and is characteristic of that great artist's harmony of coloring and originality of thought. Allston, in our consideration, approaches nearer to Reynolds, the great portrait painter, than almost any master, if we except Lawrence, being endowed with the capacity of imparting feeling and sentiment, and infusing loveliness and oftentimes greatness into his subjects. The portrait of Benjamin West, is also full of the same materials of genius, one of the most perfect pictures, we believe, of ancient or modern times. The head of Miranda, by Sully, is not to our taste, there is a lack of simplicity in its composition. It conveys not that ethereal beauty, which the poet has described her to possess. The coloring, however, is of that quality so peculiar to himself, splendidly gorgeous yet withal most natural "The Girl reading to her Brother," is a gem, faultless in the extreme. The next portrait of merit, is that of Gilbert Stuart, by Neagle, the breadth of coloring, the speaking touches, that show the genius of the painter, without the labor of the art, remind us strongly of Stuart's style itself. The Sybil, by F. Alexander, has inspiration in its look, and much effective coloring; a similar character, handled by D. Huntington, is equal in design and execution, though differently conceived. Of the landscapes, that of Doughty's, representing "An old Fortress," is the best. It is not from the size of the picture that we are apt to be influenced in our opinion, as is too often the case, when judging of a painting, but there is a beauty of repose, a fidelity to nature, and such a glorious mellow hue over all, that we pronounce it unequalled by any American artist. Landscapes by Nasmyth's-father and son, we believe-are both excellent, yet perfectly distinct in style. "Schroon Lake," by Cole, is too ruddy in hue; an unnatural glow pervades the whole, that is quite oppressive to the eye, yet here and there you ean dis tinguish those delicious traits which show the skill of the artist. "Young Fishermen in trouble," by Chapman, is beautifully painted. Of the few that are marked as original, by the great masters, we fervently hope they are so. That of" Venus tending forth Cupid and Hymen," by Titian, if not an original, is certainly an excellent copy, containing all that reckless, bold and striking character which marks the productions of this painter; a singular distribution of color, which appears at times, to have been put on without any preparation and a close similarity to the drawing of this artist, so striking in the foreshortening of his figures. The copy of Murillo's" Beggar Boy" is a very correct one; while those of Poussin, Corazzi, Teniers, and one or two more, we will say nothing. These are only a few remarks upon the pictures of true excellence. There are many others, however, of great promise and merit. Altogether, it is a collection creditable to the taste of its members, and a favorable indication that this delightful art is making rapid progress in America. CLARK'S GALLERY OF OLD ITALIAN PAINTINGS.-In this collection there is much to praise. Several of the pictures, we believe, are originals at least, there is all the character of age and style of the old school so strongly apparent, as to warrant more than a supposition of their authenticity. There are pictures from almost every Italian master, whose names are familiar to the lovers of the art, as well as from many but faintly known, yet whose works display merit. The "Ecce Homo," which, in the catalogue, bears the name of Ciolo, a pupil of Guido's, is a glorious composition, and if as by good judges it is supposed to be, from the pencil of Guido himself, it is a work every way worthy his genius. "Tobit and the Angel," signed Salvator Rosa, is an excellent picture; the distance is managed with that singular felicity, that natural tone of coloring, which none but this master has ever so happily depicted. Another landscape, No. 4, if we remember rightly, by the same painter, is magnificent; we have not the slightest doubt of its originality. A night view by Claudio is delicious; the mellow softness and dreamy hue that pervades the whole of the composition, is unrivalled. There are several fine heads by Raphael, Rubens, Titian and Vandyke-landscapes by C. Poussin, N. Poussin, and Claude. Battle pieces by Wouverman, and a host of other distinguished masters of the olden time, besides a few very excellent modern productions, especially one by the celebrated David, the French artist-of Andromache and Astyanax, and three marine views by Vernet, forming, in all, a collection of above four hundred pieces of great and mediocre merit. Mr. Clark deserves well at the hands of the community for the enterprise and taste displayed in the present exhibition. LECTURES ON THE SUBLIME AND BEAUTIFUL, BY RUFUS DAWES.-The Lecture season opens rather later than usual this year, probably in consequence of the excitement produced by the elections. But there are indications of much spirit in this walk of Literature. We perceive, by the papers, that Mr. Rufus Dawes is to commence a course of lectures on the Sublime and Beautiful, at Clinton Hall. The introductory to be delivered on Tuesday evening, the 10th instant, and to be continued each succeeding Tuesday and Friday. The subject is one of very great interest, susceptible of being treated in a manner highly agreeable to an audience, and from education and literary acquirements, we know of no other individual more fitted for the task. We trust that he will receive that encouragement to which his exalted genius is so justly entitled. THE "BOSTON NOTION," which every week finds its way to our table, bursting with the good things of this world, is a salmagundi of news, literature, politics, and domestic items, marked by a nice discrimination, impartial judgment, and a It is beauliberal, and correct estimate of men and manners. tifully printed, and is, in itself, one of the best weekly compendiums of general information at present circulated in America. The enterprise of its proprietor certainly deserves the strongest commendation and support. |