There are probably many historica students, who have found statements and opinions in Mr. Prescott's former work from which they are inclined to dissent; History of the Conquest of Mexico. By but we doubt whether any intelligent reader William H. Prescott. Three volumes, MR. PRESCOTT has long been honorably known as author of one of the most valuable historical works produced in the present age. He has here undertaken a task, less arduous perhaps to himself, but certainly not less interesting to his readers. He has fixed upon one of those great and romantic episodes which are so frequent in the history of the Middle Ages; has made himself thoroughly acquainted with its particulars; and has embodied these in a narrative, which, considered merely as a work of amusement, will bear comparison with the best romances in the language. The Conquest of Mexico' is probably of less importance as a collection of facts, and of less merit as an intellectual effort, than the History of Ferdinand and Isabella;' but we think it even more secure of universal popularity. It is impossible to write a masterly history of the first nation in Europe for forty years, without raising controversies and advancing questionable theories. VOL. V.-No. III. 19 has laid down that now before us, without acknowledging it to be one of the most delightful narratives in his recollection.* We regret much that other pressing calls should have thus long delayed the communication of our sentiments regarding it to our ordinary readers. We shall not pretend to have examined a narrative which has given us so much pleasure, with the keen scrutiny of a severé criticism; but we can conscientiously affirm, that we remember little or nothing in the manner of its execution which we could have wished otherwise. Mr. Prescott appears to us to possess almost every qualification for his task. He has a pure, simple, and eloquent style-a keen relish * The wish has more than once been felt by us, that Mr Prescott would turn his thoughts to a History of the Spanish Expeditions in quest of El Dorado-a subject quite untouched as a whole, and which, with its collateral inquiries and results, would form a Historical work of high and romantic interest, peculiarly suited to his pen. See this Journal, Vol. Ixxi. p. 22. |