5 JULY 1845, Page 17

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

From June 27th to ltdr 3d.

BOOKS.

Hints to a Soldier on Service. By W. H. Maxwell, Esq., Author of "Ste. ries of Waterloo," &c. In two volumes.

Recollections of Four Years Service in the East, with IL M. Fortieth Regiment; comprising an account of the taking of Kurachee in Lower Sande, in 1889; operations in Upper &hide, in 1849 and 1841; and the operations of the Candahar Division of " the avenging Army of Affgha- 'listen," in 1841 and 1842, under Major-General Sir W. Nott, G.C.B. By J. Martin Bladen Neill, Captain in the Fortieth Regiment. Travels in North America; with Geological Observations on the :United States, Canada, and Nova Scotia. By Charles Lyell, Esq., FAS., Author of " The Principles of Geology." In two volumes. Memoirs of the Pretenders and their Adherents. By John Renege Jesse,. Author of " Memoirs of the Court of England," &c. In two volumes. Sydney and Melbourne; with Remarks on the present State and future Prospects of New South Wales, and Practical Advice to Emigrants of various classes. To which is added, a summary of the route -home by India, Egypt, &c. By Charles John Baker, Esq., of the Inner Temple, Barrister-at-law.

An I into the Nature and Course of Storms in the Indian Ocean Sout o the Equator; with a view of discovering their origin, extent, rotatory character, rate and direction of progression, ba ometric depression, and other concomitant pheenomena; for the practical purpose of enabling ships to ascertain the proximity and relative position of hurricanes; with suggestions on the means of avoiding them. By Alexander Thom, Sur- geon E hty-sixth, Royal County Down Regiment. [This is an elaborate and painstaking contribution of facts towards Colonel Reid's celebrated Law of Storms; of which book this Inquiry may in some sense be considered a continuation; the object of Mr. Thom being to trace the course of hurricanes, to deduce their rotatory motion, and lay down some rules for escaping from them, at least in the Indian Ocean. Mr. Thom was at Mauritius during a faunal hurricane in 1848; the number of vessels which put into Port Louis to refit was so lereat as to induce him to consult the officers and their logs; and the result satisfied him of the correctness of the theory that hurricanes are a whirl- wind with rotatory andprogressive motion. To demonstrate this, he took the

logs of no fewer than ships that were exposed to the tempest, and con- structed a series of diagrams in which their position was Seed in the place and with the wind recorded. He thence deduces the course of the whole storm; which, if his exposition be correct, would support the conjecture of Colonel Reid that storms in the Southern hemisphere move from the Equator to the Pole, but not that their course is from West to East.

Having thus embarked in the inquiry, Mr. Thom proceeded with it; collecting accounts of other storms in the Indian Ocean from different logs, or, where these were not aereeeible, from accounts of the officers. He has also taken some particulars of Southern tempests from other sources; and given some graphic sketches of the general appearances of nature in the Mauritius and its vicinity. His attempts to direct vessels to escape from the storm when caught, are clear enough in principle—it is simply to get out of it: but we must confess that the rules d• sot strike us as being so certain in practice, because, admitting the truth or tne rotatory principle, it does not follow that all tornadoes follow the same course; so that in trying to sail out of the dread circle, a vessel might possibly sail in. This, however, is of little importance: the value of the book, as we intimated in our notice of Colonel Reid's Law of Storms," consists in its collection of facts, and the consequent accumulation of data to contribute towards the establishment of what is yet perhaps only probable hypothesis.] Maro; or Poetic Irritability. In four cantos.

Marc is the name of young man of some fortune, who, taking a walk by moon- t, utters his thoughts in verse, and forthwith fancies himself a poet. He sets ut composing a work, that no bookseller will buy; and which, when printed at his own expense, " falls still-born from the press "; whereupon, Mr. Marc judiciously drops the final o, settles, and takes to a profession.

This story. is made the vehicle for a literary satire upon the public taste, and the generality of productions that are written to meet it, rather than any thing apprwhing to personal or particular attack. The model of the author is that of POPe's successors, with here and there a good couplet, and throughout a finished style and a common sort of common sense: but he is deficient in the original view =tithe vivacious acerbity of mind necessary for a satirist.] Baron Fitzardern; a Tragedy, in five acts.

[The scene of this serious drama is laid in Marcia; and the may be as- sumed to be Anglo-Saxon, though they talk in a modern sty and some of the social combinations have a modem spirit, as it may be studied in circulating libraries rather than in life. The action turns upon the love of Alfred, a young nobleman, for Ethlinde, a foundling; Alfred being himself beloved by Eudora, the Princess. Towards the end of the fourth act, it is found that &Mind.% is rightful heiress to the Prince; some gipsies having exchanged children many years ago, to bring about the denouement in the fifth act.]

De Harno; a Story of the Olden Time. By a Wanderer. [This poem is laid in the age of chivalry and the Crusades; though the author does not seem to be very well acquainted with the manners of either. His style is derived from Scott and Byron; in description, an echo of the former—in the deeper emotions, of the latter.] The Novels and Romances of Anne Eliza Bray. In ten volumes. Volume ILL—" The Protestant."

The War/es of G. P. R. James, Esq. Revised and corrected by the Author. With an Introductory Preface. Volume V.—" Philip Augustus." [There is nothing new in the third volume of Mrs. Bray's collected novels, except a dedication to Sir Robert H. Inglis. The Philip Augustus of Mr. James con- tains a short introduction, from which we learn, that this, one of the most popular of his works, was written in seven weeks. He adds, that he has always found that those of his fictions which have been written the quickest have been the most ; and he portends a theory in favour of hasty corn ition in novels. far as regards rapidity and vividness of composition, the t ry may be true; but not as respects coherence of plan, compactness of structure, or finished axe cution. But Mr. James may say, who looks for these in a modern novel ?] Woman's Influence. By Mrs. Brereton. In three volumes. [One of the average run of circulating-library novels of society.] Eothen. Fourth edition.

irgyliiit.fourth edition of a book of travels in so well-trodden a field as Turkey and and that too in less than a twelvemonth, is a pretty good proof of the attractive power of manner, as well as a confirmation of the favourable opinion we formed of Eothen in August last.]

The Scottish Tourist; being a Guide to the Picturesque Scenery and Anti- quities of Scotland. Ninth edition. Edited by William Rhind, BLR.C.S, fr.c.; Author of " Elements of Geology," &c. In which the Geology and Beta are largely introduced. Illustrated with upwards of ninety views, travOing maps, and engraved routes. [The extraordinary patronage this publication has received is the best proof of its merit. All that need be said of the ninth edition is, that it keeps up to the times in the way of railroads and other new information.]

SERIALS.

Temper and Temperament; or Varieties of Character. By the Author of "The Women of England," &e. Embellished with engravings from ori- ginal designs. Parts I. and II. The fashion of publishing fiction in periodical parts has even drawn Mrs. Ellis into its vortex; and her quiet elegance of style is perhaps better adapted for

piecemeal perasal than might be supposed on a first consideration—the reader does not feel overwhelmed by the length of way, and reads more attentively. Mrs. Ellis, too, appears to have studied effect, not in greater rapidity of narrative but in a quicker progress of the scenes—we open with the nurse-maid, and in sixty-four pages we are carried to early manhood.

The fiction, as may be supposed, is didactically moral—intended to illustrate Temper and Temperament; meaning by temperament, "that habitual or con- stitutional tendency of character winch may be said to lean towards hope or de- spondency, trust or suspicion"; by temper, the occasional development of such a tendency in a stronger and more decided form, called forth by collision with other natures, or by passing circumstances." How this theory may be developed in the narrative and incidents of fiction, we cannot tell. At present we have two families each bringing up their children upon different principles, and both wrong,—if that can be called a principle which leaves every thing to habit and temper, taking no thought for the subject. In the son of Mrs. Grant, a widow, and the daughter of

* Spectator, 1838, page 973.

Major Vining, a retired officer, prompt both in word and deed, we seem to recognize the hero and heroine.] Autobiography of Heinrich Zschokke. (Foreign Library.)

[From our outline knowledge of the subject, and a glance we have taken at the work, we are inclined to place this Autobiography of Heinrich Zschokke among the best-chosen works of the Foreign Library. " Poet, historian, novelist, dra- matist, politician, diplomatist, publicist, reformer," and honest man, the life of Zschokke seems to combine something of the stir and variety of the adventurer

• with the more thoughtful observations of the scholar.] Jardinds Naturalises Library. (The People's Edition.) Part L [A reissue at a cheaper rate of a work which we have often noticed during its progress of publication.]

ILLUSTRATED WORKS AND PRINTS.

Compositions from Shakspere's Tempest. By J. Noel Paton. • [A set of fifteen picturesque designs in outline of scenes from the Tempest; dis- playing great facility in drawing and grouping the figure, and an elegant though artificial taste in the treatment of draperies and accessories. In conception of character and dramatic expression, the compositions are unsuccessful. Prospero and Ferdinand are weak imitations of antique heads with Sgares in theatrical attitudes; and Miranda might be any other beautiful damsel—she has no more individuality than the sea-nymphs and fairies have. Calibanis a Hercules with a brute's head and scales as well as hair and claws; and the "foul fiends" are a grotesque growth of imps. In the pictorial conventions wherewith Retzsch and other designers have clothed the poet's fanciful creations Mr. Paton is well versed, and he uses them skilfully; but the spirit of the drama has not fully possessed the artist. The engraving of the outlines is most beautifuL] Roberts's Sketches in the Holy Land, Egypt, Arabia, and Syria, Part XL [The completionof this magnificent work, the finest ever executed in lithography. In addition to the views of Suez and Mount Sinai, the part before us contains bold and striking likeness of Mr. Roberts: to whom, however, the artist, M.Bang- niet, has given a French air, quite foreign to the character of the man. The share that Mr. Louis Haghe has taken in lithographing Mr. Roberts's sketches has raised him to the top of his profession ; and the beautiful printing of the tinted drawings is highly creditable to the establishment of which he is now the head.] France Illustrated. Drawings by Thomas Allem; Descriptions by the Reverend G. N. Wright, M.A. First and Second Division. Hindostan ; its Landscapes, Palaces, Temples, and Tombs; the Red Sea, and the Himalaya Mountains. The Views by eminent Artists, from ori- ginal Sketches; Descriptions by Emma Roberts. No. I. [Two of Messrs. Fisher's cheap and handsome publications. Mr. Allom's views of the scenery and architecture of France are well selected, cleverly drawn, and pictorially effective: the scenes are full of life, and the character of the places is faithfully depicted; always with taste and facility, and occasionally with gran- deur. The engravings are unequal; often feeble and slight, though sometimes finished and effective.

The Indian views exhibit more extraordinary features both of nature and art; but, the pictorial effects being added by artists who have not visited the they have not the stamp of local character so strongly impressed as is d Nevertheless, they are strikingly picturesque, and e .bably faithful in the main. Miss Roberts's knowledge of the country is derived an personal observation, and this gives animation to her descriptions.] Finden's Royal Gallery of British Art, Part W. [Contains the "Battle of Trafalgar " by Stanfield; Douglas Cowper's tame " Othello"; and one of Constable's fresh and truthful landscapes—a " View on the. River River Stour"; all finely engraved.] Tableaux of National Character, Beauty, and Costume, Part V. [ The only characteristic and effective picture in this part is Redgrave's " Semp- stress "; which, however, is not well engraved.] The Book of Common Prayer Illuminated. Part III. [Each successive part of this sumptuous Prayer-book exhibits some new fancies in the borderings and initial letters. The outlines of famous pictures are remark- able for minuteness of execution.]

Abbotsford Edition of the Waverley Novels. Volume Arm.

[Contains Quentin Durward and St. Ronmes Well. The illustrations to . Quentin Durward are curious and interesting; representing the castles and dungeons of Tours and other feudal strongholds, and the Bishop's palace at Liege, as they appeared at the date of the story, taken from old drawings; and figures wearing the costumes of the period, with portraits of the principal per- sonages. The designs, by Lander, are bold and effective; and Stanfield a views are clear and bright as reality.] Pictorial Guide to Cobham.

Pictorial Guide to Eltham Palace.

[Two more of Messrs. Orr's cheap and pretty guide-books to the favourite haunts of Cocknies in search of fresh air and the picturesque. The cicerone is intelli- gent, well acquainted with the neighbourhood, has some antiquarian knowledge, good taste in pictures, and gossips pleasantly in a quaint style caught from the old writers he has consulted. The wood-cuts are neat and numerous.]

Mr. Distin and his four Sons, the original .performers on the Sax-horns. Drawn from life and on stone, by Cl. Beograd. [Striking likenesses of the popular horn-players, standing in a row, each with a Sax-horn in his hand. M. Bau 'et, who lithographs portraits from the re- flection of the face in a glass, is ten happy in catching some peculiarity of ex- pression by which the person is recognized at a first glance; but his delineation of character is superficial, and occasionally incorrect; and his style is hard and French. When he does succeed, however, he produces what is expressively called " a sta- ring likeness"; and the merit is increased by the difficulty of sketching at once on. stone.]

The Bravest Man. Painted by George Jones, RA.; engraved by W. Hull . [A weak and ill-drawn picture of two soldiers closing the gates of the chateau of Hougoumont against the French troops. The soldiers seem rather holding or leaning against the gates than shutting them, so little energy is there in the action of their limbs and the aspect of their faces.] Embossed Tableaux after Works of the Great Masters—Raphael's Cartoon : Peter and John Healing the Lame Man at the Gate of the Temple. [This is the first of a set of embossed bas-reliefs of the Cartoons of Raphael, taken from the models by Mr. Henning the sculptor. The character of Raphael's design is as well preserved as could be expected in a paper impression from the mould of a bas-relief; and the columns in this cartoon render it less unsuitable than others for sculpturesque treatment: but why Raphael's compositions, planned for pictorial effect, should be turned to stone, we cannot understand, seeing that there is no lack of fine bas-reliefs that have not been rendered in this way. The compartments on the Gates of Ghiberti, for instance, are sculptured pictures of matchless beauty, that artists would appreciate and the public might admire. These are now, thanks to Louis Philippe, available for such a purpose; and there are casts in this country of the bas-reliefs on the other gates of the Baptistery of Pisa, which are little inferior to those of Ghiberti. These works are as far above the efforts of modern sculptors as the Cartoons of Raphael are superior in design to those now exhibiting in Westminster Hall.] Four Views of Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope. Drawn from nature by T. W. Bowler; and lithographed by Day and he. [Seemingly faithful but not very striking views, neatly ]