LITERARY REVIEW. MICHAEL ARMSTRONG: Harper & Brothers.-This tale, which was written to expose the crueltics of the Factory system of England, appeared, across the water, in monthly numbers. It is almost beyond conception and belief, that the horrors herein depicted can have their foundation in truth; but Mrs. Trollope, the authoress, says, "let none dare to say this picture is exaggerated, till he has taken the trouble to ascertain, by his own personal investigation, that it is so." Here, then, is a slavery more horrible, ten thousand times, than that in our own South. The latter, is to it, as the sun to utter darkness! And yet, GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS: E. P. Walton & Sons.-This novel is from the pen of the author of a tale, written some years since, which attracted considerable attention, entitled "May Martin, or, the Money Diggers." It introduces the notorious Ethan Allen to the reader, since its scene is laid in his trying times. The story is well written, interesting, and, as it may be presumed to give an insight into Vermont life at the time, instructive. Robinson & Pratt. CLINCH'S POEMS: James Burns.-"The Captivity in Babylon," is the title of the major poem of this collection. It is in the Spenserian stanza, and throughout, breathes the spirit of poesy. Sometimes it rises into the noblest strains. We can English statesmen point to America with scorn! There is anot say but that we think Mr. Clinch has been more successful certain saying in the wisest and best of all books, “First cast out the beam, etc," which will richly apply in this case. The tale is very affecting, but we do not think well managed. The rescued factory children are elevated in the end, to too high a station. It is ill-judged, and it may be said, absurd, to make as good as "lords and ladies" of them. MARIAN: Harper & Brothers.-This is a tale by that charming writer, Mrs. S. C. Hall. An Irishwoman, she delights in portraying the peculiarities of the Irish character, which is by in some of his less pretending efforts. One or two of the minor poems in this collection are very superior, and some of his odes, hitherto published, deserve to be accounted in the first rank of American poetry. This volume is beautifully bound and printed.-Wiley & Putnam. EDITORS' TABLE. THE warmth and rains of the past month have, at a far earlier none better understood than herself. Marian is a delightful period than usual, unlocked the bosoms of many of our streams tale. MEMOIRS OF FRANKLIN: Harper & Brothers.-Certainly an essential feature of the Harpers' most valuable Family Library would have been wanting, had it been brought to a close without numbering among its volumes, one or more, containing the life of a man whose memory is so dear to his countrymen, and whose precepts have been so celebrated, as those of Franklin. His "Life, written by himself," which has been the general medium for obtaining information of him, is imperfect in detail and analysis of character, as every autobiography necessarily must be. The materials for a comprehensive compend of his leading principles of action, and the events of his noble career, have, of late, from various sources, been placed in command, and we are glad to find them given to the public by the Harpers, in the attractive garb of their "Library." There are two volumes, and the work is embellished by a well-engraved portrait. FRENCH REVOLUTION: Lea & Blanchard.-These "Memoirs of the French Revolution," by Madame Tussaud, a lady who was on terms of personal intimacy with most of the chief personages notorious in its bloody annals, contains many anecdotes of peculiar interest; especially in the closeness of detail, and the subjects of observation which would be expected from a woman. The translation, however, has not been very happily effected.-Carvills. ROMANCE OF TRAVEL: S. Colman.-In a handsome volume Mr. Colman has given to the public, several tales by N. P. Willis, Esq., which originally appeared in the pages of a periodical. The collection forms a pleasant volume. TRIALS OF THE HEART: Lea & Blanchard.-The tales under this title, are by Mrs. Bray, an authoress of some celebrity. The moral of the first story is decidedly bad. If a young lady be affianced early in life, by her parents, to one who cares not particularly for her, and before the marriage, she loves another, and is loved by him in return, she exhibits no "heroism" and "magnanimity," as Mrs. Bray teaches us, to adhere to the former one; but is, rather, deficient in true moral courage, and is in the highest degree, criminal. The rest of the tales are very well; but some of the remarks thrown in by the authoress, here and there, lead us to believe her prejudices to be strong, and her judgment not of the soundest character. A WORD TO WOMEN: Carey & Hart.-This volume is from the self-devoted, benevolent, pious Mrs. Fry, authoress of the Listener. It consists of many short essays on various subjects; among them," English Prejudices, "The Love of the World." The uses of " 99.66 "Hospitality," Music," "Hearing," "Dancing," "Reading," etc. The fervently religious character of these essays, may be anticipated from a knowledge of the authoress' previous works.-Wiley & Putnam. from their icy fetters, and given an earnest of an early spring. The flying steamboats already ply their dashing wings, and, we sincerely hope, that the starting up of nature from her torpor, may infuse a life and energy into our business classes, that will lighten, in a measure, at least, the darkness of their hopes. May our streets swarm with strangers, thronging to this great mart-and may the sound of men's gladness echo the carnival voice of spring. HUDSON RIVER STEAMBOAT COMPANY.-The boats of this company are undergoing complete repairs and renovatious, and will shortly be in full career. We understand, also, that several new boats, of the most elegant construction and model, which have been built during the past season by the company, will be placed immediately on the line. The public will then possess facilities for travel on our noble river, never equalled for comfort, speed and convenience. The commanders of the several boats of this company are gentlemen, in every sense of the word, and those whose interest or pleasure will lead them often to pass up and down the Hudson, will do well from the outset, to adhere to those boats, wherein there is so manifest a concern to secure the happiness of every passenger. PUBLIC BUILDINGS.-At an early period of the season, we hope to see the workmen busy upon those grand structures, the Custom House and the Exchange. They will prove, when finished, two of the most chaste specimens of art in the country, and will honor as well as ornament the city. We are impatient to see them in completeness and beauty. OUR SPRING FASHION PLATE.-After much trouble and at no little expense, we present our readers with an unrivalled plate of the Spring Fashions for the present season. EVENING DRESS.-Fancy silk robe, with low Grecian corsage, trimmed with lace quilling; short sleeves, puffed very full, with quilling of lace; skirt, full, double flounced, with quilled lace to correspond with the corsage and sleeves. Cord and tassels and long kid gloves, trimmed with lace. Hair, plain, with full plaits at the ears. WALKING DRESS.-Robe of heavy silk; skirt, full, with three flounces; the corsage made half high, with sleeves demi-large; shawl, of silk, large size, embroidered, richly fringed. Hat, small, crown placed far back, decorated with ribbons and bouquet of flowers. BRIDAL DRESS.-Elegant white silk robe, skirt, full, with two flounces of rich lace, headed with silk cord; corsage low, trimmed with antique point lace to correspond with the skirt; sleeves short and full, trimmed with silk cord in tassels, and terminating with lace ruffles. The front hair disposed in ringlets, ornamented with a coronet of flowers. Veil of lace, entwined in the braid of the back hair. |