LITERARY REVIEW. LETTERS FROM ABROAD, by Miss Sedgwick: Harper & Brothers. This is just such a work as might have been expected from the pen of Miss Sedgwick, characterised by liberal opinions and sound judgment. With an honorable pride for the institutions of her own country, she is neither so blinded by prejudice nor swayed by enthusiasm, as not to give "honor to whom honor is due." She looks upon humanity with the eye of a philanthropist-condemning not whole countries from the faults of private individuals, nor judging of society solely from her own impressions of social intercourse. We know of no traveller who has ever written a more graphic, just and intellectual work upon Europeans and their institutions, than this gifted lady; a work which we would be inclined to regard as more sound on matters of vital interest to both countries, than the selfish and prejudiced opinions of travelling speculatists or the sophistical reasoning of political diplomatists. Did our columns permit, we would cheerfully have transferred many of her pages to them, but must content ourselves in quoting the following passages as illustrative of the good feeling, which, among the well informed classes of society exists in England towards the continuation of friendly intercourse and relations between the two countries. She says "To-morrow we leave England, having seen nothing but a drop in the ocean of things worthy to be examined. We are now to plunge into a foreign country, with a foreign language, and foreign customs. It seems like leaving home a second time. If any thing could make us forget we are travellers, it would be such unstinted kindness as we have received here. You cannot see the English in their homes without reverencing and loving them; nor, I think, can an Anglo-American come to this, his ancestral home, without a pride in his relationship to it, and an extended sense, of the obligations imposed by his derivation from the English stock. A war between the two countries, in the present state of their relations and intercourse, would be fratricidal, and this sentiment I have heard expressed on all sides." THE ANCIENT REGIME, by G. P. R. James: Harper & Brothers. With a delight and satisfaction seldom to be de rived from the present class of modern novels, we have perused this excellent work, which contains some of the finest passages and natural drawn characters of this celebrated writer. The heroine, Annette de Saint Morin, is certainly one of the loveliest drawn pictures which, have for years, appeared in the gallery of fiction. The Abbé Count de Castleneau, is likewise one of these rich and graphic sketches so ably dashed off by the pencil of a master. The interest of the tale is highly exciting, yet withal natural, and, in many places, based upon recorded matters of fact-a high moral tone pervades the whole of the story, and adopting the words of the author, "nothing will be found in it which can offend the most delicate mind; and which, he is certain that not a word can be discovered which has a tendency directly or indirectly to encourage vice, or which has, for its object, any thing but the promotion of that high and holy philosophy which came from God, and leads man to Him." THE SECRET FOE, by Ellen Pickering: Carvill & Co.-The time of this novel is laid in that of the protectorate of England, SCOTTISH MELODIES, by John Graham: Charles T. Geslain. This work is, in every respect, a delightful one. The author, in a modest preface, attributes the cause of its appearance to untoward circumstances: this, we regret to learn, yet at the same time, rejoice to find that "out of evil cometh good," as in this instance it assuredly has, as also to know that he has so sweet a comforter as his muse in his calamity. Many of the lyrics breathe the highest bursts of patriotism, an ardent love of liberty, attempered with the spirit of virtue. The more delicate ones are remarkable for beautiful imagery and deep pathos, worthy, in some instances, of ranking with the ballads of Burns, Hogg, and Motherwell. When we say this, we can bestow no higher praise on Mr. Graham, and sincerely recommend his work as a delightful one, to every lover of poetry and music. PEASANT AND PRINCE, by Harriet Martineau: D. Appleton & Co. The various tales in this neat little volume are worthy of the authoress. They are full of interest and most delightfully related. Although not at any time particular admirers of this lady's writings, yet we are in this instance compelled to allow that we have derived much pleasure and moral instruction from the present volume. THE HANNAHS, by Robert Philips: Appleton & Co.-The object of this volume is to show the strength of maternal influence upon sons, and is exemplified in the lives of several of the most conspicuous personages in scripture. The author is very popular in England, where his works have acquired a most extended circulation, and which we desire to see followed here, as they are calculated to minister much to the religious instruction of our rising generation. THE POETRY OF FLOWERS, by Frances S. Osgood. J. C. Riker. This elegant volume, edited by our gifted correspondent, and containing some of the brightest gems of her genius, is a most suitable and pleasing present at this season of flowers. The engravings are beautifully executed, and colored in the most tasteful manner. The chapter on botany is, in itself, a complete compendium of that delightful science, and to the amateur as well as proficient, will be found useful and instruc tive. CHARLES LINN: Dayton & Saxton.-A pleasing series of moral tales, designed for the amusement and instruction of youth. Various works of a THE POETS OF AMERICA: S. Coleman.-The success which has attended the publication of this volume, has induced its enterprizing publishers to issue a second, similar in size to the first, but infinitely superior to it in literary excellence, typography and pictorial embellishments. kindred character have, of late, been given to the public, and although all of them have been marked by taste and judgment, yet, in honesty of opinion, we are compelled to avow that "the Poets of America" is, by far, the best, as well as the most elegant volume of the kind which has ever emanated from the press of America." THE IDLER IN FRANCE, by the Countess of Blessington: Carey & Hart.-When we took up these volumes, we were inclined to believe we should meet with nothing original or interesting in them, the same field having been so often trod den by travellers of all characters and countries; but before and is fraught with strong character and stirring incident. we had waded through half a dozen of chapters, we were This authoress certainly improves in every fresh effort, and considering the prolific character of her pen, she is at least entitled agreeably surprized to find the accomplished authoress introto the lenity of criticism whenever an error in either composi-ducing us to an acquaintance with the elite and intellectual of tion or character presents itself, which we are happy to say is seldom. Some of her former writings were remarkable for their tediousness, but this fault in the present work she has entirely eschewed, for a more exciting plot has not appeared among our modern novelists for years. We predict that its popularity will be great, and we think it is deserving of it. THE CATHOLIC EXPOSITOR: J. Dillon Smith.-This work is got up in a very tasteful manner, and the names of the editors, Felix Varela, D. D., and Charles Constantine Pise, D. D., are guarantee of the excellence of its contents. the most fashionable city in the world, with all that delightful vivacity of style and graphic description by which her literary efforts are so peculiarly distinguished. In the present work will be found not the mere notices and superficial opinions and gossip of the flying tourist, but the shrewd and sound observation of an intellectual and high minded female, whose associations and talents so well adapt her to the subject. A better description of fashionable life, and at the same time displaying a profound knowledge of humanity, has not, among the numerous works of this class, appeared for years. We recommend it as the most pleasing book of the season. THEATRICALS. EDITORS' TABLE. THE Viands of our table this month, must, from necessity, be of a very moderate quality, owing to the total absence of all that is worthy of being placed before our readers. Concerts, lectures, and the various other novelties which contribute to the furnishing of our editorial banquet having been forsaken for the more delightful and healthful enjoyments of the country. There is hardly, we rejoice to say it, a village in the vicinity of New-York, but what is teeming with our inhabitants. The man of business has closed his leger and forgets his thirst for gain in the seclusion of rural life. The young and neglected wife has now the full enjoyment of her husband's society-not condemned to her solitary city home wearying for the hour to terminate the day and bring him perhaps moody and melancholy to her arms. Bargains, speculations, and interest, are here forgotten, in the sweet walk, the deep glen, shady grove, or by the silver streamlet, recalling again the moments of their first hopes and affections. Her fairy form perhaps has changed for that of the mother, and around them sport in the innocence of childhood, a beautiful family, bursting rose-buds from the parent stem. Unseen by every eye but that of nature, in "the dim sweet melancholy" of some wood, wander a pair of youthful beings, who seek no society but their own, who dwell in a world of happiness, and look on the prospective as never to be clouded with speck or stain-joyous moments, while yet the heart is fresh and the blight of age or mistrust has not fallen on them. Or wandering by the shore of the boundless ocean, whose trump of eternal thunder never ceases, in whose depths lie the spoils of nations, for which the strong and the fearless have struggled, toiled, and staked life and eternal happiness, what must the rich man then think and feel when he reflects that he, like those who have there perished, is at the mercy of Him "who holds the waters of the ocean in the hollow of his hand." Of what does wealth avail him? Nothing-comparatively nothing; giving him an elevation, perhaps, above his fellow mortals in the sphere of fashion and its luxuries, but in no way cannot it secure for him a higher seat in heaven above the poorest of his fellow men. Apart, therefore, from mere enjoyment, is the participation in scenes of nature in her beauty and simplicity, calculated to soothe the distracted mind, to minister to the enlargement of our better feelings, and to humble the haughty spirit, which, in the plentitude of power and the exuberance of riches, forgets that there is a being in whose eye he is but one of the innumerable links in the illimitable chain of creation. WE have little to say this month on the subject of theatricals, the Chatham having been the only theatre which has kept its doors open during a portion of July and August, where that inimitable actor, Browne, has been delighting the audience with his personation of Robert Macaire and several other of his performances. J. R. Scott in tragedy, Rice in negro character, and Mrs. Blake in chamber-maids, have been also contributing to the amusement of the Chathamites. Mr. Hamblin during the recess of his theatre, has been performing a splendid engagement at Providence, and the Bowery has again opened under most favorable auspices. Several new dramas, from the pen of J. S. Jones, Esq., of Boston, where they have met with great success, have been produced under the direction of the author. Among them, we may instance especially the Surgeon of Paris, a drama, abounding in strong effects. Mr. Hield has been added to the company, and many other engagements entered into by the enterprizing manager. Determined also to suit the taste of all classes, he has brought forward a tribe of Indians, who, by an exhibition of their native customs and habits, have assisted greatly in augmenting the receipts of the treasury. A host of other novelties are in preparation, and the prospect of a spirited season is at least apparent. The Park will also have opened by the time the "Companion" appears, but who are to be the stars destined to throw light upon its fortunes, has not yet transpired. Lady Rumor says the Ellsler will again appear. Mrs. Fitzwilliam will play a short engagement. Sheridan Knowles, it is said, intends once more to give us a taste of his quality. The Vandenhoffs, it is hinted, may again return; of this, however, we are doubtful, as it is currently reported, Miss Vandenhoff is about to be allied to Captain Miller, late commander of the British Steamer Acadia, should this prove true, we think the attraction of this talented family would be so greatly diminished as to render their trip unprofitable both to themselves and the managers. A new theatre is talked about being erected on the site of the late National. We hope not. The parties who are bold enough, or rather foolish enough to venture on such an undertaking, deserve no encouragement, or even compassion, should it prove, as it ever has done, a total failure. Experience has shown that the situation is not adapted for a theatre, and that hitherto, save to the proprietors of the ground, it has always proved an unsuccessful speculation. The different managers who have here attempted to guide the helm of theatrical matters, have ever more or less, placed themselves and performers in difficulty, and heaven knows there are theatres enough in the city of New-York. All increase, therefore, of theatrical property, is only a waste of capital and an entailment of calamity upon the members of the profession. Such we believe is a brief summary of theatrical matters as they || at this time exist in New-York, and we regret to say, that in almost every other section of the Union they present the same melancholy aspect. How long this will continue we cannot pretend to say, but one thing is plain, both from ocular and practical demonstration, that in theatrical, as well as in every other profession, a rash speculation has been the destruction of the drama; and, as in a former number we remarked, that some years since a set of individuals whose sole object was the accumulation of wealth at the sacrifice of the interests of the stage, so to a certain extent do like parties continue their unprincipled operations all over the Union. Theatres, which are now to be had for little or nothing, aro seized hold of by individuals without one cent of capital, but who possessing a dashing exterior and suavity of manners, contrive to wheedle themselves into the good graces of the community engage a company of performers, who, in these times of severity are glad to catch at even the shadow of an existence, and when the speculation proves, as such affairs nine times out of ten do, a ruinous matter, the unfortunate actors have to suffer for the folly, nay, we may almost say dishonesty of the manager. We honor sincerely the stage as a rational and instructive school of amusement, but when its purposes are thus perverted Walking Full Dress.-Robe of tantalane, with full puffed by designing men, we are of opinion that the public authorities flounce ; scarf of embroidered crape, with rich deep fringe ; would confer a benefit upon the stage, by permitting none to as- hat of rice straw with flowers or feathers; embroidered handsume the reins of management but persons of talent and character."kerchief; fan parasol; blue morocco slippers; hair plain. CASTLE GARDEN.-Among all our summer resorts, commend us to this charming place, where the languid and fevered frame can enjoy the bland and cooling breezes of our magnificent bay. Here you are not mocked by gaudy imitations of nature, stifled in a heated atmosphere or jostled by all classes and characters, but with ample room for promenading, delightful music, and respectable society, the visitor can agreeably while away an hour in healthful recreation. MRS. MAEDER. It is resolved among the higher classes of our lady community, to present this excellent woman and actress, with a testimony of their respect for her private worth and professional abilities, in the form of a complimentary benefit. We rejoice at this, as no actress had ever a higher claim to the regard of every friend of the drama, and certain we are that every gallant heart will aid the fair committee in their laudable undertaking. FASHIONS FOR SEPTEMBER.-Walking Negligee.-Robe of grey silk; the bottom of the skirt trimmed with three white tucks; silk apron fringed with lace; fancy sleeves; cloak of white gros de Naples; bonnet of clear muslin, with bands of fancy straw, ornamented with flowers. Evening Dress. Silk skirt, very full, with a flowing band from the waist. Sleeves short and full, bare arms, long lace gloves. Hair parted plainly in front and falling in full ringlets. |