The Nobility of Life. Edited by L. Valentine. (Warne.)—Twenty- four
graces and virtues of human character are illustrated by drawings, coloured and otherwise, and by passages in prose and verse selected from well-known authors. The book has a very conventional look, both within and without, but is not without prettiness. The coloured illus- trations are mostly of the sort of which we are now somewhat wearied ; "original pictures" they are called, but they are mostly original only in the sense of not being copies. A father taking leave of an elegantly dressed bride represents " Affection ;" Henry V. on a splendidly accoutred horse at Agincourt represents "Manhood," &c. The page borders are graceful, but wanting in variety, and the vignettes mostly very pleasing. The selection of passages seems judicious. Altogether, the book is admirably suited to lie on the table of the show drawing-room in a young ladies' school.
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