Among the books in classical or general literature, lately published on the continent of Europe, are :— Boetticher, P.-Rudimenta Mythologiæ Semitica: Supplementa Lexici Aramaici, (Berol.) Die Geschichte der griechischen Welt von ihrem Ursprung bis zu ihrer Berührung m. der römischen, von H. Dittmar. and Plates, 8vo. Heidelb. Maps Dar Versuch einer wissenschaftliche stellung der Geschichte der neuern Philosophie, von J. E. Erdmann. Bde. III. Thl. 1. Die Entwicklung der deutschen Speculation seit Kant. Bd. I., 8vo., Leipzig. Handbuch der alten Geographie, aus den Quellen bearb. von A. Forbiger. Bd. III. Politische Geographie der Alten Europa. Royal 8vo., Leipzig. Geschichte der deutschen Sprache, von Jac. Grimm. 2 Bde., 8vo., Leipzig. Horatii Opera, in usum Scholarum ed., varietate Scripturæ et Commentariis instruxit H. Duentzer. 8vo., Brunsv. Sophoclis Tragœdiæ. Ad optim. libror. fidem iterum recens. et brev. not. instrux. C. G. A. Erfurdt. Ed. III., Vol. III.: Ajax. 12mo., Leipzig. Geschichte der Poesie Europa's und der bedeutensden aussereuropäischen Länder vom Anfang des sechszehnten Jahrhunderts bis auf die neueste Zeit, von Dr. Joh. Geo. Thd. Grässe. Dresden u. Leipzig, 1848. pp. 1090, 8vo. Ueber den Begriff des Epos, von Dr. Friedr. Zimmermann. Darmstadt, 1848, pp. 149, 8vo. Recueil des Inscriptions grecques et Latines de l'Egypte, étudiées dans leur rapport avec l'histoire politique, l'administration intérieure, les institutions civiles et religieuses de ce pays depuis la conquête d'Alexandre jusqu'à celle des Arabes. Par M. Letronne. Tome II. Paris, imprimerie royale. 1848, pp. 554, 4to. Euripidis tragœdiæ cum fragmentis. Versio latina ad novam Tauchnitii editionem stereot, accommodata. Tom. II.: Alcestis, Andromache, Supplices, Iphigenia Aul., Iphigenia Taur. Lugd. Bat., 1848, pp. 258. Q. Horatii Flacci carmina. Kritisch berichtigt, erklärt u. mit einer literarhistor. Einleitung versehen, von Dr. Thd. Obbarius. Jena, 1848, pp. 378, 8vo. AMERICAN. THE translation of Freund's Latin Lexicon, by Professor Andrews, is advancing through the press of Messrs. Harper and Brothers as rapidly as the great care necessary in the preparation of the work will admit. From a glance at the proof-sheets, we perceive that the style in which the book is to appear will fairly match that chef d'œuvre of American typography, Liddell and Scott's Greek Lexicon, edited by Prof. Drisler. The same publishers are also preparing an edition of Riddle and Arnold's EnglishLatin Lexicon, revised, &c., by Dr. Anthon. A work of this kind has long been needed in our schools. The third volume of McClintock and Crooks' series of elementary works, embra cing Greek Syntax, with Reading Lessons in Prose, and Greek Prosody, with Reading Lessons in Verse, will shortly appear. It will form a sufficient "Greek Reader," and be furnished at a very low price. A Latin Reader is also in preparation. Messrs. Little and Brown, Boston, have issued proposals for publishing by subscription the "Life and Works of John Adams, second President of the United States;" edited by his grandson, Charles F. Adams. Among the papers is a diary commenced in 1755, and continued for thirty years. The whole work is intended to make ten octavo volumes; subscription price, $2 25 per vol. When these remains of John Adams, and the Life and Works of his "no less distinguished son," John Quincy Adams, shall have been laid before the world, many dark places in American history will be cleared up. We trust that no lack of interest in the American public will render the publication of these writings doubtful. A book of 700 pages, entitled, Rational Psychology, or the Subjective Idea and the Objective Law of all Intelligence, by Laurens P. Hickok, D. D., Prof. of Christian Theology in the Theological Seminary of Auburn, has lately been published. We have not seen it. Messrs Lea and Blanchard, Philadelphia, will soon publish an "Authentic Narrative of the United States Expedition to the Dead Sea and Source of the River Jordan," by W. F. Lynch, U. S. N., Commander of the Expedition. In one vol., 8vo., of about 500 pages, with maps and numerous plates. This work will command the attention of all biblical students, as settling many hitherto doubtful points and disputed questions of sacred topography. The large and accurate maps and elegant illustrations will not only embellish the work, but greatly increase its utility. An expedition like this, undertaken by the Government, and prosecuted with the aids of modern science, cannot fail to present many points of new and peculiar interest. Besides Lieut. Lynch's Report of the Dead Sea Expedition, there will be another account given to the public in "A Narrative of the late Expedition to the Dead Sea, from a Diary, edited by E. P. Montague," shortly to be published by Messrs. Carey & Hart, Phila. Messrs. Harper and Brothers have in press-A History of Wonderful Inventions -Illustrated-2 vols., 12mo. Beecher's (Rev. Charles) The Incarnation; or, Pictures of the Virgin and her Son. With an Introductory Essay, by Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe. 18mo., muslin. Abbott's Series of Histories -Elizabeth of England, Charles II., Maria Antoinette, Alfred the Great, Julius Cæsar, Richard III. 12mo., engravings. Kendall's (Amos) Life of General Andrew Jackson. 8vo., in Numbers. Hildreth's History of the United States; from the first Settlement of the Country, to the Organization of the Government under the Federal Constitution, &c. 3 vols., 8vo. Gray's Natural Philosophy. With numerous illustrations. 12mo. Dante's Divine Comedy, the Inferno. A literal Prose Translation, with the Text of the Original, collated from the best Editions, and Explanatory Notes, by J. A. Carlyle. Post 8vo. with a portrait. An Encyclopædia of Biography, Ancient and Modern: embracing more than two thousand Articles relating to America; Edited by Rufus W. Griswold, 3 vols. royal 8vo. Anthon's Ancient Geography: A System of Ancient and Medieval Geography, for the Use of Schools and Colleges, 8vo. Findlay's Classical Atlas, to illustrate Ancient Geography; comprised in twenty-five Maps, showing the various Divisions of the World as known to the Ancients; with an Index of Ancient and Modern Names. 8vo. Messrs. Lea and Blanchard, Philadelphia, have in preparation an Historical Sketch of the Late War, by C. J. Ingersoll: vol. 2, comprising the Events of 1814, 8vo.: Zoological Recreations, by W. T. Broderip, F. R. S. One vol., royal 12mo., extra cloth. Grammar of the Latin Language, by Leonhard Schmitz, Ph. D.: In one 18mo. volume, being a part of Schmitz's and Zumpt's Classical Series for the use of schools. Chemical Technology; or, Chemistry applied to the Arts and to Manufactures, by Dr. F. Knapp. Edited by Prof. W. R. Johnson: Vol. II. nearly ready, with 250 illustrations: Vol. I. lately issued, with 214 illustrations. Principles of the Mechanics of Machinery and Engineering, by Prof. Julius Weisbach, edited by Prof. W. R. Johnson: Vol. II. nearly ready, with 350 illustrations: Vol. I. lately issued, with 550 illustrations. Atlas to Dana on Zoophytes; being vol. IX. of the Publications of the U. S. Exploring Expedition. Large imperial folio,with sixty coloured plates Among the books announced as in press by Messrs. D. Appleton & Co., are a Manual of ancient Geography and History, translated from the German of Pritz, with Notes and Questions, by T. K. Arnold, 1 vol., 12mo. :Cicero's Select Orations, with Notes, by Prof. Johnson :-Cicero De Senectute et de Amicitia, with Notes, by Prof. Johnson Cicero de Officiis, with Notes, by Prof. Thatcher: Horatii Opera, with Notes, by Prof. Lincoln:-Sallust's Catiline and Jugurtha, with Notes, by Noble Butler, M. A.:Professor Green's Historical Series. Messrs. Gould, Kendall, & Lincoln will shortly publish :-The Earth and Man; Lectures on Comparative Physical Geography, considered in its Relation to the History of Mankind, by Prof. ARNOLD GUYOT, of Neuchatel, Switzerland. Translated by C. C. FELTON, Prof. in Harvard University. George P. Putnam has in press,-Italy; Past and Present: 2 vols., 8vo. : History of the Hebrew Monarchy, from the Administration of Samuel to the. Babylonish Captivity, by Francis Newman, D. D. 8vo.: Borrow's Autobiography:-Layard's Researches in Nineveh:-Turnbull's Genius of Italy:-Romer's Adventures in Africa. Macaulay's History has had a greater run in this country than even in England. It was first published here in two elegant octavo volumes, by Messrs. Harpers, who secured proofs in advance of publication, and gave the author a quid pro quo. But it seems that, in printing the work, they followed the accustomed rule of their printing-office in orthography; that is to say, they reprinted Macaulay, as they do every English book, after Webster's standard. Great abuse has been lavished upon the house for this:-oddly enough, too, by people who themselves deviate from English usage whenever it suits them. We do not believe in Webster: we do not adopt his orthography, or rather cacography; but we think that all the attacks on Messrs. Harper that we have seen evince more malice than sense or fairness. Those who make them must have known for years that Webster was adopted as the standard in that great publishing house; yet not a word of censure has been breathed until a book appears which is likely to be more than usually profitable, and then the way is prepared for rival publications (in this case little less than piracies, because the Harpers had paid for the advance sheets by a series of newspaper assaults, not on Noah Webster, but on the American publishers of Macaulay. The public are soon informed of a Boston edition, in 12mo., to be sold at little more than half the price of the New-York copy. It is a neat, well-printed edition, very commodious and portable,-but printed, after all the newspaper rigmarole, not after the English orthography, but á la mode Worcester! In a few days more a Philadelphia edition is announced at twenty-five cents a volume; and, to cap the climax, Messrs. Harpers issue one in even better style, at the same price! Somebody must lose money by these operations; but the public will be the gainers. The cheap editions will find thousands of readers; but we advise those who value their eye-sight, and love a handsome book, to get the 8vo. edition if they can spare the money. * Yearly advertisers will have the privilege of changing their advertisements each quarter. Books intended for notice should be sent in as early in the quarter as possible. Advertisements will be received up to the 20th of the month preceding the issue of the quarterly number. Books and advertisements should be directed to J. M'Clintock, D. D., Editor of Quarterly Review, 200 Mulberry-street. POPULAR LECTURES ON SCIENCE AND ART; DELIVERED IN THE CHIEF CITIES AND TOWNS IN THE UNITED STATES, BY DIONYSIUS LARDNER, Doctor of Civil Law, Fellow of the Royal Societies of London and Edinburgh, Member of the Universities of Cambridge and Dublin, and Professor of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy in the University of London, &c., &c. AFTER Dr. Lardner had brought to a close his Public Lectures in the United States, he was prevailed upon by the Publishers to prepare a complete and authentic edition for publication. The general interest which, for a period of several years, these beautiful expositions and commen taries on the Natural Sciences had excited, and which was so universally felt and acknowledged, induced the publishers to believe that their publication would be most acceptable, as well as permanently beneficial, to the American public. In these public Lectures it will be found that the Author has preserved the same simplicity of language, perspicuity of reasoning, and felicity of illustration, which rendered the oral discourses so universally popular. The above work was originally published in fourteen numbers, or parts. The entire work is now completed in two large octavo volumes of about 600 pages each, well bound in full cloth, illustrated by 380 engravings, and sold at $4 50. District School Libraries can order these Lectures through any of the booksellers or country merchants. Parents, Teachers, Superintendents, and Trustees of Common Schools, Farmers, Mechanics, and all, indeed, who have any desire to increase their store of useful information on the subjects embraced in these volumes, are earnestly entreated to examine this work before they throw away their money on the trash, or even worse than trash, that is now so rapidly inundating the country. From among the numerous recommendatory notices which the publishers received during the progress of publication, we have only room to give the following: From D. MEREDITH REESE, A. M., M. D., Superintendent of Common Schools in the City and County of New-York. GREELEY & MCEI RATH: NEW-YORK, Oct. 20, 1846. GENTLEMEN,-I have examined the Popular Lectures of Dr. Lardner on Science and Art with much satisfaction, and take pleasure in expressing the opinion, that you are doing a valuable service to the people of our common country by their publication, and especially by issuing them at so cheap a rate. To popularize Science and cheapen Knowledge, must be regarded by the Philanthropist as worthy of the mightiest minds of the age, and to be successful in such efforts, constitutes their authors public benefactors. These lectures of Dr. Lardner are addressed to the common mind, and though treating upon the loftiest of the Natural Sciences, are so plain and practical, so simple and attractive, that all who can read may readily profit by their instructions. The clear and familiar illustrations and diagrams, which abound in every department, are skilfully adapted to the apprehension of youth, who should be encouraged everywhere to read and study them, and thus promote their own happiness and usefulness. I could wish that they were found in every School Library, to which their scientific accuracy, and numerous moral reflections upon the wonderful works of God, should be esteemed no small commendation. But they should be found in every workshop in the land; for Science and Art are here exhibited in their true relations; and the working men of our country would find here both entertainment and instruction, calculated to improve alike their intellects and their morals. D. M. REESE. STATE OF MICHIGAN, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Your efforts, in connection with those of GREELEY & MCELRATH :-Gentlemen: Dr. Lardner, in preparing so complete an edition of his popular and attractive Lectures on Science and Art, which may be comprehended by ordinary minds, and which are, nevertheless, replete with instruction, are beyond praise. I shall take great pleasure in communicating my official recommendation of these invaluable Lectures to every Board of Officers charged with the purchase of Township and School District Libraries through the State. I hope they may reach, not only every Town and School District in the State, but that they may be extensively circulated and read throughout our wide-spread country. Very truly yours, IRA MAYHEW, Superintendent of Public Instruction. THE METHODIST QUARTERLY REVIEW. JULY, 1849. ART. I.-GOLDSMITH. The Life and Adventures of Oliver Goldsmith: a Biography, in four books. By JOHN FORSTER, of the Inner Temple, Barrister: author of the "Lives of the Statesmen of the Commonwealth." 8vo. pp. 704. London: Bradbury & Evans. 1848. "A POET, while living, is seldom an object sufficiently great to attract much attention; his real merits are known but to a few, and these are generally sparing in their praises. When his fame is increased by time, it is then too late to investigate the peculiarities of his disposition; the dews of the morning are past, and we vainly try to continue the chase by the meridian splendour. Some dates and some few facts, scarcely more interesting than those that make the ornaments of a country tombstone, are all that remain of one, whose labours now excite universal curiosity." Thus wrote Oliver Golddeath, he was compiling smith, when, only a few years before his "for the booksellers" a Life of Parnell. His words well describe his own case, as it remained for a long time after his death; and we may very properly appropriate to himself what he has so justly and elegantly said of another. For a while Goldsmith had only a literary reputation. He had appeared in the busy world an unheralded stranger; very few knew whence he came, or turned aside to inquire into his former history. His progress was that of a rising star, beaming with increasing radiance, but suddenly, and before it had reached its meridian, eclipsed in the shadow of death. He had lived and died; and during his brief but brilliant career he had reared to his own memory a monument more enduring than the pyramids, and more exquisitely wrought than the handiwork of the painter or sculptor. Could this have remained his only memorial, and he been known only as portrayed by his own genius, though rigid truth had been somewhat FOURTH SERIES, VOL. I.—24 defrauded, yet would the picture, spoiled by his biographers, have been preserved in its original symmetry and beauty. For some years after Goldsmith's death, his only written memoirs were the meagre biographical prefaces prefixed to his published works. The lack of a history of his private life was, however, at length supplied, by the zealous and patient industry of Mr. Prior, whose lively appreciation of the merits of his subject compensated, in some degree, for any want of the genius best adapted to his work. But, whatever is wanting in sprightliness in Mr. Prior's authentic narrative, is abundantly supplied in the work now before us. Mr. Forster figures on the title-page as the "Author of the Lives of the Statesmen of the Commonwealth;" but we presume he will hereafter choose to be known as the author of the "Life and Adventures of Oliver Goldsmith." Writers sometimes select and pursue subjects not the most congenial to their tastes, and upon which they can never do full justice to their own powers; and though the former work may never have suggested this thought to any of its readers, yet it will now be very generally granted, that till our author wrote this book, he had not given full proof of his ability. Artists produce their best works when they follow the leadings of their own tastes; especially literary artists. The muse is an intractable beast of burden, though gentle and playful when left to her native freedom. Though we know nothing of the private history of the case, yet we dare venture to guess that this work was undertaken and pursued as a "labour of love;" and we presume, from internal evidence, that it has been the business of a life,-some of whose happiest hours have been devoted to this favourite production,-loved first for its subject's, and afterwards for its own sake. Topical histories are of two kinds: one seems to be written only for the use of the reader; the other for the gratification of the writer himself. The former consists chiefly of a plain detail of facts; the latter employs the facts related as a basis for a philosophical disquisition upon the subject detailed. Each of these forms of history has its peculiar advantages; one being best adapted to the learner, and the other to the learned. Mr. Forster's work is almost exclusively of the latter kind. It is not, indeed, deficient in details, but every thing is arranged and classified, as if something ulterior was always in view. This is, unquestionably, a higher kind of literary creation than plain narrative. It requires superior genius for its production, and is capable of affording a more refined and elevated pleasure. But its utility is more questionable; and we may doubt the propriety of adopting an arrangement so exclusively artistical as that of this work. |