PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.
Booxs.
The Bee-Hunter; or the Oak Openings. By the Author of "The Pioneer," &c. In three volumes.
The Origin of the English, Germanic, and Scandinavian Languages and Nations; with a Sketch of their Early Literature, and short Chronological Specimens of Anglo-Saxon, Friesic, Flemish, Dutch, German from the Mreso-Goths to the present time, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish; tracing the Progress of the Languages, and their Connexion with Modern English; together with Remarks on the Oriental Origin of Alphabetic Wnting, and its extension to the West. A Map of European Languages is prefixed, with Notes, &c. By the Reverend Joseph Bosworth, D.D., F.R.S., F.S.A., &c.
Account of the Ionic Trophy Monument excavated at Xanthus. By Sir Charles Fellows.
[The object of this disquisition is to show that a base and monument discovered at Xanthus by Sir Charles Fellows during his travels in Asia Minor were a trophy erected by Harpagus, the general of Cyrus the Great, commemorative of his conquest of the city, as narrated by Ilerodotus. Considered merely as a fact, the accuracy of Sir Charles Fellows is opinion would hoof secondary import- ance; but the inference he founds upon it is startling. This inference goes to "convict" the workmen of the "Athenian and Phygalian sculptures of plagia- rism, and, as hinted by Pausanias, leads us to suppose that Pericles, wishing to adorn Athens, sent to Asia Minor for workmen. This monument would indicate the employment of Ionians as the designers of the finest of Athenian works." As- suming the fact of priority and equality of workmanship on this monument, the conclusion would scarcely be "plagiarism," since the Ionian sculptors brought their own style with them. It would only show that the world has been deceived in the merits of Phidias, or that he was an Ionian, not an Athenian. The facts and arguments by which Sir Charles Fellows supports his position are contained in less than thirty pages of large type; and, resting as they greatly do upon details and illustrative plates, would scarcely have justice done to them in an abridgment. The reader who feels interested in the subject must consult the tract. If he is not convinced by the arguments, he will possess some good specimens of lithography and wood-engraving applied to architectural remains. So far as we can form a judgment from the specimens, the sculptures on the "upper frieze of the Ionic trophy monument" seem to want the variety if they even possess the life of the Elgin and Phygalian marbles.] The Speeches of the Right Honourable the Earl of Chatham in the House of Lords and Commons. With a Biographical Memoir, and Introductions and Explanatory Notes to the Speeches.
[A good edition of the disjecta membra of the speeches of Chatham, though they furnish but little more than an idea of his structure and argument. "They had no poet—and are dead," is sung of heroes. Chatham had no reporter; and the form and manner of his oratory has perished, except, it is said, the celebrated passage on" the Englishman's house is his castle," whose vivid force stamped itself on the memory of his audience. To the student of history or oratory the frag- ments of this great orator—the only modern speaker who revived the power of ancient eloquence—are indispensable, even coming to us as they do in all forms, from the mere outline of his argument to the graphic sketch of Walpole, with occasional passages from memory or notes. This edition forms a volume of the "Modern Orator," a collection of the Parliamentary or forensic speeches of our principal speakers.]
Report of the Health Committee of the Borough of Liverpool, on the erage and other Works, under the Sanitary Act. By the Borough Engineer. A very elaborate and able report on the present condition of Liverpool as regards drainage,with suggestions for its improvement, illustrated by elaborate plans. The volume is in many parts local, referring to circumstances which will not be very readily understood but by a person acquainted with the town; while it is technical in other portions. The principles of sewerage are of course general; and various subjects of public interest are discussed by Mr. James Newlands, the Borough Engineer. Among these is a proposal to keep the sewerage and the surface drain- ing (rain-water) totally distinct, in order to prevent the deterioration of the sewerage matter as manure. His inquiry into the practical application of this sewerage matter to agricultural purposes does not lead to very promising results, on account of the immense outlay required to render the refuse available, unless when greatly assisted by local circumstances.] A Visit to the Western Coast of Norway. By W. Wittich, late Professor of German at London University College. [A neat volume containing the late Professor Wittich's account of his excursion to the Western coast of Norway, published as part of "Knight's Weekly Volume." Besides its narrative, the Visit has a curious feature in the metaphysical cha- racter of the book: the author turns his mind inwards as it were, and not only describes the scenery and the impression it made upon him, but gives the reasons why the impression was made.] Tales of a Traveller. By Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. New edition. In two parts. (Murray's Home and Colonial Library.) [If not the best miscellaneous work of Washington Irving, his Tales of a Tra_ yeller are about the best and most readable series of modern stories; and here they are as one of the volumes of Mr. Murray's "House and Colonial Library": just the very thing for the country in this unsettled weather, when it is desirable to be prepared with a pocket-book for "between the showers."] The Belfry of Bruges; and other Poems. By Henry W. Longfellow, Author of" Evangeline." [A neat and cheap reprint of miscellaneous poems by the American poet Long- fellow. The subjects of the verses are mostly European, or natural—as Autumn, Rain in Summer.] Visions of a Night; or Gallery of Letters. By Peter Lely, Younger. [An attempt at a literary satire, in imitation of the smart discursive style of Beppo.] The Suitor's Instructor in the Practice of the County Courts, 40. Contain- ing an Abstract of the Act of Parliament, the Rules of Practice, &c. Also a District Directory, &c. By a County Court Assistant Clerk. [A popular explanation of the new County Court Act, intended for the public at large, as a guide to individuals in the position of plaintiff or defendant. It is plainly written; and appears to be a useful book for those who are involved in suits where the sums are too small to justify the expense of professional assist- ance.
4'ophant's Railway Guide.
[A well-arranged tabular view of the times and fares of the different railways, with the miscellaneous information connected with such as have coaches, gem running to and from places in the neighbourhood. The great feature of Topham's Railway Guide, however, is printing the down trains, that is from London or any head station, in black; the up, or to any principal station, in red. This gives great clearness to the table, as the eye instantly sees the lines required.] Narrative of a Remarkable Transaction in the early life of John Wesley. From an original manuscript, in his own handwriting, never before pub. lished.
The Anglo-Saxon Version of the Hexameron of St. Basil, &c. Now first printed from MSS. in the Bodleian Library, with a Translation, and some Account of the Author. By Henry W. Norman, M.A., lee. The Text-book of the Constitution: Magna Charts, the Petition of Right, and the Bill of Rights; with Historical Comments, and Remarks on the present Political Emergencies. By E. S. Creasy, MA., Barrister-at-law, &c.
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