remarks on the marches of Alexander, and the retreat of the Ten Thousand. Capt. Beaufort has a Description of the Remains of Antiquity on the South Coast of Asia Minor, with plates and charts, nearly ready for publication. Dr. Irving is preparing an enlarged edition of the Memoirs of Buchanan; with an appendix, which will contain a great number of original papers. Mr. Isaac Blackburn, ship-builder at Plymouth, has ready for the press, a Treatise on the Science of Ship-building, illustrated by more than 120 figures and tables: it will form a quarto volume. Mr. Newman, of Soho-square, bas in the press, an Essay on the Analogy and Harmony of Colours, with a new theory of their relations and arrangement. T. S. Raffles, E-q. late lieutenantgovernor of Java, has in the press, in a quarto volume, an Account of the Island of Java. illustrated by a map and numerous plates. Miss Edgeworth has a Comic Dramas in the press. volume of The Rev. Dr. Symmons's translation of the Eneid of Virgil is nearly ready for publication, in a quarto volume. The late Professor Robison's System of Mechanical Philosophy, with 'notes and illustrations by Dr. Brewster, is printing in four octavo volumes, with numerous plates. John Shakespear, Esq. Professor of oriental languages at the East India Company's Military Seminary, will soon publish a Dictionary Hindoostani and English, in a large quarto volume. Miss Emily Greaves is preparing for publication, Select Amatory Poems, with essays on the passions and affections of the mind. Mrs. Henry Rolls, author of Sacred Sketches, has in the press, the Home of Love, a poem. Mr. C. Mills is printing, in an octavo volume, a History of Mohamedanism, or a view of the religious, political, and literary annals of the disciples of the Arabian prophet. Mr. Andrew Horn has in the press, in a quarto volume, Illustrations of the Mosaic Cosmogony and Noah's Deluge. Esop Modernised and Moralized, in a series of instructive tales, intended as reading lessons for youth, with an Appendix of Poetic Readings, will soon appear. Placide, or les Battuecas, a Spanish tale, from the French of Madame de Genlis, is printing in two duodecimo volumes. Melincourt, in three volumes, by the author of Headlong Hall, is in the press. Mr. Edgeworth has a new edition in the press, of his Essay on Roads and Carriages, with additions and corrections. An Edinburgh. Monthly Magazine is about to be commenced: the first number will appear early in April. Just ready for publication, a new edition of the Rev. J. Brown's (Author of the Self Interpreting Bible) Body of Divinity; or, View of Natural and Revealed Religion with an Address to Students: beautifully printed from a copy corrected by the Author. 1 vol. Svo. *** This Work has been long very scarce it will be a valuable acquisi. tion to every Minister and Student. The Rev. J. Thornton has a new work just ready for publication, in 1 vol. 12mo. entitled, Serious Warnings addressed to various Classes of Persons, viz. to the Lovers of Vain PleasureTo the Self Righteous-To the Negligent and Dilatory-To Apostates and Backsliders. A new and greatly enlarged edition, by the Author, of the Rev. Rowland Hill's celebrated Village Dialogues, is in the press, and will be completed in about 24 Numbers. No. I. will appear on the first of April, with a portrait of the author, price 6d. Preparing for publication, the Portraiture of Protestant Nonconformity: to which are appended, Remarks on the Political Character of Dissenters. In one volume 8ro. Art. XIII. LIST OF WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED. ANATOMY. An Examination of the Objections, made in Britain against the Doctrines of Gall and Spurzheim, By J. G. Spurzheim, M. D. 8vo. price 2s. ANTIQUITIES. The History and Antiquities of the Abbey Church of St. Peter, Westminster. By E. W. Brayley. With Architectural and Graphic Illustrations by J. P. Neale. Part II. with fine Engravings, to be completed in two Volumes folio, to correspond with Dugdale's Monasticon, and Royal and Imperial quartos. BIOGRAPHY. Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the late Dr. Lettsom, with a Selection from his Correspondence with the prin cipal Literati and foreign Countries. By T. J. Pettigrew, F. L. S. Surgeon Extraordinary to the Dukes of Kent and Sussex, &c. &c. 3 vols. 8vo. 11. 16s. boards. : The British Plutarch, containing the Lives of the most eminent Divines, Patriots, Statesmen, Warriors, Philoso phers, Poets, and Artists of Great Britain and Ireland, from the Accession of Henry VIII. to the present Time, new edition, re-arranged and enriched with several additional Lives. By the Rev. Francis Wrangham, M, A. F. R, S. In 6 large vols. 8vo. price 31. 12s, boards. EDUCATION. A The French Scholar's First Book; comprising a copious Vocabulary, a Collection of Familiar Phrases, Reading Lessons, and a concise View of French Grammar, designed to introduce the Learner to the Compiler's Grammar. By P. Le Breton, A. M. Late of Exeter College, Oxford, and Master of the Academy in Poland-street. 2s. bound. The Book of Versions; or, Guide to French Translation and Construction. By J. Cherpilloud. 12mo. 3s. 6d. bound. HISTORY. A View of the History, Literature, and Religion of the Hindoos; including a minute description of their Manners and Customs, and Translations from their principal Works. By the Rev. W. Ward, one of the Baptist Missionaries at Serampore. Now first published in London, the third edition, carefully abridged and greatly improved. 2 vols. 8vo. 18s. boards. An Account of the Island of Jersey; containing a Compendium of its Ecclesiastical, Civil, and Mlitary History; a Statement of its Policy, Laws, Privileges, Commerce, Population, and Produce; a Survey of the Public Buildings, Antiquities, and Natural History; together with some Details respecting the Manners and Customs of the Inhabitants. By W. Plees, many years resident in Jersey. With highly finished Engravings, and a correct Map of the Island, 4to. with proof impressions of the Plates, 11. 15s., or 8vo. 11. 1s. bds. LAW. A Report of the Proceedings upon an Information in, the Nature of a Quo Warranto, at the Suit of the King against Waller O'Grady, Esq. respecting the Right of Appointment to the Office of Clerk of the Pleas in his Majesty's Court of Exchequer in Ireland, tried at Bar in the Court of King's Bench, Dublin, upon the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 22d, 23d, 25th, and 26th days of November, 1316. By R. W. Greene, Esq. Barrister at Law. 8vo. price 7s. 6d. boards. MATHEMATICS. An Elementary Treatise on the Dif ferential and Integral Calculates. By S. F. Lacroix. Translated from the French, with an Appendix and Notes. Illustrated by Plates. 8vo. 18s. MISCELLANEOUS. The First Number of the Literary Gazette and Journal of the Belles Lettres, on a large Sheet, containing 16 Pages, price 1s. to be continued regularly every Saturday. Noble's Catalogue of Books in different Departments of Literature. Boston, 6d. The Coin Act, designed for the use of `every one who has any thing to do with money, and who do not desire to be imposed upon. An Allegory. By J. C. Revised by the Rev. J. Churchill. 3d. Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield : Translated into French, by J. A. Voullaire. Fourth Edition, embellished with Engravings. 18mo. 3s. 6d. A Third Volume of the Curiosities of Literature, 8vo. 12s. boards. Or, with a New Edition (being the Sixth of Vol. I. and II.) in 3 vols. 8vo. 11. 16s. The Catholicon; or the Christian Philosopher: a Roman Catholic Monthly Magazine. No. 19, for Jan. 1817. 1s, A Reply to a Letter from a Rector to his Curate, on the Subject of the Bible Society: by a Deacon of the Church of England. 2s. 6d. MORAL PHILOSOPHY. Ethical Questions; or, Speculations on the Principal Subjects in Moral Philosophy. By T. Cogan, M. D. 8vo. 10s. 6d. boards. POETRY. Eccentricities for Edinburgh; containing Poems, entitled, a Lamentation to Scotch Booksellers.-Fire; or, the Sun Poker.-Mr. Champernoune.-The Luminous Historian'; or, Learning in Love.-London Rurality; or, Miss Bunn and Mrs. Bunt. By George Colman, the Younger, foolscap 8vo. 5s. The Shades of Waterloo! a Vision, in Verse; wherein many fallen Heroes are individually celebrated; the Conduct of particular Regiments severally noticed; and praise or censure deservedly applied to many living actors of that memorable drama. By M. Young. 8vo. 6s. The House of Mourning, a Poem, with some smaller Pieces. By John Scott. 8vo. 5s. 6d. sewed. The Conflagration of Moscow, a Poem. By the Rev. C. Colton, A. M. Author of "Hypocrisy." Second edition, with extensive additions, 8vo. 2s. 6d. sewed. Oina - Morul, one of the Minor Poems of Ossian, iu English Verse. 1s. 6d. Harold the Dauntless, a Poem in Six Cantos. By the Author of the Bridal of Triermain, foolscap 8vo. 7s. 6d. boards POLITICAL. Armata, a Fragment. 8vo. 8s. 6d. On the Present State of Public Affairs, 8vo. 3s. 6d. Cursory Hints on the Application of Public Subscriptions in providing Employment and Relief for the Labouring Classes; in a Letter to the Editor of "The Times." By a Member of the University of Oxford. 8vo. 1s. The Dangers with which Great Britain and Ireland are now menaced by the Demands of Irish Roman Catholics, shown, and approved from Authentic Documents. 8vo. price 3s. A View of the Agricultural, Commercial, and Financial Interests of Ceylon. With an Appendix; containing some of the principal Laws and Usages of the Candians; Port and Custom-house Regulations; Tables of Exports and Imports, Public Revenue and Expenditure, &c. &c. By Anthony Bertolacci, Esq. late Comptroller-general of Customs, and acting Auditor-general of Civil Accounts in that Colony. With a Map of the Island, compiled at Columbo, from the latest Surveys, in the year 1813, by Capt. Schneider, Ceylon Engineer. 8vo. 18s. Exposition of one Principal Cause of the National Distress, particularly in Manufacturing Districts, with some Suggestions for its Removal. 8vo. 1s. 6d. Christian Essays. By the Rev. Samuel Charles Wilks, A. M. of St. Ed mund Hall, Oxford, and Curate. of St. Martin's, Exeter. 2 vols. 8vo. 14s. Sermons, preached in the Parish Church of Kilmallie. By the Rev. John Ross, A. M. 8vo. 5s. boards. Scripture and Reason the only Test of Christian Truth: A Sermon, delivered at Lewin's Head Meeting, in Bristol, December 22, 1816; and published at the Request of the Congrega➤ tion. By John Rowe. 12mo, 1s. Prayers and Meditations, extracted from the Journal of the late Mrs. Trimmer. 12mo. 3s. bound, or 11. 13s, a dozen. *** A few Copies are printed on a fine paper, price 4s. in boards. The first Discourse of a Second Vindication of the Deity and Atonement of Jesus, including Testimonies from the most celebrated writers since the commencement of the Christian Era. By the Rev. John S. Thompson, Master of the French and Classical School, Kendal. 1s. 6d. A Series of Discourses on the Christian Revelation, viewed in connection with the Modern Astronomy. By Thomas Chalmers, D. D. Minister of the Tron Church, Glasgow. 8vo. 85, THE ECLECTIC REVIEW, FOR APRIL, 1817. Art. I. Tales of my Landlord, collected and arranged by Jedediah Cleishbotham, Schoolmaster and Parish Clerk of Gandercleugh. 4 Vols. 12mo. Price 11. 8s. Edinburgh. 1817. TRUTH,' says one of our best metaphysical writers, is not the less true, for that some hold it they know not how or why.' There are many general opinions afloat in the world, which we are apt to regard as mere prejudices, because they seem to have no root in the mind, and because many who receive and transmit them, would be at a loss to assign an intelligent reason for holding them; and yet they nevertheless are truths-portions of truth broken off, as it were, from the reasonings in which they had their origin. Prejudices are in fact only the accretions of error that have formed around the truths they envelop, and in rejecting them altogether, we are sure to throw away too much. A prejudice, and it may appear to some of our readers an unreasonable prejudice, has prevailed among a very large and respectable portion of the community, with respect to those distinguished and entertaining literary productions styled Novels and Romances. There is no question that many works under these titles, have been sufficiently pernicious in their tendency, to justify parental caution as to the indiscriminate admission of them; many that have been little better than artful preparations of moral poison. But a licentious or profane novel affords no sufficient ground for a sweeping condemnation of the whole class, which may possibly comprise some good ones; the general objection must therefore be established on other grounds. Opinions that rest on mere association of ideas, may properly be denominated prejudices; and that indefinite stigma expressed by a thing's having a bad name, which has rested upon works of this kind, and which has occasioned their being regarded in some instances with a sort of obscure religious horror, may seem to have no better foundation. When one of these con traband articles has by chance or by stealth found its way into the hands of a young person taught thus to regard them, the increased zest accompanying the perusal, has been mingled with surprise at not finding it so very bad. Of late, however, this prejudice has been giving way in favour of exceptions seeming to respect, but insidiously undermining, its authority. Novels under the unassuming name of tales,-" Moral Tales,' and "Simple Tales," and strangest of all, Religious Tales,— have found their way in channels where the proscribed name of Novel would immediately have roused alarm. Imboldened by success, modern novelists have assumed a higher tone, have proceeded to give lessons in history, civil and ecclesiastical, on the principles of education and of political economy, in ethics and in divinity. It suits well the superficial character of the age, to have information or opinions thus insinuated into the mind, without incurring the fatigue of inquiry or of studious attention, and without being exposed to the rude shock of truths hostile to its prejudices; and the facility with which an Author may by this means make any desired impression on the imagination of his readers, gives him a species of multiplying power in the re-production of his own sentiments, far above what is possessed by any writers who attempt to conduct their readers to a definite opinion, by means of a process of reasoning, or of the cautious details of history. With regard to the labour that is by this means saved to the writer himself, we shall have occasion to speak presently; but as to the advantageous effect of this new method of writing philosophy and history, we can compare it to nothing better than the assistance which a certain class of readers derive from what are termed illustrations' of our poets, or, as they used to be familiarly denominated, cuts, and which serve at once as a picture to relieve the eye, and as a hieroglyphic to aid the memory. Applied to history, indeed, the art of the novelist may be considered as strictly analogous to landscape gardening. In his hands the most rugged course of events is made to sweep along in the line of beauty; facts the most repulsive, are, by the skilful management of light and shade, made to assume a picturesque aspect; graceful and romantic incidents planted in the foreground, serve either for relief or concealment to the more obstinate features of the scene; and the dark array of truths which frown over the page of history, are thrown into perspective, and mellowed down into a pleasing indistinct grandeur. The omne tulit punctum is thus perfectly realized; for what is more useful than history, and what more pleasing than a. novel? An historical novel, therefore, must possess pre-eminent charms, and the Author of these Tales certainly deserves to be ranked as the very Rep ton of his art. |