THE BOOK TRADE.

1.- Waverley Novels. In 48 volumes. Illustrated. Household Edition. Boston: Ticknor & Fields.

Here, for the first time in the annals of American book-making, we have an edition of the Waverley Novels adequate to the author and to the subject. Boston may well be proud that to the enterprise of her publishers we are indebted for a series of books which will long stand unrivaled on this side of the Atlantic. Indeed, we almost doubt the reality of the title-page, and expect to see the imprint transmute itself to London in our hands; but when we turn the leaf and read the dedication, "To Washington Irving, the Friend of Sir Walter Scott," we feel that it is truly American. The paper is firm and white, and the type is beautifully clear. The illustrations are engraved in the finest manner, after original designs; and that these will be true to the scenes they portray, we have a guaranty in such names as Birket Foster, Landseer, Harvey, Faed, and Darley. The volumes are of the 16mo. size, and the publishers intend to continue the series, which they have just commenced with Waverley," by the publication of two volumes every month, until all are issued. The price is to be 75 cents per volume What better dress can brave Sir Walter wear? He has too long stood among us in a suit so threadbare that we turned our backs upon him coldly. Sometimes, to be sure, he has come to us in his courtly English garb, but then its very costliness and splendor forbade us to claim an intimate acquaintance with him. Now he comes to us richly yet plainly clad, and we need not fear to take him by the hand, and lead him home with us as an old friend and counselor. And in the whole domain of thought, there is none whose words have a truer meaning, whose wisdom is more profound; none who is more worthy of our love and honor, than rare Sir Walter Scott. He stands at the door, and his hand is on the latch. Let us bid him enter, and welcome him to the quiet round our hearths and the warmth within our hearts.

2.-Railroad Accidents; their Causes and the Means of Preventing them. By EMILE WITH, Civil Engineer. With an Introduction by AUGUSTE PERDONNET, Graduate of the Polytechnic School. Translated from the French, with an Appendix, by G. FORRESTER BARSTOW, Civil Engineer. 12mo., pp. 152. Boston: Little, Brown & Co.

would

This book should be purchased and diligently read by every person who is in any way connected with the management of a railroad. Its information is most important, and is given in excellent method and with great clearness. The general subject of railroad accidents," as they are termed, has been very frequently and forcibly brought before the minds of all. It has rarely happened that any catastrophe has occurred on a railroad which has not been directly owing to the ignorance or recklessness of man. A careful study of the causes of railroad accidents would be of benefit to all. In the language of the preface, it show those in charge of roads the dangers they are to guard against, and their own personal responsibility with respect to them; it would show passengers how many of the fatalities occurring on railroads are justly chargeable to the carelessness of the sufferers; it might show them also, that if they would travel safely, they must pay enough to maintain the road in perfect order in all its departments; and it would show stockholders that the surest protection against accidents is systematic management and the most perfect maintenance of their road in all its details."

3.-Marion Lester; or a Mother's Mistake. By Miss MINNIE S. DAVIS. 18mo., pp. 256. Boston: A. Tompkins.

A story of home and school life, launched, as the fair writer has it," upon the literary sea, already teeming with ten thousand lights." It inculcates a religion of love rather than of fear.

4.-Lake Ngami; or Explorations and Discoveries during four years' Wanderings in the Wilds of Southwestern Africa. By CHARLES JOHN ANDERSSON. With an Introductory Letter by JOHN CHARLES FREMONT. With numerous Illustrations, representing Sporting Adventures, subjects of Natural History, devices for Destroying wild Animals, etc. 8vo., pp. 433. New York: Dix & Edwards.

Col. Fremont, in his introductory letter to the publishers, states his belief that in "publishing an American edition of Mr. Andersson's valuable work," they "will render an acceptable service to the cause of geographical knowledge," and that "it is impossible that the record of his strange and important experiences should not, everywhere, be received by favor, particularly by Americans." Mr. Andersson's labors were directed to the same general object, and belonged to the same epoch as that body of explorers whose efforts have almost succeeded in throwing open the whole interior of Africa. It is not an unfounded anticipation which expects to see Africa traversed from Cape Colony to Tripoli within the next ten years. This "narrative of explorations and discoveries" contains an account of two expeditions through Southwestern Africa, between the years 1850 and 1854. In his first journey, the author had a companion, and explored the countries of the Damaras, (previously all but unknown in Europe,) and of the Ovambo, (till now a terra incognita.) In his second journey the author was alone, and altogether dependent on his own very scanty resources; but he cour ageously revisited the regions over which he had previously passed, and thus had many opportunities of enlarging the stock of information acquired by himself and friend when together. In this second journey the author reached the newlydiscovered Lake Ngami, by a route that had always been deemed impracticable; and it is more than probable that this route (the shortest and best) will be adopted as the one by which commerce and civilization may eventually find their way to the Lake regions. This edition is handsomely printed, in library style, and illustrated by numerous woodcuts.

5.-Sights in Boston and Suburbs; or Guide to the Stranger. By R. L. MIDGLEY. 16mo., pp. 224. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

This little volume, although not intended as a history, nor as an index to many public institutions, for which Boston is somewhat famous, contains information of general interest to the stranger in regard to churches, cemeteries, fortifications, halls, libraries, places of amusement, public buildings, and the various institutions, (literary, historical, and scientific,) railroads and depots, &c. The volume is copiously illustrated with fine wood engravings, by those clever artists, Billings, Hill, Barry, and Andrew.

6.-The Churches and Pastors of Washington, D. C.; dred Topics of Sermons delivered in 1855 and 1856. List of all the Church Edifices, and their Localities. SON. 12mo., pp. 170. New York: M. W. Dodd.

together with five hun

To which is added a By LOREnzo D. John

Washington is well supplied with churches of the different denominations, in which the whole brotherhood of the States have an equal interest. Leaving the political machinery in the District for the inspection of others, the author of this volume gives a very concise view of the moral aspect of things, in connection with the pastors and churches, in the Federal City.

7.----The Quadroon; or a Lover's Adventures in Louisiana.

46

By Capt. MAYNE REID, author of the Rifle Rangers," the "Scalp Hunters," the "Hunters' Feast," etc. 12mo., pp. 379. New York: Robert M. De Witt.

This book, we are told by the author, is a romance, nothing more; and further, that it was written many years ago; but another well-known work, treating of similar scenes and subject, just as the "Quadroon" was about to be put to press, made its appearance, and the author not being willing to be considered an imitator, kept the work from the public eye. It is now presented to the reader as a painting of life in Louisiana. The author disclaims all "intention" of aiding the abolitionist, or glorifying the planter.

8-Science vs. Modern Spiritualism. A Treatise on Turning Tables, the Supernatural in general, and Spirits. Translated from the French of Count AGENOR DE GASPARIN, by E. W. ROBERT, with an Introduction by Rev. ROBERT BAIRD, D. D. 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 470 and 469. New York: Kiggins & Kellogg.

Count Agenor de Gasparin, the author of these volumes, is one of the most distinguished French Protestants of our times. He is a scholar, in the highest sense of the word, and the author of several interesting and important works, besides numerous lesser publications. He belongs to what is called in France the "Evangelical School," in contradistinction to that which is termed "Latitudinarian." Since 1848 he has resided at the village of Valleyres, in Switzerland; and it was there that in the years 1853-54 his attention was called to the subject of the "Turning Tables." He applied himself to the study of its causes, and devoted several months to the investigation, in connection with the aid of personal friends. These volumes contain a very full account of the experiments which he made with so much care, and on so many occasions. and the conclusions to which he came; also his speculations on other kindred subjects, such as the Supernatural in general, the Agency of Spirits, False Miracles, Animal Magnetism, Spirit Rappings, etc. These topics are treated at length, with the vivacity which characterizes the French mind, and in the style in which it expresses its conceptions; and with more than ordinary ability. Dr. Baird, from many years acquaint ce with the author, "assures the readers of this work, that it is the production on a mind not likely to be satisfied with insufficient data, or misled by illogical deductions, and incapable of attempting to impose on others." 9.-A Course of Lectures on the Constitutional Jurisprudence of the United States; delivered annually in Columbia College, New York, by WILLIAM ALEXANDER DUER, LL. D., late PRESIDENT of that Institution. The Second Edition; Revised, Enlarged, and Adapted to Professional as well as General Use. 12mo., pp. 545. Boston: Little, Brown & Co.

The maxim of Cicero, taken by the author of this volume for its motto, that "It is necessary for all persons to have some knowledge of the State," was never more applicable than to American citizens at the present day. The Constitution is the political catechism of the nation, and should be most faithfully studied by all. And a book like this which traces accurately and clearly, with a judicial pen and judicial experience, the principles and practical working of the body of Jurisprudence of the United States, is of the utmost importance and interest. The introductory part of the work is a sketch of the history of the Confederation down to the present Constitution, and an appendix supplies the text of several valuable documents. In this new edition the author has added the most important subsequent decisions upon constitutional questions, both of the Federal and State Courts, down as nearly as possible to the present time, besides many other improvements. The work is printed in the best style of its publishers 10.—The School-Fellow; or Original Monthly Magazine for Boys and Girls. With Illustrations. 8vo., pp. 438. New York: Dix, Edwards & Co.

The volume of this periodical for the year 1856, forms altogether one of the most readable and withal instructive and entertaining books for boys and girls of all ages that has been published during the year. The contents of the volume are varied, including every variety of subject, such as short and entertaining stories, brief biographies of some of the most remarkable men of our own time, historical sketches, geographical descriptions, poetical effusions, &c. It is copiously illustrated with pretty and appropriate engravings.

11.-Kathie Brande. A Fireside History of a Quiet Life. By HOLME LEE. 12mo., pp. 334. New York: Harper & Brothers.

A reprint of an English story, by the author of "Thorney Hall," "Gilbert Massenger," "Maud Talbot," and other popular stories. It is written in an agreeable style, and describes the joys and sorrows of a fireside life, by one whose ex perience was evidently the great teacher.

12.-The Ballads of Ireland; Collected and Edited by EDWARD HAYES. In two volumes. 12mo., pp. 350, 380. Boston: Patrick Donahoe.

With few exceptions the present ballads are of recent growth, and the fruit of a comparatively few years. The great majority of them will be new to the English and American public. They are the throbbings of Ireland's heart when it bounded with the life of a grand passion, which the magical genius of O'Connell called into existence. Till then Irish poetry was sadly neglected. The struggle for Catholic emancipation had produced little beside the immortal melodies of Thomas Moore. The old literature of the land, had never been used for the development of a ballad minstrelsy; the treasures of the dead Irish language were buried in oblivion. No country is richer than Ireland in those poetic records which form the early history of all nations. And her bardic productions have an importance unknown to similar records of other lands. Her truest ancient history will be found in the stray ballads of her persecuted bards, and the memoranda of her banished monks. Her modern minstrelsy is thoroughly Irish in thought and feeling, although English in expression. She has wielded a foreign tongue with case and strength, molding it into gorgeous rhetoric and sweetest song. These volumes deserve to be commended to all, for there are none who may not be benefited by their perusal.

13.—Elements of Plane and Solid Geometry; together with the Elements of Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, and an Article on Inverse Trigonometrical Functions. By GERARDUS BEEKMAN DOCHARITY, LL. D. 12mo., pp. 189. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The author of this educational treatise is at the head of the Mathematical Department in the New York Free Academy, and the author of a "Practical and Commercial Arithmetic." and the "Institutes of Algebra." His experience as a teacher of youth has undoubtedly contributed to his success in this class of textbooks, and it is but fair to presume that the student will find much in this treatise to interest him, and at the same time exercise his analytical skill, and prepare him for a successful prosecution of his studies in the higher departments of mathematics, astronomy, and physics.

14.-God against Slavery; and the Freedom and Duty of the Pulpit to Rebuke it as a Sin against God. By GEORGE B. Cheever, D. D. 12mo., pp. 272. This volume consists of a series of sermons, (divided into some twenty chapters,) which, we are told, multitudes thronged the church, night after night, to hear. It is rather curious to hear ministers of the gospel in different sections of the Union, of the same denomination, presenting views on the subject of slavery so entirely antagonistic. Mr. Cheever's brethren in the South, the majority of them at least, quote the same Scriptures to show that God is in favor of, or santions, slavery. The author is an "out-and-out" spoken man, and whatever may be thought of the soundness of his logic, he is certainly a bold and vigorous writer and speaker, and no one, we presume, will doubt the honesty of his convictions, or misunderstand "the meaning of his words."

15.-A System of Moral Science. By LAURENS P. HICKOK, D. D., author of "Rational Psychology," &c. Third Edition. 12mo., pp. 418. New York: Ivison & Phinney.

This volume is designed as a text-book for college study, and to be used in the author's own department of instruction at Union College. The first edition has gone into use in colleges and academies as extensively as was anticipated, and the work has been reprinted in cheaper stereotype form, to meet the increased demand.

16.-Altha; or Shells from the Strand. By Mrs. ADA M. FIELD. 12mo., pp. 300. Boston: James French & Co.

This new work is written in a style different from most of the present literature. It contains many interesting passages on patriotism and religion, with expressions of sentiment and affection, interworked with the continuous narrative of scenes in life.

17.-Consumption. By Dr. W. W. HALL. 12mo., pp. 276. New York: J.

S. Redfield.

Dr. Hall's idea of a "preface" is, in common parlance, somewhat original. It is, nevertheless, a very sensible one. He regards it, when properly written, one of the most important chapters of a book; that is, when it gives a sketch of the whole volume, and of the mind of the author. "Scholars," he says, "read it carefully." Editors do at least we do, as in the multitude of books on our table we can scarcely find time to read any other part, except dipping in here and there at random, or reading a single page at a glance. The preface" (the idea is unique) will be found in the concluding chapter. From this chapter may be gathered the prominent ideas presented in the preceding pages. Common consumption, he maintains, may be indefinitely arrested or permanently cured. The cause of consumption arises from imperfect nutrition and an impure blood, arising from imperfect digestion and the breathing of an impure atmosphere. There is much sound, common sense in this treatise, which, divested in a great measure of the technicalities of the profession, is admirably well adapted as a popular "handbook," and that may be read with safety by all but extremely nervous patients. The volume is dedicated "to the candid and mature consideration of educated physicians of all schools."

18.-Mind and Heart; or School and Fireside Reading for Children. By WILLIAM B. FOWLE. 18mo., pp. 159. Boston: Morris Cotton.

Mr. Fowle, the author of this little volume, is, or was for a long time, a successful teacher in the public schools in Boston, and is the author of a number of works, dialogues, &c., designed for the instruction and amusement of children. He understands and fully appreciates their wants, and all he writes is " calculated to elevate the mind and improve the heart, by encouraging a love for useful knowledge, and a respect for true religion.

19.-The Adventures of a Roving Diplomatist. By HENRY WIKOFF, author of "My Courtship, and its Consequences." 12mo., pp. . 299. New York: W. P. Fetridge & Co.

Mr. Wikoff, although yet comparatively a young man, has seen much of life in its varied phases. His " Courtship and its Consequences" produced at the time quite a sensation in the fashionable world, and this volume, which we notice has been published in England, will undoubtedly create not a little stir among diplomatists on the continent. It is written in a lively, piquant style, and betrays the marked idiosyncrasies of the author's mind and character.

20.-Life in Israel; or, Portraitures of Hebrew Character. By MARIA T. RICHARDS, author of "Life in Judea." 12mo., pp. 389. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman & Co.

These sketches belong to a series. (of which a part have already been given to the public, under the title of "Life in Judea,") connected by a chain of succes. sive developments of one idea-that of a coming Saviour. This idea is traced through the history of "the chosen people," from the dawn of the early promises to the full establishment of the kingdom of heaven upon earth.

21.-A Sheaf from a Pastor's Field. By HENRY C. LEONARD. 12mo., pp. 384. Boston: Abel Tompkins.

This neat volume comprises thirth-nine discourses, which contain the various lessons of a village pastor. They are, in simple terms, the expression of the convictions of the author, (who is pastor of the Universalist Society in Waterville, Me.,) in relation to God, to the Saviour, to the nature of man, to human destiny, to discipline and trial, and to Christian life and worship.

22.-Town and Country, and the Voices in the Shells. By RICHARD HENRY STODDARD. 18mo. New York: Dix, Edwards & Co. This "fantasy," as the author calls it, is dedicated to his son, little Will. Stoddard, a blue-eyed boy of two summers. It is a pretty book, with several very

fine illustrations.