THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-A Treatise on the Law of Principal and Agent, chiefly with Reference to Mercantile Transactions. By WILLIAM PALEY, of Lincolns Inn, Esq., Barrister at Law. The third edition, with considerable additions, by J. H. LLOYD, of the Inner Temple, Barrister at Law. Third American edition, with further extensive additions, by JOHN A. DUNLAP, Counsellor at Law. New York: Banks, Gould & Co., Law Booksellers.

It is well remarked, by the learned editor of an English edition of this standard Treatise on the Law of Principal and Agent, that the vast extension of modern commerce, both foreign and domestic, and the novelty and variety of the channels through which it is carried on, and perhaps, also, a different system of transacting mercantile business, have given rise to new situations and questions upon the subject of commercial agency, which have come under legal investigation. The volume before us, a handsome octavo of nearly five hundred pages, is unquestionably the most complete and thorough edition of the work that has ever been produced; and the numerous additions, made by the American editor, are of a character materially to enhance its value. It would, with the endorsement of our leading jurists, be almost, on our part, a work of supererogation to enlarge upon its value to professional men, as well as to the merchant, who desires to understand the leading features of the subject.

2.-A Treatise on the Criminal Law of the United States: comprising a Digest of the Penal Statutes of the General Government, and of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia; with the Decisions on Cases arising upon those Statutes, together with the English and American Authorities upon Crime and Law in General. By FRANCIS WHARTON. 1846.

Such a work as this has long been a desideratum with the profession. The works of Barbour and the Davis's-the only American treatises, strange to say, attempted, upon the same subject--amount . to simple examinations into the duties of justices of the peace, and as such are beneficial only to those who stand in need of the most elementary expositions of criminal law. The book of Mr. D. Davis, it is true, also goes to enlighten citizens as to their office when called upon to act as grand jurors; but this scarcely enlarges its sphere of usefulness. Practitioners at the bar have been hitherto obliged, for their part, to rely upon the labors of Chitty, Russell, Archbold, and Roscoe, who give us the old crown law, with the British judicial decisions added to it—a code, which every day causes to differ more and more from our own, which is the offspring of freer institutions and a larger personal liberty. The ordinary expedient, of compensating for the defects of these writers by a supply of domestic foot-notes and references, has become altogether insufficient; since the decisions of our courts have so increased in number as to be often of really more importance than the English text upon which they profess to comment. It is on this account that the work now before us, has been so sincerely welcomed. Its author is Mr. Wharton, a gentleman whom Pennsylvanians have been complimenting for his able performance of the duties of prosecuting attorney of the commonwealth, for Philadelphia. It is what it professes to be-the criminal law of the United States digested, as well as compiled, and possessing every requisite that could be desired in it. An able legal writer has remarked upon the concluding book, On Trial and its Incidents, that the reader will find in it, "the subject, not only masterly treated, but an amount of information embodied, divided, and digested, in a manner altogether unattempted in any previous work on criminal law, English or American." This may be said truly of all of the six books of which it is composed. It is, throughout, executed in a painstaking and industrious, yet finished and scholarlike manner.

3.-Instructions to Young Sportsmen, in all that Relates to Guns and Shooting. By Lieut. Col. P. HAWKES. First American, from the Ninth London edition. To which is added, the Hunting and Shooting of North America, with Descriptions of the Animals and Birds. Carefully Collated from Authentic Sources. By WILLIAM J. PORTER, Esq., editor of the New York Spirit of the Times. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard.

This is a very thorough and complete manual for the sportsman, embodying the whole range of subjects connected with guns and shooting in England; and the American editor, whose taste and studies eminently fit him for the task, has omitted only what is of a local character, and supplied the place with whatever of utility or interest pertains to sports in the United States. It is, on the whole, one of the most complete and thorough treatises on the subject, that has ever fallen under our observation.

4.-Small Books on Great Subjects. Nos. 7. 8, 9. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard.

The numbers before us, of these comprehensive essays on popular subjects, complete the series. No. 8, is devoted to an exposition of vulgar and common errors, adapted to the year of MDCCCXLV ; No. 7, to Christian doctrine and practice in the second century; and No. 9, is an introduction to vegetable physiology, with reference to the works of De Candolle, Lindley, etc. The circulation of these works in England, has been cominensurate with the marked ability displayed in their production and if it is not so in this country, we shall be the losers.

5.-The Dog. BY WILLIAM YOUATT. Edited, with Additions, by E. J. Lewis, M. D., Member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; of the Philadelphia Medical Society; of the Prussian Medical Society, etc. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard.

Mr. Youatt's success as an author, in this particular department of literature, has been owing, in a great measure, to his enthusiastic devotion to the study of natural history. In the present volume, devoted to the dog, we find embodied, not only the early history, classification, varieties, and qualities of the dog, but whatever is calculated to promote his training for the various uses of domestic pursuits. The diseases which affect the dog, and the mode of treatment, are fully discussed; and we have, moreover, a fund of anecdotes, illustrative of his faithful characteristics, which will interest the admirers of this noble animal. Dr. Lewis, without abridging, as we are informed, the English edition, has added to the volume some sixty additional pages, thus adapting it to the wants of our own country, where the varieties of the animal are more numerous than they are in England. 6.-American Natural History. By JOHN D. GODMAN, M. D. To which is added his last work, "Rambles of a Naturalist," with a Biographical Sketch of the Author. In two volumes. Philadelphia: Uriah Hunt & Son.

This work, the production of Dr. Godman, who was born in Maryland, in the year 1794, has passed through numerous editions, and acquired the character of a standard in the department of literature which it covers. It comprehends a classified account of the animals of all North America-their genus, and whatever tends to illustrate their character and habits. Its standard value, and the high reputation the author enjoyed, will secure for the present edition, which is published in a handsome and substantial style, a steady, if not extensive sale. It abounds in illustrative anecdotes of animals. . 7-State Book of Pennsylvania; containing an account of the Geography, History, Government, Resources, and Noted Citizens of the State, with a Map of the State and of each County. By THOMAS H. BURROUGHS. Philadelphia: Uriah Hunt & Son.

The title very succintly expresses the leading features of this interesting manual, which appears to have been prepared with great care, and its arrangement is the most convenient for study or reference of any work of its kind that has of late fallen under our notice. It has a separate map of each county in the State, with appropriate and well-executed illustrations. The author was some time Secretary of State in Pennsylvania, and had access to various means of information not familiar to many compilers, and has given us a clear and comprehensive account of the "Key stone State" and its resources.

8.-The Public and Private History of the Popes of Rome, from the Earliest Period to the Present Time: including the History of Saints, Martyrs, Fathers of the Church, Religious Orders, Cardinals, Inquisitions, Schisms, and the Great Reformers. By LoUIS MARIE DE CORMENIN. Translated from the French. Two volumes. Philadelphia: James M. Campbell.

This is a very remarkable work in many respects. It purports to come from the pen of a French Roman Catholic, and yet, while it records the virtues of many of the popes, it discloses the vices and crimes of others—a large majority of them, to a degree, that is calculated, in some portions of the work, to excite disgust in the minds of most readers. The author of the work thus briefly prefaces it, which we shall quote, in order to give some idea of its spirit and design :-

"The history of the popes is an immense work, which embraces within its scope the political, moral, and religious revolutions of the world. It runs through a long series of ages, during which, the bishops of Rome, whose mission was to announce to men a divine religion, have forgotten it in their pride of power, have outraged the morality of Christ, and become the scourge of the human race. Formerly, the thunders launched from the Vatican by sacrilegious priests, overthrew kingdoms, and covered Europe, Asia, and Africa. with butcheries, wars, and conflagrations. But the times are changed; religious passions are softened; philosophy has overthrown absolute thrones, and broken down the colossal power of the popes."

A brief analysis of these epochs precedes the author's history, and offers a frightful picture of monstrous debaucheries, bloo ły wars, memorable revolutions, etc., which prepares, by its wonderful recital, for the long succession of pontiffs and kings, celebrated for their crimes, or illustrious for their exploits. The strong republican feelings of the author, although a Catholic, may have biased his opinions in regard to the character of popedom; but, on the other hand, they led him to watch, with a close and critical eye, all movements having a tendency to the concentration of power, either in Church or State, in the hands of a single individual. The translator was evidently qualified for his task, and has doubtless retained the spirit and intent of the author. The two volumes cover more than nine hundred large octavo pages, and the work is splendidly illustrated with colored plates, which will compare well with the original French, of which they are copies. It is, on the whole, a work well calculated to create a deep interest in the public mind, and must obtain a wide circulation. 9.-Legends and Stories of Ireland. By SAMUEL LOVER, Esq., R. H. A. First series. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart.

A choice collection of the author's inimitable legends and stories, overflowing with genuine Irish wit and humor, and as free from indelicate inuendoes and vulgarity as such writings can well be. Those who have read the "Handy Andy" of Lover, cannot abstain from the excitement offered to their risibilities in the present volume.

10-History of the Revolt of the Netherlands, Trial and Execution of Counts Egmont and Horn, and the Siege of Antwerp. Translated from the German of FREDERICK SCHILLER. By the Rev. A. J. W. MORRISON, M. A. New York: Harper & Brothers' New Miscellany.

This work of Schiller was first published, we believe, at Weimar, in 1788, in the author's native German. How long it has been translated into our own, we have not the means at hand of knowing This, however, is the first edition of the translation that has ever been produced in this country. The materials of the author were at the time it was written abundant, and the only difficulty he must have experienced, was to seize the truth froin such unequal, partial, and often contradictory narratives as it is quite natural to suppose existed. But the philosophy and genius of Schiller have lent a charm to the work that cannot fail of interesting a large class of the English admirers of German literature and history. To Schiller's mind, one of the most remarkable events which have rendered the 14th century among the brightest of the world's epochs, was the foundation of the freedom of the Netherlands. We are glad that the Harpers have introduced it into their admirable series-the New Miscellany-of which it forms the XXIst number.

11. The Pleasures of Taste, and other Stories; selected from the writings of Miss Jane Taylor, with a Sketch of her Life. By Mrs. SARAH J. HALE, author of "Traits of American Life," "Ladies' Wreath," &c. New York: Harper and Brothers.

This excellent volume was prepared originally for the "Massachusetts School Library," a fact that would commend it to all who are acquainted with the high-standing of the committee who controlled the introduction of every work introduced into the series, were not the reputation of Mrs. Hale so well known and highly appreciated for sound judgment, purity of taste and character, not only as an authoress, but as a woman, in all her varied relations. The selections are excellent, and the biography of Jane Taylor, by Mrs. Hale, though brief, is comprehensive and to the point.

12.-Pictures of Early Life, or Sketches of Youth. By Mrs. EMMA C. EMBURY. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The design of these tales, is to illustrate, in a simple and pleasing manner, some of the more important lessons of early education. The work has already passed through several editions, and those who are familiar with the author's talents in this department of literature, need not be told that she has accomplished successfully, so far as it can be, her design. At least, it is a most agreeable collection of stories, that will be read with general satisfaction.

13.-Hutton's Book of Nature Laid Open: Revised and Improved. By Rev. J. L. BLAKE, D. D., author of various works on General Literature. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The design of this little work, which is very generally known, we suppose, is to lead the young mind to a contemplation of the works of the Creator. Dr. Blake has added a few questions at the foot of each page, which will render it an agreeable and instructive family or Sunday-school book. 14.-Evenings at Home; or the Juvenile Budget Opened. By Dr. AIKIN and Mrs. BARBAULD. Revised edition. New York: Harper & Brothers.

Fifteen London editions, and we know not how many American, would seem to indicate the great popularity of this work. That it is deserved, all who are acquainted with it, will readily admit. Purer minds, than Dr. Aikin and Mrs. Barbauld possessed, never attempted, that we are aware, to cater for the instruction and amusement of the young; and thousands, grown to years of maturity, will bear testimony to the benign influence received through these pleasant and profitable pages. The present edition is beautifully illustrated with engravings after Harvey and Chapman, by that excellent artist, Adams.

15.-The Book of Nursery Rhymes, Tales, and Fables. A Gift for All Seasons. Edited by LAWRENCE LOVECHILD. Philadelphia: George B. Zieber.

This is a beautiful edition, consisting of most of the old ballads which afforded our grandfathers amusement in the days of their childhood; such, for instance, as "Old Mother Hubbard and her Dog," and many others, as well known and popular.

16.--Aladdin, or the Wonderful Lamp. A Gift for all Seasons. With Fifteen Exquisite Illustrations on Wood, Engraved by Doughty, Gilbert, Gihon, Waitt, and Downes, from Original Designs by Darley. Edited by LAWRENCE LOVECHILD. Philadelphia: George B. Žieber.

This popular eastern tale, or romance, designed for the amusement of children, is reproduced in an elegant and captivating style, with highly-colored illustrative engravings. It has ever been a favorite with "little folks," and the beautiful form of the present volume will enhance its value to them. 17.-Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard. By THOMAS GRAY. With Thirty-six Illustrations, Engraved on Wood. By S. GILBERT. Philadelphia: John W. Moore.

Gray's elegy, which has ever been considered a perfect gem in English poetical literature, like Shakespeare and the Bible, is above criticism; and therefore our only object at this time, is to notice the present as a most beautifully printed, bound, and illustrated edition of it. Each page occupies but one verse of the poem, which has an appropriate illustrated engraving. Indeed, so graphic are the descriptions in every line of the poem, that it would be strange if the ingenious artist did not catch the movements of the poet's mind, which, aside from the thoughts that impressed it at the time, was so perfectly alive to the most artistic conception of composition.

18.-The Treatment of Insanity. By JOHN M. GALT, M. D., Superintendent and Physician of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum of Virginia, at Williamsburg. New York: Harper & Brothers.

We have, in this volume of nearly six hundred pages, a very elaborate and able treatise on insanity. Dr. Galt seems to have embodied in his work a vast amount of matter on the subject, gathered, not only from his own experience in this particular department of practice, but from the labors of the most eminent and popular writers at home and abroad. It is designed for the profession, but contains much that will interest the intelligent reader.

19.--American Historical and Literary Curiosities; consisting of Fac Similes of Original Documents, Relating to the Events of the Revolution, etc., etc. With a Variety of Relics, Antiquities, and Modern Autographs. Collected and Edited by J. JAY SMITH, Librarian of the Philadelphia and Logamian Libraries, and JOHN F. WATSON, Annalist of Philadelphia and New York, assisted by the Association of American Antiquarians. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

The design of this handsomely executed book, is indicated in the title-page quoted. It embodies numerous autograph letters of General Washington, William Penn, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Lafayette, Mrs. Martha Washington, Kosciusko, George Whitfield, etc., besides modern autographs, and many printed literary curiosities of the past. The work is to be continued in numbers, and will, when completed, contain much that will interest, not only the antiquarian, but all who are curious in such matters, or delight in recalling the reminiscences of the past. It is well remarked by the editor, that "the past has a charm for Americans, as well as for the inhabitants of countries whose history goes far into the shadowy and unknown; our early and romantic past has the merit of being known, and truly related; every thing which adds to these truths, is sought for with avidity by the curious." It is with such views that the present work has been prepared and published.

20.-Songs and Ballads. By SAMUEL LOVER. Including those sang in his "Irish Evenings," and hitherto unpublished. Third Edition, with additions, corrected by the author. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

The deserved popularity of the present collection of these "Songs and Ballads" in America will secure for the present edition an extensive demand. "A reprint," says Mr. Lover, in his preface to this edition, "of a London edition of my songs and ballads has lately been republished in this country, deficient of the songs of Handy Andy' and 'Treasure Trove,' and but very few from my ‘Irish Evenings. This present edition contains all those I have enumerated, besides all the songs of my 'Irish Evenings,' many of which are here published for the first time. In fact the present edition is the only perfect one in existence, being much more ample than any collection of my songs published even in Europe, and the only authentic copy of my poetical works in this country, it having gone through typographical corrections under my own hand."

21-Herdsmen and Tillers of the Ground; or, Illustrations of Early Civilization. By Mrs. PERCY LINNETT. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

The present volume, with one which preceded it, is intended as part of a descriptive history of the Progress of Civilization, as far as it can be made interesting to juvenile readers; and a series of sketches of the life of races existing at present in various stages of advancement. The subjects included in this volume, are the Nomadic Herdsinen of Silena-the Pastoral Tribes of the Asiatic Land-the Mountaineers of Caucasus-Calmucks and Krughts, or Cossacks of Independent Tartary, etc. It is amusing and instructive, and the highly colored engravings, illustrative of the subjects, are spirited and life-like.

22.-Glimpses of the Wonderful. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

This is a beautiful annual, designed for children and youth. The wonders of nature and art are combined in a happy and attractive form. Amusement is here rendered subservient to information that is well calculated to enlarge the intellect of the young mind. The several "wonders" are illustrated with well executed cuts.

23.--The Modern Standard Drama; A Collection of the most Popular Acting Plays, with Critical Remarks; also, the Business of the Stage, Costumes, etc. Edited by EPES SARGENT, author of “Velasco, a Tragedy," etc. Vol. III. New York: William Taylor & Co.

The third volume of this collection of popular plays, just completed, includes,-The Poor GentlemanHamlet-Charles II.-Venice Preserved--Pizarro--The Love Chase--Othello-Lend Me Five Shillings. The volume also contains a brief memoir of Mr. William Burton, and a portrait of that gentleman in Dr. Ollapod, in the comedy of the " Poor Gentleman."

24.-The Roman Traitor; a True Tale of the Republic. A Historical Romance. By HENRY WILLIAM HERBERT, author of "Marmaduke Wyvil," "Cromwell," "The Brothers." New York: William Taylor & Co.

This is the first attempt of the author, as we are informed, in classical fiction, and he has chosen the conspiracy of Catiline as a theme particularly adapted for the purpose, and as being, moreover, an actual event of vast importance, in many respects unparalleled in history. Mr. Herbert, it would seem, to the history of the strange events related in this tale, has scrupulously adhered; and the dates, facts, and character of the individuals introduced, we are assured, will not be found in any material respect erroneous or untrue.

25.-The Complete Poetical Works of Thomas Campbell; with a Memoir of his Life, and an Essay on Ais Genius and Writings. Illustrated with Fine Steel Engravings. New York: D. Appleton & Co. It would be a work of supererogation, on our part, to speak of the poems or power of Campbell. There are few but what admire his subdued enthusiasın; and it has been, we believe, very truly, said of him, that he is par excellence the poet of the fair sex. There are, perhaps, no works more relished by cultivated females. But our chief object is to notice the present edition, which appears in uniform style with the publisher's standard poets, some ten or dozen volumes of which have already appeared. In some respects, it is handsomer-the type is larger, and the illustrations, many of them, better.

26.-Sailors' Life and Sailors' Yarns. By Captain RINGBOLT. New York: Charles S. Francis. A portion of the contents of this volume was originally published in the Boston Journal; written, as the author says, for his own amusement in leisure hours, at sea. The "yarns," as they are termed, we have the assurance, are founded upon fact; and some are strictly true, with the exception of the names of persons. These sketches of a sailor's life, and narratives of incidents at sea, are written in an agreeable vein; and the sentiments which many of them contain cannot fail to commend themselves to sailors, and to those interested in the sailor's welfare. We commend it to all who “go down to the sea in ships, or do business upon the great deep," either in the capacity of seamen or passengers, as alike interesting and instructive.

-Discourses on Human Nature, Human Life, and the Nature of Religion. By ORVILLE DEWEY, D. D., Pastor of the Church of the Messiah, in New York. New York: C. S. Francis & Co. Dr. Dewey has embodied in the present collection, not only most of the sermons and essays that have been published in his name, but has added several sermons not before printed, together with articles from reviews, and occasional discourses. A number of discourses, etc., are arranged under distinct heads, as "Human Nature," "Human Life," and the "Nature of Religion." The word dull will not apply to any thing from the pen of Dr. Dewey. Sermons, with him, are finished essays, full of deep and manly thoughts. His style is eminently nervous, impressive, bold; and the conservative portion of the Unitarian denomination, have not a more able and powerful exponent of their faith. The present volume is, in the main, practical; and may be read by the liberal and intelligent of all sects with advantage.

28-Flowers for Children. By L. MARIA CHILD, author of "Mothers' Book," ," "New York Letters," etc. III. For Children of Eleven and Twelve Years of Age. New York: C. S. Francis & Co. This little volume, one of an admirable series, consists of tales, poems, and sketches, adapted to the tastes of children; written in that pure and loving spirit, so characteristic of every thing from the author's pen--all in her happiest and best vein. To those who know the author, the announcement is enough; and to those who do not, we can only heartily commend whatever she writes--sure that we run no risk in doing so.

29.-Greenwood Illustrated, in a Series of Picturesque and Monumental Views, in highly-finished Line Engraving, from Drawings taken on the spot. By JAMES SMILLIE. The Descriptive Notices by N CLEVELAND. Part III. New York: R. Martin.

We spoke in terms of high commendation of the two previous parts. The present is equal in all respects. It contains a correct map of Greenwood, surrounded by four beautiful views of Lorn Girt Hill, Ocean Hill, the Monument to Wm A. Lawrence, Arbor Water, and the Receiving Tomb. There are, besides, a view of the Tour Fern Hill, and another of Ocean Hill.

30.-The Scripture Treasury, being the Second Part of the Scripture Text-Book; arranged for the use of Ministers, Sabbath School Teachers, and Families. Designed to afford a General View of the Manners, Customs, and History of the Jews and other Nations mentioned in Scripture, and of the Geography, Natural History, and Arts of the Ancients, together with a variety of other subjects recorded or referred to in the Sacred Volume. New York: Lewis Colby & Co.

The object of this book is succinctly stated in the title-page, and we should consider it an excellent aid to all persons studying the sacred Scriptures, either for religious or literary purposes.

31-Life in New York. By the author of "The Old White Meeting-House." New York: R. Carter. The sketches of this little volume purport to be drawn from life; and they are given to the world, says the author, that the interior life of the great city may be known to those that read. The design of the author is beneficent, and his sketches of life in New York generally graphic; but his views of society, as it now exists, lamentably superficial. He has no faith in "Fourierism," or the efforts of any of our modern reformers, to make it better; while he admits that "there is a shocking want of humanity in this community." We hail every work of this class, though deficient in the elements of vital reform, as prophetic of "the better time coming."

32.-Julia Ormond; or the New Settlement. By the authoress of" The Two Schools." New York: Edward Dunigan.

This tasty volume forms the seventh, of "Dunigan's Home Library;" a series of tales of a social' moral, and religious tendency, designed chiefly for Catholic families. The beautiful style in which they are published, as well as their literary merit, will render them attractive to many who do not belong to the church.