THE BOOK TRADE. 1-The Napoleon Dynasty; or, the History of the Bonaparte Family. An entirely new work. By the BERKELEY MEN. With twenty authentic portraits. 8vo., pp. 621. New York: Cornish & Lamport. This may truly be called a new work on the Life and Family of Napoleon. It is summary and rapid as a historical outline, and presents rather a dramatic life of the great emperor. But the scenes are drawn in such striking colors, and with such distinctness of thought, that the minds of all readers will be engrossed by the narrative. Its style is suited to make as strong an impression upon the popular mind as "an ar ray with banners." And, in truth, it possesses much of the glitter and the clang of arms, with a corresponding force and strength in the thought. It is a work that all will be pleased to dip into, and be moved by many striking views which it presents in the life of this great man; but it is not a volume of calm and patient thought, over whose pages the scholar or the historical reader would delight to linger as a fountain of clear and refreshing intelligence. Striking as are many of its pages, to such a mind they are not satisfactory, and one looks over them as he would gaze at the bril liant and wonderful play of an aurora, whose impressions afterwards fade away. We have here the Bonaparte Dynasty brought together in a group. Seventeen distinct biographies are arranged around the principal figure of the picture. The portions devoted to the sisters of Bonaparte are quite interesting; and truly the entire volume will be found to contain new material of much extent. It is issued in a very fine style by the publishers, with the exception of the portraits, which are too poor for a book of such pretensions. 2-Life and Public Services of Henry Clay. Down to 1848. By EPES SARGEANT. Edited to his death by H. GREELEY. 12mo., pp. 491. Auburn: Derby & Miller. The life of Clay is a subject of interest to every American citizen. The lead which he took in public affairs, the influence upon the prominent measures of the country, which he exerted for so long a period, render a familiarity with his career indispensa ble to every one who would understand the true spirit of his times. In these pages we are presented with all that is important in the life of Mr. Clay, brief, condensed, and yet with sufficient fullness to be satisfactory to the general reader. The work is written in an animated and popular style, such as will meet with the approbation of the most extensive class of readers. 3-The Casars. By THOMAS DE QUINCY, author of the "Confessions of an English Opium Eater." 12mo., pp. 295. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields. New York: D. Appleton & Co. This is the fourth volume of the series of De Quincy's writings, and in our opinion the best of them. No one who possesses a taste for the charms of literature can read its pages without delight. The characters of the Roman Caesars are delineated with a correctness of perception, a delicate and masterly appreciation, and, withal, a modesty and gracefulness of language, that holds the reader's attention fixed upon the polished periods that flow beneath his eyes. The series is not yet complete. It is to be followed by the autobiography that appeared in Tait's Magazine, and by the "Sketches of Literary Men," when it will form one of the choicest series that has been lately published. 4-Meyer's Universum. Part 3. New York: Hermann J. Meyer. The subjects of the plates in this part are "The Walhalla," in Bavaria; "The Temple of the Sun at Balbec;" and "Street Scenery in Constantinople." The plates are very finely executed. The text which explains them is performed with much fullness of historical incident by Mr. C. Dana, and is exceedingly interesting and valuable. 5.-Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation. With a Sequel. 12mo., pp. 288. Cincinnati: A. J. & U. P. James. This is a new edition of an able and important work, already well known to the public, for the peculiar views which it presents. It is issued in a cheap and serviceable style. 6.-The History of the United States of America, from the Adoption of the Federal Constitution to the End of the Sixteenth Congress. By RICHARD HILDRETH. Vol. 3. Madison and Monroe. 8vo., pp. 739. New York: Harper & Brothers. This volume resumes the narrative with the extra session of Congress in October, 1807, and closes with the session of Congress in March, 1821. It completes the work according to the plan of the author in six volumes, of which the first three are chiefly taken up with the narrative of this country previous to the adoption of the Constitution, and the last three with its national history. In many respects this is a model history. It occupies a field somewhat distinct from Bancroft's, so that neither one detracts from the value of the other. It is a severe narrative of facts, possessing very little of that rich and glowing eloquence of Bancroft, but chaste, calm, severe, and truthful to the extremest details. Its statements of facts are such as to obtain for it the rank of high authority, and its inferences, its general views, and its suggestions respecting national principles, are such as coincide with the views of those who hold the power, and wield the most intelligent influence in the country. We do not view it as a work in which the democratic element is supreme as in Bancroft's; neither can it be regarded as always truly expressing the sentiment of the people as such, in distinetion and opposition to the other powerful influences in our social system. It is, however, an invaluable, indispensable work to every one who desires to comprehend our national history. 7.-The Mother at Home; or, the Principles of Maternal Duty familiarly illustrated. By JOHN S. C. ABBOTT. Improved and Enlarged, with Numerous Engravings. 12mo., pp. 301. 8.-The Child at Home; or, the Principles of Filial Duty familiarly illustrated. By JOHN S. C. ABBOTT. Greatly Improved and Enlarged, with Numerous Engravings. 12mo., pp. 318. New York: Harper & Brothers. These two volumes, each of which is the counterpart of the other, aim to afford to mothers, in the common walks of life, plain and simple instruction relative to the right discharge of their mutual duties, and to aid them in leading the minds of their children to proper views of their obligations to God, to their parents, and to one another. Each is intended for perusal both by parent and child. They are admirable works for the object in view. The first edition of them has been translated into various languages, and circulated extensively throughout the Christian world. 9.-Lotus Eating; A Summer Book. By GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS. Illustrated by Kennet. 12mo., pp. 206. New York: Harper & Brothers. The Hudson, Catskill, Trenton, Niagara, Saratoga, Lake George, Nahant, and Newport, are the places of which pictures are presented in this volume. The style of each is uniform, as the work of one hand. They are pleasant, entertaining, and agreeable, and far more meritorious than many works of the kind. But we must confess there are not manifest to us those surprising attractions which many have found in this volume. To us there is none of that clearness of thought or expression which is the true index of all superior intellectual or literary talent. 10.-Marco Paul's Voyage and Travels. Erie Canal. By JACOB ABBOTT. 18mo, pp. 203. 11.-Marco Paul in New York. By JACOB ABBOTT. 18mo., pp. 192. 12.-Marco Paul in Maine. By JACOB ABBOTT. 18mo., pp. 190. 18-Marco Paul in Vermont. By JACOB ABBOTT. 18mo., pp. 308. New York: Harper & Brothers. It is the aim of these volumes both to entertain the youthful reader with narratives of juvenile adventures, and to communicate, in connection with them, as extensive and varied information as possible, respecting the geography, the scenery, the customs, and the institutions of the country as they present themselves to the observation of the little traveler under the guidance of an intellegent and well informed companion, suited to assist him in the acquisition of knowledge and the formation of character. Perhaps there is no one among the popular writers of the day so capable as the author of these volumes to accomplish such a task. The various works are unexceptionable in sentiment, extremely entertaining in their contents, and are among the best books which can be put into the hands of youth. 14-The Holy Bible, Translated from the Latin Vulgate; diligently Compared with the Hebrew, Greek, and other Editions in divers Languages. With useful Notes, Critical, Historical, Controversial, and Explanatory, selected from the most Eminent Commentators. By Rev. GEORGE HAYDOCK. 4to., Nos. 1 and 2. New York: Harper & Brothers. This will make a very splendid edition of the Bible, if the elegance of these parts is preserved throughout. The typography is extremely beautiful, and the paper is firm, sub-tantial, clear, and white. Each number is embellished with a well executed engraving, of superior merit in its design. It is published under the approbation of the Archbishop. 15.-Up Country Letters. Edited by Professor B-—, National Observatory. 12mo., pp. 827. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Few readers will be prepared to anticipate, from the title of this volume, the genuine entertainment which its pages will afford. It describes no great events, or distinguished and blazing characters; but it takes the reader up into a quiet nook among the hills, and spreads before him such a variety of incidents and events, so full of real character and true feeling, in quiet life, that the gratification is far more intense than is afforded by subjects of much greater pretensions. It is written in a smooth and polished style, admirably adapted to its character, and is quite an original and racy work in these days, when the number of books is legion. 16-Book of Snobs. By W. M. THACKERAY. 12mo., pp. 279. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Snobs are to be found in every society. Their two features are set forth in these pages with all the wit and sarcasm of Thackeray's inimitable pen. Every reader will be entertained with his truthful delineations. It forms one of the series of Appletons' admirable popular Library, and is entitled to a place among the choicest of these volumes. 17.-The Laws of Life; with Special Reference to Physical Education. By ELIZABETH BLOCKWELL, M. D. 12mo., pp. 179. New York: G. P. Putnam. This volume consists of a series of lectures delivered to a class of ladies during the spring. It is devoted to physical education, the conditions of health, and the correction of vicious habits. It is unexceptionable in the manner in which it treats these important subjects, and indicates a thorough and scientific education, rare practical sense and great extent of observation, on the part of the writer. It cannot fail of producing an important influence upon the health and physical condition of woman. 18.-Scenes and Thoughts in Europe. By GEO. H. CALVERT. Second series. 12mo., pp. 185. New York: G. P. Putnam. The scenes described in this volume occured in parts of Germany, Switzerland, and France. They are of an instructive character. The author is thoughtful at all times, and his reflections contain more or less of interest to all readers. It is in some respects a volume of a higher order than such works generally are. 19.-Arctic Journal; or, Eighteen Months in the Polar Regions. By Lieut. OSBORN. 12mo., pp. 216. New York: G. P. Putnam. The author of this volume commanded one of the vessels of the Royal Naval Expedition which sailed foom Woolwich, England, in 1850, to search for Sir John Franklin. The vessel under his command was a steamer. The expedition was directed to explore Barrow's Straits south-westerly to Cape Walker, and westerly toward Melville Island, and north-westerly up Wellington Channel. The voyage was a perilous one, and its incidents are described with much spirit, and present us with many new ideas respecting that inhospitable portion of the globe. 20.—The Art-Journal for August. New York: George Virtue. The first embellishment of this number consists of an engraving of a statue of “Highland Mary," by B. E. Sperm. The engraving is very finely done, but some parts of the design are clumsy. The next is the "Raffle for the Watch," from a picture in the Vernon Gallery; and the last is a rather fine engraving of a "Persian Warrior." There are, in addition, many lesser engravings and cuts with the usual amount of reading on artistic subjects. It is beyond question the best work of its class. 21-Eoline: Magnolia Vale. A Novel. By CAROLINE LEE HENTZ. 261. Philadelphia: A. Hart. 12mo., pp. 22-Pencil Sketches; or, Outlines of Character and Manners. By MISS LESLIE Including Washington Potts, with other stories. 2 vols. 12mo, pp. 216 and 215. Philadelphia: A Hart. Many of our readers may, perhaps, remember this tale, which was first published some years since, and very favorably received. The characters and customs of former days invest it with all the attractiveness of novelty. It is entertaining, written in a commendable manner, and well worthy of perusal. 23-The American Flower-Garden Companion. Revised and Enlarged. By EDWARD SAGEBS. Fourth edition. 12mo., pp. 207. Cincinnati: J. A. & U. P. James. It is the design of this work to aid those who are desirous of becoming acquainted with the culture of flowers, and it presents a large amount of useful matter within the compass of a convenient manual of reference. Directions are given for laying out flower gardens, and descriptive lists are added of the various flowers and shrubs best adapted to the American flower-garden. 24.-Lydia: a Woman's Book. By Mrs. NEWTON CROSLAND, author of "Partners for Life." 12mo, pp. 287. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields. This is a picture of woman's mind and heart, drawn by a woman's pen, or rather it is a picture of certain phases of life from a woman's point of view." It contains scenes of much interest and power. It delineates the struggle between truth and falsehood with unusual ability, and in a style that will be appreciated by cultivated readers. 25.--Single Blessedness; or Single Ladies and Gentlemen against the Slanders of the Pulpit, the Press, and the Lecture-Room, addressed to those who are really wise, and those who fancy themselves so. 12mo., pp. 297. New York: C. S. Francis. This is an effort to show that the unmarried state is a blessed one. It contains many thoughts which will be entertaining to those whose experience is limited in that state, and shows how well the case can be argued. At any rate, let the Bachelors have a hearing. 26.-Thoughts on the Original Unity of the Human Race. Second Edition, with Additions and Improvements. By CHARLES CALDWELL, M. D. 12mo., pp. 165. Cincinnati J. A. & U. P. James. In this volume the author aims to disprove the opinion of the original unity of the human race. He entertains the belief that he possesses some peculiar qualifications for this task. arising from his singular independence of mind. However this may be, the reader will find the case well stated in these pages, and enforced by many strong arguments. 27.-Monterey Conquered; a Fragment from La Gran Ouivera, or Rome Unmasked. A poem. 12ino., pp. 148. New York: C. Shepard & Co. The beautiful and romantic region of the South-West was before the author, as the scene in which the events of this poem are conceived. Nor was the beautiful poem of Campbell, entitled "Wyoming," absent from his mind. He has written in a flow ing verse, many passages of which possess merit. The poem will be found attractive and entertaining. 28-Scenes from Christian History. New York: C. S. Francis. 12mo., pp. 272. Boston: Crosby & Nichols. Some of those striking scenes which have taken place in the progress of Christianity are here briefly and clearly related. They serve to unfold the operations of Christian principles, and are so presented as to stimulate the youthful reader to prosecute an investigation into more extended and learned works on the subject. 29.-Tallis' Scripture Natural History for Youth. Part 14. New York: J. Tallis & Company. A very elegant work, which presents the natural history of all the animals and birds mentioned in Scripture. The plates are executed with great taste and neatness, 30.-The Illustrated Atlas and Modern History of the World. By R. M. MARTIN, Parts 48 and 49. New York: J. Tallis & Co. These parts contain very finished engravings of the cities of Exeter and Bristol England, with some further pages of the index of the work. CONTENTS OF NO. IV., VOL. XXVII. ARTICLES. ART. L COMMERCE AND RESOURCES OF CHILI.............. PAGE. 404 II. COMMERCIAL CITIES AND TOWNS OF THE UNITED STATES.-No. XXXIII.—THE 412 420 433 V. THE TWO RAILROAD ROUTES, AND THE TWO LAKE PORTS. By J. W. SCOTT, Esq., of Ohio... 438 VI, GOLD MINING OPERATIONS IN CALIFORNIA....... 445 VII. PIERS AND DOCKS IN THE NORTH RIVER, NEW YORK. By A. J. SCOTT, ShipMaster of New York... 450 VIII. THE FIRE ANNIHILATOR. BY PROFESSOR ROBERT HARE, M. D., of Pennsylvania.... 454 JOURNAL OF MERCANTILE LAW. Action of assumpsit on a policy of Insurance.. Value of receipts-Action upon a bill of lading.... Landlord and tenant.-Partnership liability... Liability of insurance companies-Statute of Frauds.. Action to recover against the alleged acceptance of a draft. Act of Maine imposing obligations and penalties on owners of Telegraph Lines, &c.. COMMERCIAL CHRONICLE AND REVIEW: 456 459 ..... 460 461 463 464 464 EMBRACING A FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, ETC., ILLUSTRA TED WITH TABLES, ETC., AS FOLLOWS: General review of the financial condition of the country-Influence of the discovery of California upon the relative value of the precious metals, the nominal value of property, and the comparative supply of capital-Increased demand of coin in general circulation, and on deposit-Table of deposits of specie at New York at various dates since 1848-Increase in supply of coin above the exports-Comparative statements of the amount of the cotton crop, with the foreign exports, home consumption, and average prices-Deposits and coinage at the Philadelphia and New Orleans Mints for August-Imports of foreign merchandise at New York for August-Reason of comparative increase-Imports from January 1st-Imports of dry goods for August-Classification of Imports for eight months-Receipts for duties at New York-Exports from New York for August, and for eight months-Exports of leading articles of produce-Prospects of the trade in breadstuffs for the future.. VOL. XXVII.—NO, IV. 26 465-473 |