The Sketch-Book and Christmas. By Washington Irving. (William Paterson, Edinbargh.)—This
edition contains the original preface, a pleasant thing to read, with its tribute of gratitude to Sir Walter Scott, in whom Irving found a kind and helpful friend. The " Sketch-Book " was one of the many good books which have had a difficulty in getting a first introduction to the public. Mr. Murray did not see "that scope in the nature of it which would enable him to make those satisfactory accounts," &o. Irving himself had previously been alarmed by the "severity with which American pro- ductions had been treated by the American Press." It was Sir Walter (thensMr.) Scott who came forward, helped the author (who had made a venture on his own account with a bookseller who failed before the Sret month was over), and encouraged the timid publisher. Mr. Murray, we imagine, had no reason to repent his bargain.
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