LITERARY NEWS.

Several new books from our leading authors, especially in Fiction, are announced in Boston, for which we kear, on reference to the authors, there is no authority, and they hear of the promised books for the first time : but for this we should hail with pleasure the announce- ment in the papers by this mail of "a new novel by Mrs. Gaskell."—Pub- &here Circular.

Mr. Thackeray's new monthly is now spoken of as a certainty, to com- mence with the new year—we believe the engagement provides for a new tale from the Editor, and that a very attractive list of contents may be expected, Mr. Iughes, the author of that pleasant book, Tom

Brown's School Days, is also quoted as the Editor of a new monthly, to be published by Messrs. Macmillan and Co.

Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co. promise several new works within the course of this month. Among them are "Life in Spain," in two volumes, by Walter Thornbury ; "Through Norway with a Knapsack," by W. M. Williams ; "Heathen and Holy Lands," by Captain J. Brim, of the Bengal Army ; and "The Strength of Nations" by Andrew Bissett, M.A. Sir John Bowring's expected book will also, it is now stated, be published by Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co., under the title of "A Visit to the Philippine Isles, in 1858-59"; but the date of publication seems not yet fixed.

Messrs. Longman and Co. announce for next week the "Vicissitudes of Families, and other Essays," by Sir Bernard Burke.

A new book, under a most formidable title, is announced by Mr. Bent- ley. It is "The Great Tribulation coming upon the Earth," by Dr. Cumming.

The Publishers' Circular says that Mrs. Stowe, authoress of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," is now in England, engaged upon her new tale, a portion of which has already appeared under the title The Minister's Wooing." The work is expected to be complete about the beginning of October next.

The translation of a "judicious selection, suited to the English taste,' of the works of Balzac' is announced for publication by Messrs. Saun- ders, Otley, and Co. Balzac's much admired "Le Lys de la Vallee," translated by Mr. H skins Simpson, will commence the series.

We hear that a series of interesting papers on the war in Hungary in 1848 and 1849, which appeared in Fraser's _Magazine some time since, are about to be republished by Parker and Son. A careful revision by the author, Mr. Otto Wenkstern' has converted what were formerly. magazine articles into a complete and valuable history of the war of 1848 and 1849, a book much wanted to enlighten the public with regard to a period of history too remote to be vividly remembered, and far too recent to have been exhausted.—Globe.

A contemporary says, "The original book of the four Evangelists, upon which all our Kings, from Henry I. to Edward VI., took the coro- nation oath, is now in the library of a maiden lady in Eaton Square. It is in manuscript, and written on vellum, the form and beauty of the letters nearly approaching to Roman capitals. It appears to have been written and prepared for the coronation of the first-named monarch. The original binding, which is still in a perfect state, consists of two oaken boards, nearly an inch thick, fastened together with stout thongs of leather, and the corners defended by large bosses of brass. On the right side (as the book is opened) of the outer cover is a crucifix of brass, double gilt, which was kissed by the Kings upon their inauguration; and the whole is fastened together by a strong clasp of brass, fixed to a broad piece of leather, nailed on with two large brass pins. Surely this national curiosity ought to be deposited in the British museum."

The literary Gazette is said to have changed hands, and become the property of the proprietors of the Critic, Field, and other papers. We have reason to know that this announcement is at least premature, no sale having yet taken place.

Two prizes, offered for the best Essays on the subject of "The Decline in the Society of Friends," have been awarded to Mr. J. S. Rowntree, of York, and Mr. Thomas Hancock, of Birmingham; being deemed of equal value, the second prize was increased to the same amount as the first.

Victor Hugo's great work, "La Legende des Sleeks," is now defi- nitely announced for publication between the 1st and 10th of September next, by Michel Levy freres, Paris. The whole literary world of i France s on the tiptoe of expectation regarding this professed chef- d'oeuvre of the poet.

A very interesting book has just been published by Dentu, Paris, under the title "Une Ville desheritee." The author, Dr. Wahn, of Algiers, calls attention in this work to a small village named Cherchell, within the French possessions in Africa, in which he declares to have discovered the ancient and long-sought Julia-Caesarea, the capital of Mauritanie, and residence of the famous King Juba.

A little work by M. Eugene Rendu is at present making some sensa- tion at Paris, it being believed to be "inspired" to some degree. Its title is " L'Autriche dans in Confederation Italienne : Histoire de is Diplomatic et de la Police de la cour de Vienne dans lea Etats du Pape depuis 1815, d'apres des documens nouveaux et les pieces diplomatiques. '

Books descriptive of the late Italian war are still selling in enormous numbers in France. One Of the last of these compilations, called "Le Livro crow de l'armee d'Italie," and containing recitals of individual bravery on the field of battle, is stated to have had a sale of not less than half a million of copies within the last week.

German literature likewise occupies itself at present a good deal with Italy, but in its own peculiar manner. Teutonic learning likes to begin at the beginning. Alfred von Reumont has just published the first vo- lume of a work entitled " Beitrage zur Italienischen Geschichte," which is to elucidate the modern history of the peninsula, but this first volume is entirely filled by a chapter called "Galileo and Rome."