PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

from August 13th Co August Slit. BOOKS.

Memoirs of the Reign of King George the Third. By Horace Walpole, youngest Son of Sir Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford. Now first published from the Original MSS. Edited, with Notes, by Sir Denis Le Merchant, Bart. Volumes III. and IV.

Only a Fiddler! and 0. T., or Life in Denmark. By the Author of" The Improvisatore, or Life in Italy." Translated by Mary Hewitt. In three volumes.

The Levite; or Scenes Two Hundred Years Ago. By Elizabeth Murphy. In three volumes.

King Rents Daughter; a Lyric Drama. From the Danish of Henrik Hertz. By Jane Francis Chapman, Translator of "Waldemar," &c.

Biographical and Critical Miscellanies. By William H. Prescott, Author of "The History of Ferdinand and Isabella," &c.

[With the exception of a life of Brown the novelist, written for Spark's American Biography, this volume consists of a dozen articles by Mr. Prescott, originally published in the North American Review. The collection has probably origi- nated in the success which has attended the same kind of reprint in the cases of Sydney Smith, Macaulay, and Jeffrey: but Mr. Prescott's reviews seem unlikely to attract similar attention in a collected shape. The article is the form in which the three writers just mentioned gave their principal prose productions to the world; not surely by accident, or to meet the market for periodical literature, but because their genius and their habits induced them to throw their best thoughts into that particular style of composition. Mr. Prescotes strength lies in another and perhaps a higher line; and these reviews and notices strike us as being rather effusions than studies. It is not to be inferred from this remark that they are crude or careless, in despite of the author's inti- mation that he so esteems them; but that he has not thrown himself into them with all his heart and with all his strength, which are ex- hibited to most advantage in another direction. Indeed, the very excellence of these papers for their original place less adapts them for another. They are strictly "notices," especially where the book is new; containing an account of the subject, abridged, condensed, or distilled from the work under notice—general remarks, perhaps "commonplaces," upon the subject and its correlatives, where such matter is in place—and a criticism upon the book or hero of the biography, always goodnaturecl and mostly brief. But there is none of that sublimated and searching sense mingled with the scorching facetiousness which gave originality and permanence to the views of Sydney Smith, and preserved them by a salt not Attic but his own. We have looked in vain for the florid brilliancy of narrative, disquisition, or illustration, mingled with exaggeration in fact and perhaps paradox in conclusion, which give such force and spirit to Macaulay's articles, whether putting forward his own views or dressing up the matter he "conveys from Ids author. In the general characteristics of the notice, Mr. Prescott has more in common with Jeffrey: but there is not the refined and critical acumen with the delicate sarcasm which distinguished the editor of the Edinburgh; neither are the subjects always so interesting, at least they are not treated so largely or so broadly.]

Dilassements Culinaires. Par A. Soyer, du Reform Club. [There is no repressing the aspirations of genius. A passion for fame, "that last infirmity of noble minds," animates alike statesmen and showmen, the chef d'eseadron and the chef de cuisine. M. Soyer, the celebrated gastronomic artiste of the Reform Club, burns with an ardour fierce as his own fires to signalize him- self in the annals of taste. His spirit soars beyond the confines of the kitchen; She salle a manger of the Club is too narrow in its bounds for the wings of his imaginatims. The last grand achievement of his art, the famous" Souffie Mon- etre i la Clontarf," made known the name of the inventor of this" culinary won- der' in all the capitah of Europe, and filled with envy the breasts of Continental cooks. Yet not even the triumph of skill can satisfy the thirst for distinction of M. Soyer. His fancy takes a bolder flight, from the banquet to the ballet: leav- ing the batterie de cuisine, he seeks the aid of the press; and on his first en- trance into the field of literature, a new pas de caractire heralds a new plat d'entree. Invoking inspiration in the names of Cerito and Warrender, our author caters for the toe of the danseuse and the palate of the epicure at one and the same time; and, not content with sketching the plot of a grand ballet and the bill of fare of a petit diner, the daring artist gives a recipe for " La Creme de Grande Bretagne" ; the ingredients of which are nothing less than the gifts and graces of the most illustrious ladies of the land.

The very recreations of ,sreat men are characteristic; and accordingly, these Culinary Recollections of M. Soyer not only savour of the stewing-stove, but also smack of the cook's own idiosyncracy. The cover of the brochure is indicative of its contents: it has literally an electrical effect. The title is flashed upon the dazzled eyesight of the reader in lightning characters, inscribed upon the dark bosom of a thunder-cloud—significant of the brilliant play of wit within. On opening the book, the author's portrait provokes a burst of laughter; his visage being appropriately delineated in an anamorphosis produced by its reflection in a spoon! To describe the nature of this verbal vol-au-vent, would be almost as difficult as to analyse a souffle. Whether M. Soyer sets forth the action of his ballet d'action, " La Ellie de TOrage," or discourses of his new " Plat d'Entree Pagodatique," he is equally amusing; and his adventures at the Opera are in- effably droll. " Why should not I endeavour to make myself as ridiculous as any other person ?" asks our author with inimitable naiveté. Echo answers " Why r But M. foyer has achieved a distinction beyond what he aimed at. His celebrity in the region of cuisine exceeds that of his countryman H. Jullien in the realm of music. Soyer is as great in the kitchen as Jullien in the orchestra; and his advent in the world of letters has raised the cook above the conductor—the baton yields to the spoon.] Rome; its Ecclesiastical and Social Life. With a Preface by the Editor. [This volume appears to be a translation from the German: it consists of a series of sketches in Rome, partly descriptive of the external ceremonies of the Roman worship, partly illustrative of what the author deems the spirit of the Papal Court and of the Romish clergy. Considered in this light, it is the most com- plete view which has been published of the subject: but it scarcely seems to us so appalling a picture as the English editor appears to think it is of the spirit of Popery—that is, of priestly domination, whether "personified in the aged and ve- nerable father who fills the throne and wears the tiara," or in a half Tractarian bishop, or "in the humble form of a bigoted and fanatical sectarian who resolves it (priestly domination) into his own personality." To us the Pope and his Ro- mans, as shown in the volume before us, seem the least bitter and violent of the three classes. As painted here, his Holiness is a quiet old gentleman, with a good voice for his years; his clergy exhausting their activity in forms among their own flocks, and both parties rather hoping that Protestantism, from its va- riety of sects, will return to the bosom of the Catholic Church, than taking any very deeply politic means to bring the event about, unless to gloat over any dis- tinguished conversion, and publish the good news. The work strikes us as being a better guide to the ecclesiastical sights of Rome than to the stir in the re- ligious world, which is now showing itself in various quarters, as little to the de- light of the Holy Pontiff, it may be divined, as to some other potentates.]

A Grammar of the Irish Language ; published for the use of the Senior Classes in the College of St. Columba. By John O'Donovan, Member of the Irish Archeological Society. This volume is probably another emanation from Young Ireland; and may owe its origin to that national feeling which the party of whom Mr. Duffy is the best- known head are endeavouring to establish. Those who are animated by this feel- ing of patriotism will undoubtedly learn Irish, even were it of no use to them in social intercourse, or did it not contain any productions worth the taboos of learn- ing a language to peruse in the original. Individuals not under this influence will do well to ascertain both these points before they throw away their time upon a bootless study. To those, however, who wish to acquire the refinements and philosophy of the tongue, this Grammar of the Irish Language may be strenu- ously recommended. The introduction contains a history of the subject, the grammar itself a most elaborate exposition. But it strikes us that it is defective in one point—the alphabet. The letters, of course, will all be found in the book, with a minute inquiry into their pronunciation; but we have not met with that tabular exhibition of the forms and powers of each letter, and the alphabetical parallel with other languages, that is generally contained in philological works of less elaborate character than this Grammar. There is, however, a table of ancient Irish alphabets; the majority of which seem to us better and more legible than the modern forms: these appear to have had an antique air given to them, to look less Saxon.] Manual of Astronomy: a Popular Treatise on Theoretical, Descriptive, and Practical Astronomy; with a familiar explanation of astronomical instruments, and the best methods of using them. By John Drew, Author of "Chronological Charts, illustrative of Ancient History and Geography."

[A well-planned and well-arranged compilation, embracing a popular exposition of the leading facts of astronomy and its general principles, with an account of the chief astronomical instruments, and an explanation of their use. Mr. Drew has divided his book into four parts; the first of which explains our position in the universe; the second consists of an attempt to popularize the principles of the Newtonian philosophy; the third, called "Descriptive Astronomy," makes known the discoveries of the telescope with respect to the magnitudes and physical con- stitutions of the heavenly bodies, and explains the working of various laws—as that of the tides; the fourth part deals with instruments, and the mode of using them, so as to enable their possessor to verify the facts brought forward in the previous divisions. Although no novelty is laid claim to in the matter of this book, it is not to be regarded as a mere common compilation. The author, Mr. Drew, has been long engaged in teaching the science; and not only brings to his task the familiarity with the elements of his subject which constant practice alone will bestow, but a ready mode of infusing that knowledge into others. There is also in the Manual more of a practical spirit than in many books of instruc- tion, especially in the parts relating to the prices of the different instruments and their tests.] Richmond, and other Poems. By Charles Ellis.

[This poem, descriptive of Richmond Hill and its prospects, does not sustain the promise which a brief preface excites by its justness of sentiment and agreeable style; showing how widely the reflective or critical faculties differ from the creative power. Richmond Hill is an echo of Childs Harold as regards style and stanza: we are called upon to admire the rich and cultivated but quiet beauties of a country with more country-seats than can anywhere else be seem within .the same distance, in the tone of the gloomy, despairing, and atrabilious Chtlde. The shorter poems at the end of Richmond Hill are equally reflections, though not of Byron.] Hints on the Nature and Management of Duns. By the Honourable —, a Younger Son. With Illustrations by R. J. Ifamerton. [A prose jell d'esprit, interspersed with parodies on well-known ballads; the scenes and sentiments illustrated by wood-cuts. The habits and peculiarities of the genus Dan, specimens of the creature's general conduct, and epistolary correspondence, with numerous hints as to the best mode of &Alin, with him, form the sterile of the book; this matter being varied by descriptions of the "Gover- nor," the elder brother, and other rich relations, with information how to behave

towards them. The thing is clever, especially the verses; but a pleasantrf whose essence is exaggeration is apt to exhibit the "no quid nimis' when extended through a volume. A true point is made in the introduction—that fathers are the persons really chargeable with the offences of younger sons, by bringing them up to the testes and enjoyments of the elder brother, and then leaving them without the means to gratify their habits.] 27w Practical Cook,English and Foreign: containing a great variety of old Receipts, improved and remodelled; and many original Receipts in Eng- lish, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Polish, Dutch, American, Swiss, and Indian Cookery. By Joseph 13region, formerly Cook to H. E. Prince Rausmouski, &c.; and Anne Miller, Cook in several English Families of clistinction.

(This volume professes to combine a complete exposition of English and French cookery with a sufficient account of the Indian system, and choice recipes from

her nations: for although "neither the Spanish, the Portuguese, the Russian, ect the Polish cookery, are deserving of general commendation," they can furnish an occasional dish. As we cannot undertake for a pudding till we have tasted it, as cannot pronounce upon the more important part of The Practical Cook: we can only say that the book is well arranged, the different nations are kept separate, the directions clear, and apparently prompted by an economical spirit. From the Mile of yiarts, we should infer that the book exhibits the effects of the combina- tion of labour, and that while the artistes of the titlepage have furnished the Matter another kind of artist has dealt with its exhibition.]

Practical Hints on the Culture and General Management of Apine or Rock Plants. By James Lothian, Gardener to W. A. Campbell, Esq., of Ormsary. Illustrated with Coloured Plates. [The term alpine strictly applies to small plants which are native of high or alpine situations, or inhabitants of bog or water: but any plants which from their minuteness and rarity cannot with safety be planted out in plots or borders are called alpine. Their cultivation, however, seems an expensive affair, unless to country residents possessing space, labour, and carriage; as they require an artificial rockery, and the aquatics spend, which have of course to be formed: the

ntIC:moreover, are somewhat delicate when removed from their native air. , for suburban or "villa" gardens they are scarcely adapted; though they can be grown in rooms, in a glass case. Stating these peculiarities of nature, we can say that Mr. Lothian's Practical Hints on the Culture of Alpine or Rock Plants is a plain, brief, yet complete little book; the text illustrated by plans and cuts where necessary.]

Exercises in Logic: designed for the use of Students in Colleges. By J. T. Gray, P.H.D.

[This is the best compendium of logic we have ever met with; understanding by that term the art of reasoning—the art of forming and testing propositions, and ar- pments deduced from them, not of discovering the truth of the matter from which they are formed. This is a quality logic cannot give; and ontology can do little more than assist us in obtaining knowledge by showing how to study particular subjects. Dr. Gray's book, however, is entitled to more praise than for its matter and general arrangement: he has had an eye to grammars and introductions to arithmetic in his plan of treatment, and his exercises appended to each rule. He thus presents the matter with the greatest possible brevity, and warns the reader that he must be prepared to work if he wishes to master logic.]

The History of the Conspiracy of Catiline and of the Jugurthine War, by Coins Cnspus Sallustius. Translated by Edward Peacock, M.A. [This is rather a metaphrase than a translation. We have the meaning of Sat- irist, and almost in his own words; but the power and spirit of the historian are lost in the effort after literal accuracy. Considering how much this author is read in the original, and that we have several translations already, another version was not wanted; but Mr. Peacock's volume will furnish a useful companion to a self- teaching pupil who is reading the original.] The Works of Beaumont and Fletcher; the Text formed from a new col- lation of the early editions. With Notes, and a Biographical Memoir, by the Reverend Alexander Dyes. In eleven volumes. Volume IX.

illustrations of the Law of Kindness. By the Reverend G. W. Montgomery. Second edition, with considerable additions, and a Supplementary Chapter on Almsgiving, by John Washbourn.

ILLUSTRATED WORKS AND PRINTS.

An Essay on Ornamental Art: containing a Historical Sketch of the Deco- rative Arts, with some Inquiry into the Theory of Ornament. By William B. Scott, of the Government School of Design, Newcastle. (The Orna- mentist) ['This essay was hastily thrown together as an introduction to a series of orna- mental designs for artisans, called The Ornamentist; a publication then near corn- • pletion, and with which Mr. Scott had no other concern. We notice it because of

the just and enlarged view that the author takes of his subject, and the enlightened taste which he brings to bear upon it. A thoughtful and eloquent writer like Mr. Scott, who is both an artist and a teacher too, would do good service in improving the character of ornamental art, by investigating the subject more fully. Extending his researches to the characteristics of the various styles, the principles on which they are formed, and the purposes to which they were origi- nally applied, he would be in a condition to lay down the laws that should govern their application to present uses and the invention of new kinds of ornament; and also to prescribe the course of study requisite to qualify the designer for exer- edging his art. A work of this description is just now much wanted, and Mr. :Wt is in every respect well fated to undertake the task.]

The Book of Nursery Tales. First, Second, and Third Series.

[The design of this elegant publication is to present the old favourite stories of the nursery in a form suited to modern taste; preserving at the same time the characteristic charm of the simple yet marvellous fairy talc. The editor has col- lated the several versions, foreign and English, and compiled new narratives em- bodying the best points of all. The intention is good, and judiciously carried out; though the changes in the incidents of Cinderella and Little Red Riding-Hood, adopted from the German, are not improvements in our estimation. The volumes are illustrated with picturesque designs of a superior order, by various artists of talent; who have thrown into them poetical feeling and graceful style, that adorn the subjects without depriving them of their primitive character. The wood engravings are finely executed; and the volumes are handsome both without and within.]

Details and Ornaments from the Alhambra. Part II.