LITERARY REVIEW. THE fruitfulness of book issues, is an accurate thermometer of our country's prosperity; it is the literay man's "Commercial Report." By it he gages advancement and depression, with as much certainty as the merchant arrives at the same result by watching the prices of money, and the sales of stocks. Now take our word for it, we are doing grandly at this present time. Let us count. Here are one, two-some thirty to forty volumes on our table, to be introduced to the public. The country is prosperous, most assuredly. CHEVELY: by Lady Bulwer: Harper & Brothers.-This really well-written work, from the peculiar circumstances which have given it birth, and the truth, that it attempts to disclose the domestic peculiarities of that great author, the husband of the authoress of the volumes herself, has obtained for it wider and more diverse criticism than literary productions usually meet with. The celebrity of the satirised husband seems to have won for him much partiality, and to have led many of our critics in their man-service, to forget the principles of courtesy to a lady. Now we have no doubt that the main facts in relation to her domestic troubles, as related by Lady Bulwer, are strictly true. All flesh is frail, and the author of Pelham has doutless, as great, perhaps a greater share than mortals in general. Why not? How reasonable to suppose that when he found himself one of the greatest of men, possessed of influence and standing which would enable him to ally himself to blood thrice refined in the crucible of aristocracy, he should despise the wife of humble birth, whom he had taken to his bosom in his own humbler days-that his proud mother should spur him on to insult and degrade her? This is the most probable translation of the matter; and we can admit no apology for Bulwer's repudiation of his wife-his open intercourse with another, and his permission to that other to usurp his name. We look only with sentiments of indignation upon the apology for Bulwer, put forth by an American, who (unjustly?) comes in for his share of ridicule in these pages, that he has, since his marriage, "become the greatest of men, and she the fattest of women." The marriage tie, in the solemn service of the English church, is, "for better and for worse;" and if the repletion of Lady Bulwer's cellular tissue disappointed the great man, he should have borne the infliction of nature with submissive lenity towards the sufferer. Lady Bulwer seems to have issued the book as a last resource; seeking her redress in public indignation. CHARLES TYRRELL: by G. P. R. James: Harper & Brothers.-Does not this author write too fast-not, perhaps, too much so to please the public, but far too much so for the advancement of his reputation? His facility is prodigious, truly; and he is one of the ablest of our novelists. But we seem to look back to "Richelieu" and "Mary of Burgundy," with a feeling that their author should have improved upon those admirable volumes, and that he has scarcely done so. But the public welcome his works; for his fertile mind produces nothing indifferent. This steam-writing, however, is not the safest vehicle to immortality. THE GENTLEMAN OF THE OLD SCHOOL: by G. P. R. James: Harper & Brothers.-Haste, that stumbling-block to genius, is imprinted on every page of this work. It is true, it possesses much interest, but the railroad speed of its construction is its worst bane. Some of its characters are well drawn-its descriptions varied and truthful, as James has proved himself well capable of producing; but over all is spread the filmy and shrouding mantle of haste. The novel was issued at too late a period in the month to admit of a decision upon its merits, otherwise than thus in general terms. HARPERS' CLASSICAL SERIES.-Anthon's Greek Lessons.These volumes do, in truth, succeed each other with a rapidity so marvellous, that we are almost tired of chronicling them; and with an improvement so marked and decided, that without having recourse to almost fulsome praise, we are almost at a loss how to find words whereby to testify our admiration. The "Latin Lessons was, and by its general popularity was universally admitted to be the best volume which had then met the public eye; and yet we have no hesitation in pronouncing the "Greek Lessons "better, and in prophesying for them a yet wider field of honor and utility. This is as it should be. The enterprise of the publishers, and the indefatigable industry of the editor, deserve to meet a rich remuneration, and America does honor to herself in showing that she can both appreciate and will reward the toils of those who serve her honestly, and without grudging either time or trouble. PHANTASMION: S. Colman.-This is a romance, supposed to have been written by the daughter of Coleridge. It is edited by Grenville Mellen, Esq, who, in a preparatory essay, has entered into an elaborate defence of the Poetical and Romantic. We think Mr. Mellen has mistaken his ground in accounting for, and arguing against the manifest indisposition of the reading public to works, the offspring of far-soarings of imagination into the supernatural and ideal. He ascribes it to the fact that "too many of the age, have been content with the most elegant essays of Fancy, which have ministered to a sorrowful taste, and been praised because they were pleasing." We opine that a better solution of the problem may be discovered in the reaction of the spirit of our institutions, and the more engrossing pursuits of our population upon the mental desires. The mind is an aggregate of powers, and of a consequence, exhibits a variety of tastes, one or another predominating according to the predominant action of one or another power. It is in vain to reason with the strictly mathematical mind, whose highest visions of the beautiful are verified in the happy unravelment of an abstruse theorem-that enthusiasm in such a connexion is absurdity-that the vapory forms of the ideal, alone deserve the outpourings of the soul's deep emotions. In like manner, two differently constituted minds find the highest gratification of the spirit of song within them in widely diverse combinations of tone. To the one, a concerted piece, although its harmony be triumphantly complete, is unpleasant as the most jarring discord; while a simple touching melody entrances his senses. To the other, the position is exactly reversed. Criticism, finding its standard in the taste of the critic, in vain attempts to reconcile these diversities. The two can only be led to unanimity by a radical change in the constitution of one or the other of their minds. The American people, by position, by habits, by pursuits, by the spirit of their government itself, and finally, the result of the action of all these upon them, by their very mental constitutions, are, in a measure, adverse to the Romantic. When the diffusion of wealth has introduced leisure and those refined luxuries of mind and body to which it gives birth, a change in taste may gradually be expected. But there are doubtless many at the present day, who will read this romance with delight. "Elegant Essays of Fancy" appeal to those powers of the mind of which they are the offspring in the writer; and it is in vain to underrate or decry them. They cannot be argued out of existence; nor can peculiar schools of poetry and romance be argued into vogue. We should have been pleased to enter more fully into the subject; but limited space forbids. JUBILEE OF THE CONSTITUTION: by John Q. Adams: S. Colman.-This is the oration delivered by Mr. Adams at the request of the New York Historical Society, on the fiftieth anniversary of the inauguration of Washington as President of the United States, on Thursday, the 30th of April, 1789. It had been declared by the hearers, to be worthy of its distinguished author; and no doubt, will prove as gratifying in the closet. Mr. Colman has lately issued several small works. Among them are "John Smith's Letters" about the disputed territory, by the original Jack Downing, and "Rose and her Lamb," and The Carvills have received more other tales, for children. numbers of " Jack Sheppard," "Nicholas Nickleby," and we find, also, on our table, the year's Report of the Directors of the Institution for the Blind, from which we are happy to gather the progressive prosperity of that institution. BIRDS AND FLOWERS: by Mary Howitt: Weeks, Jordan & Co. Here is a pretty book, and is full of pretty things in verse. Who hasn't read some of the sweet productions by this authoress? This little book treats of country things, and may it be read and have the effect desired by the authoress; to convey to many a heart the relish for the enjoyment of quiet, country pleasures; a love for every living creature, and that strong sympathy which must grow in every pure heart for the great human family.-Wiley & Putnam. TREATISE ON THE DAHLIA: by E. Sayers: Weeks, Jordan & Co. This little treatise on the Dahlia and Cactus, two tribes of flowers very dear to the lovers of these precious ornaments of nature, will be much praised, doubtless, by those interested. It is intended to lead to the improvement of these tribes, and is the result of the personal experience of the author in their cultivation. He acknowledges, also, his indebtedness to the works of Paxton and Mackintosh, two of the most eminent floriculturists in Great Britain.-Wiley & Putnam. THE RUINS OF ATHENS, AND OTHER POEMS: by G. Hill: Otis, Broaders & Co.-The author tells us in an advertisment that the first piece in the collection, was begun at Piræus in 1828; at which time Athens was held by the Turks, and was in its extreme state of ruin and desolation. It was published anonymously in 1831. It appears to us the best poem in the volume, and has many passages of considerable beauty. The versification of all the pieces we have perused, is generally correct; although the author has not that sparsely scattered gift to make the very flow of the words breathe melody. His vocabulary is not sufficiently rich. The poetry is, on the whole, creditable; whether it will carve for him a nitche in the temple of Fame, is more questionable. The versifier has to contend with that wilfulness of taste which demands the best poetry or none, while comparatively meagre prose passes her custom house unsearched. The book is "got up " with true Boston neatness. CHARACTER OF SCHILLER: by Mrs. Ellet: Otis, Broaders & Co. We have but partially perused this volume, and abandon it for the time being, to pursue pressing avocations, with eagerness to resume it. It is a signal credit to its authoress, and to our female literature. The chasteness, perspicuity and elegance of its style, united to a due degree of strength, are not the least conspicuous of its merits; while its philosophy and critical accuracy are strikingly superior. We are not indulging in fulsome and unjustifiable adulations. When the reader has perused but a few of its first pages, discussing the theory and genius of Schiller, he will certify without hesitation to our commendation.-S. Colman. ADAM BUFF: by Douglass Jerrold: Lea & Blanchard.— The title is conferred on these volumes by the first tale they contain; the volumes being made up of eight tales, contributions to various English Magazines. Some authors, favored by prosperous winds, sail into port bravely, and dispose of their cargoes rapidly, while others are compelled to lay off and on, and do not find at last so favorable a market with equally valuable wares. Thus Jerrold, well appreciated as he is, has not full credit for his genuine humor. We presume we should be excommunicated for high treason, to draw a comparison between any humorous writer who ever has lived, does live, can live, or will live in all time henceforward, and the lauded Dickens; but as much as we admire that writer, we are so forgetful of ourselves as to dare to say, that in many of his tales, Jerrold equals him; and the reader will agree with us if he will purchase these books, lay prejudice aside, and read them.-The Carvills. SKETCHES OF STATESMEN: Lea & Blanchard. It is unnecessary for us to more than mention the title of this issue, and of two other volumes by the same author and publishers, "entitled "Sketches of Public Characters." The fame of Lord Brougham is his sufficient herald; and these biographies, elaborated and revised in his retirement from the journals in which they primarily appeared, have already been chronicled as standing in the highest rank of the essays of the day; worthy of the pen that wrote them. The style of Brougham is severely chaste, and the more vigorous for its freedom from luxuriance; while it is characterised by peculiar point. Besides, when he chooses to indulge in it, he is master of the most biting and withering sarcasm. We find all these qualities in the volumes before us; while the candid manner in which he treats those who have been his warmest political enemies-Canning, for instance-never withholding praise where it is deserved, elevates himself in the mind of the reader. Probably no juster view of the great public men of England of later days can be found, than is contained in these admirable sketches.-The Carvills, and Wiley & Putnam. ISABEL; or, SICILY: Lea & Blanchard.-The antiquities of Sicily, says our author, in the modest preface to be expected from him, are eminently worthy of observation; but the inconvenience attending a visit to them, are such as to suggest, even in the mind of the enthusiastic traveller, frequent doubts whether the gratification thus offered is not more than counterbalanced by the discomfort consequently incurred. The scenery, too, is peculiar, and often unsurpassed for beauty and picturesque effect; yet it is only at certain periods that the weather is such as to do justice to its characteristic charms. The long and rigid quarantines to which the voyager is liable, the want of commodious inns, and the absence of carriage-roads to some of the most interesting localities, are also essential drawbacks to the pleasure of the tourist, especially if he be fresh from the superior facilities of the continent. To one who sympathises warmly with his race, there are, in addition, many painful associations constantly awakened by the existent poverty and degradation of the Sicilians, but ill calculated to cheer his sojourn. We have often wondered what causes operated to create the vacuum which exists in literature in regard to the "granary of Rome," which are now thus succinctly explained. Mr. Tuckerman deserves ample credit for overcoming all obstacles in obtaining the knowledge which he has embodied in this interesting volume.-The Carvills. CONCEALMENT: Lea & Blanchard.-This novel appears anonymously, but is sufficiently interesting to justify its author in continuing his contributions to this bravely-contested field of literature. THE BARBER OF PARIS: Carey & Hart.-Paul de Kock has won an enviable reputation. He seeks not his laurels in that fashionable school of the light French literature of the present day, of which Victor Hugo is the father, and which, discarding nature and the natural as something contemptible, deals in that bombastic style and monstrosity of incident, which, intended for the sublime, prove incontestibly the truth of the adage from a great man's mouth, that "there is but one step from the sublime to the ridiculous ;" and that the writers of this school have not stopped short of this fatal step. Paul de Kock is more domestic, and deserves his reputation.-Wiley & Putnam. FRANCIA'S REIGN OF TERROR: Carey & Hart.-These volumes form a sequel to the "Letters from Paraguay," by the same author-are written in a plain, unambitious, yet pleasing style, and as they enter quite a new field of historic illustration, are very welcome. LADY CHEVELY, THE WOMAN OF HONOR: Carey & Hart.A pamphlet with the above title has been sent to us. It is intended, doubtless, as an offset to Lady Bulwer's noted satire on her husband. It is a miserable affair. For an author to discourse of the "sanctity of our homes" as an argument against Lady Bulwer, and in defence of so notorious a violator of that sanctity as Bulwer, is insulting to the community. THE DWARF by James Rees: F. Saunders.-This is a dramatic poem. The author throws down the gauntlet to criticism, wherefore he will probably be the more wofully belabored, as the courageous in battle are more exposed to death. Some passages of his production are good, some bad, some stolen. Much is metrical in the measure, while there is a sufficient sprinkling of false metre, or no metre at all, to destroy the effect of what is good or passable. Mr. Rees should have polished his work more, either for profit or fame. Taking its defects and the rather braggadocio preface into view, we cannot estimate the influences to publication; for what is to be gained by the issue of a bad poem? THEATRICALS. THE PARK.-An event of moment in current theatrical annals has occurred at this theatre since our last issue. We refer to the farewell engagement and benefit of Miss Ellen Tree. Praise of her exalted impersonations, after the various eulogies we have pronounced upon her several characters as she has appeared in them, would be superfluous. Suffice it to say, that she manifested her admirable judgment to the close-presenting to the this, that the ear drinks in its sweet concords, and feasts upon the banquet, desiring no addition to its own excellence. We are constrained to compress our observations upon the achievements of the vocalists in it, to the simple assertion, that they won fresh laurels. The opera is very dependant for success upon the talent of the orchestra; and much credit is due to Mr. Penson, its leader, and the gentlemen who compose it, for their brilliant execution. The benefits were well attended, the public expressing its attention of her audiences during her late engagement, only gratification to the close. Amilie has lost none of its attractions. those plays which combine opportunity for the display of her unrivalled abilities, with the loftiest reaches of poetic genius; thus leaving glorious picturings upon the memory, bright and unobscured. She has left the American stage, after her short sojourn among us, bearing with her the heartfelt regrets of all true lovers of histrionic art. Possessing far-soaring talent, aided by a perfect mastery of the mysteries of her profession, the result of long experience, criticism of the sternest school has been often foiled in its eager gaze for prey, and compelled to turn disappointed, away. With a spirit imbued with the pure ideal, as well as the enthusiasm of passion, the latter has become exalted by the influence of the former, and the fairest creations of the poet's wand have been invested with a yet more enchanting brilliancy. Ion-that gem of poetry-charms in the closet; but its realization in the acting of Miss Tree, fulfils, ay, surpasses the conception of imagination. She has left us, to the deep sorrow of all who seek from the drama something more than empty show and frivolous amusement; who regard it, in its truthfulness, as Nature's mirror, capable of blending instruction with its more vain illusions. It is by the performances of such as Miss Tree-such as love and honor their profession and themselves, that this result is produced; and those who hope much from the drama in this light, weep a beaming star lost from their thinly-studded hemisphere. But we anticipate her early return to us. It is true, the drama languishes at home, and has need for such as herself-master spirits to purify and elevate it. But it were better it should wallow a while in its degradation; and we opine that we shall welcome this favorite actress to our shores again. A new aspirant for tragic honors has presented himself during the last month to the public, on the Park boards. He bears the name ominous-we know not whether of good or evil-of G. F. Cooke. When we say that he promised well, we have said much for him. The dramatic neophyte has much to contend with. Genius, unassisted by art, cannot soar to distinction on the stage; while art, unaided by one scintillation of genius, may often entrap the judgment, and bear away unmerited applause. Moderate success, where art is lacking, is of much expectation. We therefore hope much from Mr. Cooke. BOWERY.-The pageantries which are so skilfully and gorgeously presented at this theatre, will prove as in by-gone days, the architects of its fortunes. Thronged houses assemble to gaze in admiration on the gilded blazonry of the scenic art, and the feats of the noble and docile horse. EDITORS' TABLE. OUR FASHION-PLATES.-Some of our earnest friends of the press, have suggested that it would be an improvement to our plates to have them colored. Thanking them for their interest in us, we reply, that coloring would be incompatible with the extreme finish of the engraving. It might seem, perhaps, at a cursory glance, that a desire to avoid expense induces us to issue our fashion-plates without coloring; but this idea will be excluded, we hope, when we inform our readers that the expense of coloring would be utterly insignificant in comparison with the outlay now bestowed. Plates prepared for coloring, are mere outlines-ours are elaborate engravings. We have been governed by a desire to present our subscribers with the best means to ascertain the current fashions. The cut of the dress, and the peculiarities of its trimmings and accompaniments, are the desirable points. The color we might give would influence none; for that is selected by every lady in reference to harmony with her complexion, or to gratify her own taste. Since, then, coloring would be much of a saving to us, we are disposed to think that our motives will be appreciated by those "earnest friends." NIBLO'S. We announced in our last number, that there were sundry overturnings and additions at Niblo's, by which this enterprising caterer for public amusement intended to enhance the satisfaction of a visit to his fairy land. He has succeeded. The charmed sense can ask no more; and in addition to the stationary beauties with which he has invested his retreat, the new saloon offers every evening the light vaudeville, the pleasant melody, the rich swell of instrumental harmony, or the mad freaks of some of Nature's wonderful oddities. We need not add that the enchanting scene is nightly thronged. The second engagement of Mons. and Madame Taglioni, during the latter part of the month, was not attended with that eclat which might have been expected from a theatrical community possessing a decided fondness for graceful dancing. It certainly could not be attributed to deficiency in these artists to fulfil the high expectations which had been formed of them, since they have manifested themselves to be skilful in their art to a high degree. It may have been the result of the warmth of the season-but more probably is owing to their introduction to the public in pieces which have been so often repeated, as to have somewhat palled upon the appetite. Under more favorable circumstances, they cannot fail of receiving the most gratify-state! ing demonstrations of success. NATIONAL. The vocalists, who have been so instrumental during the past season in contributing to the palmy fortunes of this establishment, have concluded their final engagement. In its progress, Rossini's delightful opera of La Gazza Ladra was produced; and we were somewhat mortified that the house was not filled to its utmost capacity; for surely, the lovers of harmony could not desire-certainly can seldom enjoy richer music, better presented. This opera stands only second or third in merit in the list of the works of its author. It is full of glorious harmonies. In most operas, the music lacks much of effect, if the words, its vehicle, be undistinguished; but so perfect is THATCHED HOUSE GARDEN.-This is the season for fruits and flowers; when Nature puts on her robe of beauty, and the denizen of the crowded and noisy city may relieve the monotony of artificial life by discoursing with her charms. The eager inquiry is heard around, "Where shall we go? Where shall we find the sweetest fruits and the fairest flowers?" We know we shall be doing a service to our city readers by announcing the Thatched House Garden at Jersey City, as one of the most beautiful of summer resorts. You cannot go in a pleasanter direction—a more convenient distance-and you cannot find, if our taste may be allowed the umpirage, a scene of richer delight. SULLY'S VICTORIA. So! Here is her Majesty in regal Upon our word, a nice-looking little body! Fancy her just as she stands there, with one foot elevated upon the step to the throne, exclaiming to Sir Robert Peel, “I'll have none of your interfering with the ladies of my bed-chamber; so trump, old fellow!" These, as will be seen, are not the verbatim et literatim words, but much to the same effect. It is a fine painting. We might suggest what seemed to us trifling faults, but as a whole, it is an honor to the artist and the country. The ladies must all visit this little great woman. It makes republicans smile somewhat to view this portraiture of the feminine incarnation of British Majesty, but there is no mistake in the spirit of Victoria, and her determination to occupy the throne to some purpose. |