The purchasers will surely not see the fun of "A Shilling's Worth" being charged "Half a Crown,” nor of Nonsense being written "Nonsence" on the cover.

The Two Dangerous Diseases of England, Consumption and Apoplexy, their Nature, Cause and Cure. By Rowland East, Surgeon, &c. Post 8vo. This work is of that style which is called "popular." It is addressed more to the patient than the practitioner; and seeks rather to prevent

the fatal issue of the diseases it treats of, than points out any new sources of cure.

The observations on Consumption repeat all the old cautions against catarrhs and tight lacing, with some occasional additions on diet and treatment.

The treatise on Apoplexy seems to be more original, and the author doubtless has drawn from recent experience most of his remarks on this certainly increasing disease. We can recommend this portion of the work more particularly, as containing many valuable hints to the unpractised patient; and, indeed, the whole work is well calculated to guide those into a judicious mode of living who are threatened with either of these "Two Dangerous Diseases of England." Should the author pursue his literary course, we advise him to be less ambitious in his style, though it gives it a fluency that, with many readers, is popular.

The Classified Spelling-Book, with Definitions and Explanations.

We cannot tell whether this is Puseyism in an insidious form, and whether it is an attack of the Oxford Philosophers upon the infant mind of the age, as some persons are apt to imagine is the case with every thing published by Mr. Burns. It, at all events, is accordant with its title, and is classified in a very logical and sensible manner. The principle it pursues is to adapt the lessons in a progressive manner to the associations with which the child is most acquainted. For instance, the earliest lessons consist almost of the very words which must be used in teach

ing the child to read. The teacher, too, is taught how to teach; and this is by no means the worst use to which a spelling book can be put. Every lesson is accompanied by explanatory remarks and suggestions to the teacher, and a system is thus formed that is certainly founded in an observation of the natural process of acquiring information. The system, in fact, is that which should be adopted in all elementary works,-a system founded on the associative principle of the mind. Groups of things, qualities and proceedings are linked together. It is truly a rational book, and as such we would recommend it to all rational teachers.

Some of the explanations of words have, however, bothered us; for instance, at page 63, there is an invidious distinction between a Maiden and a Virgin, that is anything but satisfactory to the former. There is also one objection that it has, in common with all works of the same kind, the information at the end of the book is far too advanced for the first portion. No book would last a child the time necessary to acquire such a disparity of information. Bibliotheca Grenvilliana; or Bibliographical Notices of Rare and Curious Books, forming part of the Library of the Right Honourable Thomas Grenville. By John Payne and Thomas Foss. 2 vols. 8vo.

The Grenville Library has long been known to the devotees of old Books as a repository of inestimable gems : but as the preface very well expresses it, Mr. Grenville has had a higher aim than mere book-collecting, in getting together his noble library, and has rendered it "instrumental in exhibiting the progress of learning and marking the refinements of art."

The Catalogue is arranged alphabetically, which, as it is not intended as a matter of reference to individuals, whatever it may be to the noble owner, we think injudicious. Classed catalogues are always the most valuable, as students in the various departments of literature are always desirous to see at one view all that can be collected on their pursuit, And, as it is highly desirable to aid a

National Bibliotheca, every private catalogue of such extent as the Grenville, should do so by classifying its subjects.

In other respects, the Catalogue appears to be excellently performed. The Titles, as far as we can judge, are accurate, and the slight account of each work is clear and to the purpose; giving as much, and no more than is wanted.

It will be an acceptable offering to book-collectors and scholars, and they will readily acknowledge their obligations to Mr. Payne, and to Mr. Foss, for the labours they have bestowed upon it,-first, in collecting the books, and secondly, in giving such an account of them.

We should mention that there is an Index, which in some degree remedies the inconveniences of an alphabetical arrangement.

Tales of the Braganza: with Scenes and Sketches. By. T. H. Usborne, Esq. Author of a "New Guide to the Levant, Egypt, Syria, Greece," &c. Post 8vo.

This work contains twenty-eight tales, and seven of what the author terms "Scenes and Sketches." Mr. Usborne is already favourably known to the public, by a work entitled "A New Guide to the Levant." The present work consists of little more than a number of anecdotes, told in a lively manner, by a party who meet on board the Braganza steam boat, and while away the tediousness of a voyage by these recitals.

It would have been better, we think, if the author had more carefully elaborated any one tale, as from their brevity they have hardly any hold upon the mind. Martellier, a German story, is the longest in the volume, and has some interest in it, although the raising of corpses from the grave, and the introduction of a mysterious personage, who turns out to be his Satanic Majesty, are almost exhausted subjects. There is, however, a kind of morbid curiosity raised even by this old machinery, that never fails of its effect.

The author is fond of the marvellous, for there are two other ghost stories.

To those, however, who are addicted to light reading, and who like to be able to lay down a book almost as quickly as they take it up, this volume will be very suitable; and for steam boat or railroad readers it will really be very handy, as the numerous interruptions in those conveyances prevent continuous attention to a long or involved story.

The Paris Estafette; or Pilferings from the Paris and Dover Post Bag: consisting of Select Extracts relating to passing Events-Political, Statistical, and Ecclesiastical Statements-Specimen of the Glory Mania, and Inveterate Exasperation of the War-party -National Contrast-Impartial Comparisons-Critical Remarks - ChaFashionable racteristic Touches Sketches Personal Traits - Useful and Practical Information-Salutary Cautions-Advice where to Live and how to Live-Hints on the Art of Dining, and Allusions to every prominent Occurrence during the last two Years freely and fearlessly given; being a faithful and amusing Picture of the Actual State of the Country, and its mercurial Inhabitants, highly interesting to those who may sojourn among them. Embellished with Portraits and Wood-cuts. 12mo.

This title page is another of those suspicious show-boards that we distrust. And in this, as in most instances, it is more of an index than perhaps the author intended it, indicating not only the contents but the style and execution of the work.

It is indeed fluent and lively, that is, as far as expression goes, though its lightness is more the result of want of strong perceptions, than from the generating new ideas in the reader.

The interest of many of the subjects is passed, such as the Burial of Napoleon; and as there are not any new national traits or even reflections elicited by the description of the ceremony, it is a superfluity in the volume.

Although we cannot praise this volume on the score of its literary excellence, yet it contains an account of many things, persons, and events that it is serviceable to those going to Paris to be acquainted with.

The Art of Conversation, with Remarks on Fashion and Address. By Captain Orlando Sabertash. 18mo.

Captain Sabertash gives one a very dreary account of the state of Cenversation in what is called "fashionable society," and his little book consists as much of lamentations for the inaptitude of the English for this “art,” (as he is pleased to designate it,) as in rules and suggestions for its improvement. The Captain's book, at the best, if closely attended to, would only beget an insipid fluency, which, according to our notions, is rendering the cure worse than the disease.

The most concise mode of inculcating the art would involve an Hibernianism, namely, “Do not attempt to say any thing when you have not any thing to say. Wait till you have an idea, and, with some due regard for others, utter it as simply as you can. Indeed, the less you think about the art the better for yourself and others. If nature has denied you the power of expression, rest silent, and make up the deficiency by good manners and attention to others, and you will often get on in society much more agreeably than the most brilliant talkers. Ambition ruins every thing, and nothing more readily than Conversation." But we are rushing into a dissertation which it would take a much more brilliant person than ourselves or Captain Sabertash to sustain. "The Art of being Silent," it appears to us, much more requires illustration and inculcation than "The Art of Conversation." This last smacks too much of Dogberry's mode of reasoning: Reading and Writing come by Nature."

On the Comparative Advantages of Lithotomy and Lithotrity, and on the Circumstances under which one Method should be preferred to the other: being the Dissertation for which the Jacksonian Prize for 1838 was awardel to Edwin Lee, M.R.C. S. &c. 8vo. Mr. Lee is well known by several publications on the curative influences of Spa Waters, both of our country and the Continent. The present essay having received the

approbation of the highest authority, we can presume to do nothing more than introduce it to the reader. We can, however, say that the practitioner will here find the arguments collected for the pro and the con of the matter, and he will be able, therefore, readily to decide for himself which cure he will prefer.

The Book of One Syllable. Illustrated with Six Engravings. Sq. 32mo. The peculiarity of this little book for little boys is, that it contains no word of more than one syllable in the lessons. Such is the intention of the authoress, though there is occasionally some straining for what is after all a fantastic peculiarity; for when children are taught to read, it is of no advantage that their lesson should be limited so rigidly to words of one syllable. Such words, too, as "can't" and " won't" being crushed into one syllable is injurious to the child, as engendering a vulgar habit of mispronunciation. The selection of names, too, which must have been optional, is unfortunate, for surely both Boa and Saib are each two syllables.

The stories are not very brilliant, and that of Frank Hart is injudicious, as it tends to show a teacher in the light of a capricious fool, an impression by no means desirable to be conveyed to a very young child.

A Memoir of India and Avghanistaun, with Observations on the Present Exciting and Critical State and Future Prospects of those Countries; comprising Remarks on the Massacre of the British Army in Cabul, British Policy in India, a detailed Descriptive Character of Dost Mahomed and his Court, &c. With an Appendix on the Fulfilment of a Text of Daniel in reference to the Present Prophetic Condition of Mahomedan Nations throughout the World, and the speedy Dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. By J. Harlan, late Counsellor of State, Aide-de-Camp, and General of the Staff to Dost Mahomed, Ameer of Cabul. Post 8vo.

This placard instead of a title leads us into no very favourable idea of the work. Like the worst shows at the fairs, we have generally found

that the most elaborate external descriptions are appended to the most meagre productions. The present work is by an American, and has a great deal in its pages that accords with the flourish and ostentation of the title page. The author is a violent partisan, and abuses the Whig Administration in an unmeasured style, extending his anathemas to Lord Auckland and all the other executive agents in the late Eastern war. It may be some advantage, however, to peruse his work, as what may be called the foreign side of the case will be heard. If but a small portion of what is here stated is true, it will prove that we have not only been beaten, but disgracefully outwitted by these 'barbarians." Little reliance, however, we are inclined to think, can be placed on the statements of this soldier of fortune, who narrates acts of diplomacy (see note page 124), which it is fair to say induces us to believe he belongs to that class of moralists who think the end justifies the means, and that for the sake of a political purpose any thing may be uttered.

His character of Dost Mahomed is exceedingly elaborate; and although he appears to praise him, it will be found, on examination, that he scarcely allows him one virtue; not even courage.

There are two or three plans and illustrations, which at this time are interesting; and as the account of a declared opponent of the British Policy, we should advise every one to read it who is sufficiently interested in the subject.

The Book of Proverbs, Explained and Illustrated. By Benjamin Elliott Nicholls, M.A., of Queen's College, Cambridge, &c. Fcp. 8vo.

This is a very elaborate and logical illustration of the Book of Proverbs; and is intended for the instruction of the young, but more "especially for Teachers in Sunday Schools." Interpretations and illustrations are gathered from numerous sources, and prove the Author to be an extensive reader.

The principal part of the work

consists of the "Illustrations of Proverbs by Scripture Examples." For this purpose the page is divided into three columns; the first contains "the Proverb;" the second, "the Illustrations from Scripture ;" and the third, "Practical Remarks and References." For instance, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;" "Abraham made the fear of the Lord the foundation of the education of his children, and the instruction of his household."Prov. viii. 13, ix. 10, xxiii. 17.

It will afford much practical instruction, as well as create a taste for a close examination and application of the facts narrated in Scripture history.

A First Grammar, Introductory to the Study of the French Language, in French Authors, without writing Exercises; containing an Accidence, with a New System of Regular and Irregular Verbs, and of Tenses, intended as a step towards an Improved Grammatical System in every Language and a Syntax, consisting of such Rules and Elucidations as are requisite for entering with advantage on the Study of French Authors, and comprising a Classification of the uses of the negative Ne, with Proofs of the Unsoundness of certain of them. By C. Smyth, B.A. 12mo.

The title, which is here given, is rather a preface; but, notwithstanding, it has also as proportionately long a preface: it is, however, very considerately said, that an edition (for schools) may be had without this latter.

The Author sets out by declaring that he is an innovator, and that he intends to supersede, not only the mode commonly pursued in acquiring the modern living languages, but also the method pursued with respect to the Latin and Greek. The principle he follows (to briefly express it) is, that it is far easier to acquire a language by reading than by writing; "by practice, which shall furnish rules, than by rules previous to practice."

The acquirement of a language is so laborious a process, that there never will be an end of the attempts to lessen it. Whether it is to be

acquired by reading, as in the present instance, or by exercises, and a thorough knowledge of principles, as recommended by others, we believe it is much the same in the end. This Grammar appears to contain some clear and concise rules on those awful stumbling-blocks to students of French, the irregular verbs; and the Author has a feeling for, and information as regards the general principles of Grammar, not always possessed by writers of such treatises. The Shooter's Hand-Book; being the Treatise on Shooting from the "Rod and the Gun." By the Author of "The Oakleigh Shooting Code." Post 8vo. "The Oakleigh Shooting Code," a very popular book, has been, it appears, absorbed into a "Treatise on Shooting" in the Encyclopædia Britannica; and the article was republished in a volume entitled, "The Rod and the Gun." The part of this work that relates to Shooting, is now republished, and forms the subject matter of the present volume.

It is a small but a full volume, comprising almost all that can, and, certainly, all that is necessary, to be said on the subject. It is copiously illustrated with very pretty wood cuts, and well-engraved steel plates; and is, indeed, a marvellous six shillings' worth, well worthy the close attention of every one fond of the sport. The fault of most works of this kind is their bulk, and consequent possession of a vast quantity of irrelevant matter. No one can lay this charge to the present little book, which keeps strictly to its subject, and is, indeed, what it purports, a Manual collecting all that is valuable and necessary to be known.

The Seasons. By James Thomson. With engraved Illustrations, from Designs drawn on wood, by John Bell, Sculptor; C.W. Cope; Thomas Creswick; J. C. Horsley; J. P. Knight, A.R.A.; R. Redgrave, A.R.A.; Frank Stone; C. Stonehouse; H. J. Townsend; and Thos. Webster, A. R. A.: and, with the Life of the Author, by Patrick Murdoch, D.D. F. R.S. Edited by Bolton Corney, Esq. Fcp. 4to. The impetus given to art by the introduction of wood engraving, as an

illustration of our national literature, will effect consequences that its originators could not foresee. The present beautiful book is only the forerunner of such an illustration of our great writers as has yet never been produced in any country. Truly this is the genuine union of the arts. Hitherto, when copper-plate engravings have been used, although they have been bound up in the same covers, they have been separated; in a wood engraving, the illustrations are actually incorporated: one process produces both, and there is a consequent harmonious mingling of author and artist that is exceedingly pleasing.

The volume is, in every respect, beautiful. The selection of the Poem, "Thomson's Seasons," is very happy. In the first place, it admits of a great variety of illustration-fancy sketches, landscapes, groups of figures, and fine effects of all kinds; and, in the second place, it is one of the most justly popular poems in the language.

There are nearly eighty illustrations, by the painters and engravers mentioned in the title. There may be and is some difference in excel

lence, but, taken as a whole, they are very fine specimens of a branch of art that is almost peculiar to our country; for, although some beautiful works of a like kind have been produced in France-and the designs of the French artists are deservedly famous-the engraving on the wood has been, in most instances, executed by English engravers.

It is impossible, in our space, to do anything like justice to so elaborate a work of art; for each of the illustrations are well worthy of deliberate and elaborate examination. And we would here entreat such of our readers who are inclined to enjoy the book, to give it more attention than is usually devoted to illustrated works. Often have we been annoyed by the child-like haste with which such works have been tossed over, as mere picture-books, when every design should be considered as not only delineating the skill, but developing the fancy and imagination of the