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oover ig in the hands of the engraver, and we shall are no pains to make the work unequalled of its kind* Once more we say to our friends—especially to j arents and teachers —send in subscriptions as early iiji possible. t ( 2Tf)c 3Lttcrar P£?oritr. Recent Publications.—The Messrs. Harper have ready a very elegant edition of the PoemS of t’owper, illustrated most beautifully. It will be an appropriate gift-book for tho approaching holidays. Carey & Hart have issued a superbly illustrated edition of Mrs. Sigourney’s Poems ; also, an elegant volume of the British Female Poets, by Frederick Rowton. Putnam’s Illustrated Edition of the Sketch Book of Irving is among the most attractive books of the season. Books in Press. —Carey & Hart announce The Female Poets of America, by Dr. Griswold, and to he issued uniformly with his Poets and Poetry of America. This will be the third handsome volume devoted to the lady-poets of our country, published this season —a fact which speaks well for the genius of our women! Tho Harpers will publish two new novels by the indefatigable James. Well, let the critics carp— ve doubt if they can make more attractive books.— They will also issue “ The Caxtons” a Family Pic ture, by Bulwer. Macauley’s History of England is announced for tlic Ist proximo. Putnam will soon publish “Bracebridge Hall”— Yol. 4 of Irving’s uniform works. A Splendid Book.—Air. Putnam lias printed 250 copies, only, of a most recherche and superb volume, which he calls “ Lays of the Western World.” It is a small folio, each page exhibiting borders and vignettes, printed in gold, silver, and colors—the finest specimens of illumination yet pro duced in this country. It contains poems by Bry ant, Hoffman, Mrs. Osgood, and other distinguished American writers. To the other vives of the day, we must add the cry, Vive la luxe ! ©ur CSosstj) Column. We thought our correspondent “ Bayard” was venturing upon dangerous ground when he made that allusion to Miss Mclntosh’s “Charms and Counter-Charms,” in his third letter, and impugned the judgment of woman in matters of science. And, sure enough, a fair correspondent lias taken him in hand, as our readers will see by a letter in the pres ent number. “ A Learner” certainly makes a strong argument in favor of woman’s judgment, by instanc ing the case of Lady Alary Wortley Montagu; and “Bayard” will have to acknowledge, we fancy, that ho had better not have said anything at all about the ladies, than to disparage their judgment. In a pri vate note from our esteemed lady correspondent, we find the following query touching “ Bayard.” “Is lie a ‘ single gentleman,’ or one whose understand ing, though sufficient for an ‘ advocate of science,’is not comprehensive enough to enable him to choose aright from womankind'?” We are happy to an nounce, in behalf of our friend, that little regard as he seems to have for woman’s judgment in matters of science, he nevertheless prizes her affection so highly as to have chosen one “bright particular star” as the centre of his hopes and desires for life. We have no doubt, moreover, that he has unwitting ly committed himself to an opinion of the sex, that he does not in reality cherish ; and if he is disposed to vindicate himself, he shall have “ ample space and verge enough” in our columns We wish all our readers could share the treat we have been enjoying for some evenings past, in turning over the pages of truly superb volumes —both Amer ican and English. AVe have exulted over the man ifest progress of the art of book-making this side of the Atlantic, and think it will not long be an easy matter to distinguish an English book by its mere appearance. With such specimens of American skill as are afforded in the Illustrated Sketch Book °f Irving, from the elegant press of Putnam —“ The Women of the Bible,” a magnificently illustrated quarto, from the Appletons, of New York —“The Female Poets of America,” illustrated by the poet Head, and the “ Leaflets of Memory” Annual, both from E. 11. Butler & Cos , of Philadelphia—the “ Com of the Season,” from Leavitt, Trow & Cos., °f New York—and others from different sources — with such specimens of book-making as these, we may safely challenge English Publishers to a com- J&rison. The rapid progress of the Fine Arts in this country is certainly cause for congratulation . . . • • Let us say to our readers in this vicinity, that Mr. Thomas A Burke is prepared, as the lion. Sec letary of the American Art Union for Athens, to re ceive and transmit subscriptions for the present year. Five Dollars will secure to the subscriber a port-folio es Illustrations of Kip Van Winkle, by that eminent artist, Harley—also, a fine steel-plate of Queen Ma ry signing the Death Warrant of Lady Jane Grey; an d it will also afford him an equal chance with any subscriber, to draw one of the fine bronze medals, or “* the snlendid oil paintings purchased by the Union 3©® If !21 IE SSI ILiJ'tf [£[&&&¥ ®A g g IB ♦ for distribution in December. No one designing to become a subscriber should delay a single day to have his name entered on the books The great political battle is over, and now that the din has ceased and the smoke is rapidly clearing away, we are able to look abroad and witness the results of the contest. First of these, in point of conse quence, is the election of Zachary Taylor to be the next President of this wide-spreading Union—a result which affords as much chagrin to one party as it does gratification to another. We trust, howev er, that since the die is cast, all true patriots will unite in endeavoring to promote the honor and glory and prosperity of the Republic, while under the gnidance of a leader, whom all men honored and ap plauded on tho battle-fields of Alexico, and against whose integrity even party rancor has not lifted its voice. If all cannot rejoice that the gallant soldier has been elected to the highest place in our great Na tional Council, at least we caa resolve to do nothing and to neglect nothing—the doing or neglecting of which will, in the minutest degree, affect the honor of the country under his administration. Now that the contest is ended, let us all be brethren—vieing with each other to increase the glory of our coun try, and to diffuse over all the land the blessings of education and piety. Let party distinctions cease, and the names which have hitherto arrayed the people into opposite ranks, be merged into the more sacred name of patriots. It is, certainly, a wonder ful trait of the American character, that, while up on tho eve of a popular election the masses are di vided into apparently irreconcilable factions, no sooner is the question, which arrays them against each other, settled, than the whole body is imme diately possessed, as if by magic, of that grand principle which France so idly boasts in her nation ality—‘Fraternite.’ Our’s is, indeed, a fraternity, a blessed heaven-born union of heart and hand, which clouds may obscure, but which storms cannot destroy. We are not sufficiently imbued with the spirit of party, to make a success or a defeat a mat ter of such interest as to lead us to overlook the fact that, while true patriotism sways the hearts of our leaders, they cannot go far astray, and that where a great people is so closely divided as in the late con test, the triumphant party should never fail in re spect for the opinions and preferences of the other. Again, therefore, do we say —let us be henceforth neither AVhigs nor Democrats, but brethren and patriots. So shall our country continue to afford to the throne-burdened nations of Europe the subli mest spectacle of modern times —a nation of twenty millions of people successfully self-governed! ©uc 3300fc 2Tahlc. Publishers and Authors who desire to have their Books noticed in this Gazette are requested to send cop. ies to Editor through Stringer k Townsend, New r -York, or Carey &, Hart, Philadelphia. The Gambler; or, The Policeman’s Story. By Charles Burdett. One vol. 18mo. pp. 179. New York : Baker & Scribner. Ilow fearful are the records of the misery, degra dation and death, which have resulted from the dreadful vice of Gaming—a vice as cruel and insa tiate as the Grave. In the little volume before us, we have a beautiful and feeling narrative of the ca reer of a man who was dragged by this demon-vice from a high position to the Lunatic Asylum, on Blackwell’s Island—involving his once happy family in misery and wo —causing shame to his daughter— death to his wife, and ruin to his sons, The story is a true one in its principal facts, and illustrates the terrible fascinations of the gaming-table, and the power of the fatal passion when it has once been cherished. The story of the Andrews has many sad parallels in every-day life, and it is well to sound it aloud as a warning to youth not to venture —once even—the unhallowed portals of the gambler’s den, and to avoid every species of a vice so fearful in its results to body and soul. Tiie Juvenile Scrap-Book, for 1849. A Christ mas and New Year’s Present for Young People. Edited by Grandfather Merryman. New York: D. Appleton & Cos. This is one of those charming little volumes, which are prepared for good boys and girls, “ all in the merrie Christmas times,” and, our word on it, is a very pretty hook. It contains no fewer than twenty-eight beautiful steel engravings, with an equal number of delightful stories, which good old Grandfather Merryman told to his little grand daughter during the holidays. AVe hope many of our little readers will find it on their tables next Christmas or New Year’s morning. Duff’s North American Accountant: Embra cing Single and Double Entry Book Keeping, Practically adapted to the Inland and Mara time Commerce of the United States. By P. Duff. New York: Harper & Brothers. This is an eminently practical work, by a Mer chant, and is highly commended by a Special Com mittee of Merchants and Accountants, appointed by the Board of Managers of tho American Institute, and by several eminent Accountants in New York. \Vc have slightly examined the work, and it appears to us to bv a complete system of Book-keeping. The Women of the American Revolution. By Elizabeth F. Ellet. In 2 vols. I2mo. pp. 348, 312. New York: Baker & Scribner. Airs. Ellet has certainly rendered an acceptable service to American History, by affording us this very interesting and extensive view of tho domestic character of the Revolutionary strugglo. It was not to bo doubted that the mothers, wives and daugh ters, of the noble-hearted men, who battled so bravely and so sacrificingly for their country’s hon or, and for their own freedom, were heroic women. The evidence of the fact, as exhibited in Mrs. El let’s volumes, is both abundant and gratifying. Such women as Mary and Alartha Washington, Catharine Greene, Alary AVarren, and a host of other equally illustrious names, could not fail to in fluence tho character of that protracted struggle, which, through their exalted devotion, and the over ruling Hand of Providence, their sons and husbands achieved. All honor, then, and gratitude be paid by the millions of Columbia’s sons and daughters to the memory of those illustrious women whose memo ries are contained in the work under notice. Os the manner in which Mrs. Ellet has performed her task, we will merely remark that it appears to be judicious and satisfactory. That her volumes contain the memoirs of all the brave and noble wo men who gave tone to the American Revolution is not to be supposed. They certainly do, however, embody much information that is not only of great interest to the which for this timely com pilation might have been lost for ever. Airs. Ellet has had able and varied assistance in preparing her volumes —and all the sketches bear the impress of care and taste in their’ manner as well as matter. The book will be read with interest by thousands, and will increase the reputation of its fair author — herself a descendant o f one of the bravo officers of the Revolution. Primary Physiology, i> t Schools. By Edward J avvis, AI. D. Philadelphia : Thomas, Cowperth waite & Cos. Some time since, we commended Dr. Jarvis’ Phy siology, a work adapted for Academies and High Schools. AVe have now, from the same source, a little volume preliminary to that, suited to the beginner in the important study of Physiology. AVe are entirely pleased with the manner in which the science is explained to the juvenile mind, and we believe the work to be just the thing that is needed. It is neat and cheap. History’ of Alary, Queen of Scots. By Jacob Abbott. Cne vol. 18mo. pp. 286. New York: Harper & Brothers. This is a most acceptable offering to young read ers, by a writer wlio enjoys no small share of well earned popularity. He tells us that he has written this narrative of tho eventful history of Queen Ma ry —one of a series of historical books he is prepar ing—to meet the demand of the American youth for such narrations adapted to their peculiar position and views. That he will succeed in his purpose, cannot be doubted. The publishers have put forth this volume in a charming dress. Its fine paper, beautiful engra vings, and richly illuminated title page, combined with its handsome exterior, make it quite suitable for a gift-book. Stray Subjects, Arrested and Bound Over. Be ing the Fugitive Offspring of the “ Old ’ln” and the “ Young ’Un.” Philadelphia: Carey & Hart This is No. XVII of “ Carey & Hart’s Humorous Library,” and is a regular mirth-provoking book. — The sketches have been widely read in the newspa pers, hut there they lacked the charm of Darley’s in imitable pictures—which alone are worth the prico of the volume. Mirabeau, a Life History, in Four Books. In one vol., I2mo. pp. 347. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard. Gabriel Ilonore de Riquette, Count of Mirabeau, was the most extraordinary man of his times in France, and his memoirs, written either in indis criminate censure, or blinded praise, abound with episodes of intense interest and proofs of his wonder ful genius. \Vc have read this “ Life History” with no com mon attention —excited not only by the subject, but also by the style of the book. Tho author is an En glishman —writing under the impulse of a lofty and enthusiastic admiration of Alirabeau —whose strange career of mingled shame and glory, degradation and exaltation, debasing passions and overwhelming in tellect, he sketches with a hold and somewhat eccen tric hand. The style of the book is eminently Car- I lylean —abounding in imitations of that great wri ter —imitations, however, which are most palpable in the use of compound words, suoh as —life-lot, un workers, Fame-temple, &e. These are affectations which may be overlooked in a work that bears the impress of Alind, and the author of this Life Histo ry thinks and speaks for himself. AVith a pen that moves in obedience to his will, he traces the won derful career of Mirabeau—his early life under the cloud of his father’s dislike—hi3 imprisonment—his connection with the beautiful Sophie de Ruffey— their farcical separation —his amour with another frail beauty, Henrietta Amelia Van llaren—his flight to England—his return to Paris—and his sub sequent brilliant career as a Alember of the Third Estate in the States General, or National Assembly as it was afterwards called —his grand oratorical triumphs on tho tribune, and his abandonment, in the last few months of his life, to the most unbridled licentiousness —which, together with his gigantic labors in endeavoring to control the tempest of Rev olution which lie had greatly contributed to raise, wasted his giant physical and intellectual system. Strange and wonderful, indeed, were the events that crowded tho lifo of Mirabeau ; and while we cannot, with his biographer, excuse his amours, and overlook his glaring vices, we are compelled to as sent to the force of the following plea of our author: “ In the name of common justice, (to say nothing of charity,) what can you expect from such a train ing-up in no way whatsoever ! Do goodness, virtue, piety, spring up indigenous in the human heart, or have they to be planted? If the world’s appointed sower (the parent) sow tho fair seed-field with no thing —or if with anything, with tares—how can the world expect an unmixed corn-crop? If the world get nothing in such a case, it is as much ns it has a right to expect; if the world get a mingled crop of tares and wheat, should it notrqjoice greatly in hav ing so reaped where it did not sow, and not anathe matize the field because it produced no more ! Mi rabeau, rising from such a wilderness of woe into the mighty man who out-thundered his everlasting word-magic from the tribune of the French Assem bly, is one of the wonders of the world. The natu ral result of his education would have been an im moral and bad man without mitigation; many men have been immoral and bad with less excuse for their immorality and badness, and been less decried than he. How unjust, therefore, seems that decrying, when ho became a man in whom badness was the exception, not the preponderance ; when he became, in fact, the the greatest of his nation ; or, rather, (since the word great implies, as we take it, some qualities Mirabeau lacked, or, possessing, misap plied,) let us call him the gigantic man, not only of his own nation, but of all the world. Gigantic is the true term, —he was indeed gigan tic—something like those old mythological giants who hurled mountains at the gods. His disting uishing feature is, that on whatever ho labored was imprinted the broad, unmistakable stamp of mascu linity.” In summing up the character of Mirabeau, the bi ographer deduces this admirable “ moral lesson.” “ That, however rightly intent ionod and natural ly good the heart may be, its stability cannot be do pended upon, unless some life-principle be taken up early in life and steadily followed. This is most manifest in Mirabeau —that his disposition was gen erous and right, that his heart was kind and good, ive cannot doubt; but, owing to the absence of those, good qualities being duly trained into the proper channel, they were greatly nullified ; and it was purely from the reason that we find in him no defi nite, settled fixedness of purpose, no unwaveringly devoted attachment to the Upper Power, that we were constrained to withhold from him the glorious epithet of Great; contenting ourselves with bestow ing the bastard one of Gigantic. Had Mirabeau been religious, one sees not what dignified pinnacle in the fame-temple he had not occupied;—whether Shakspeare, or Luther, ojr Homer had not paled be fore him ?” A wonderful, almost unparalleled, Life-history was that we have thus briefly noticed ! “The Image of iiis Father,” or Ono Boy is more Trouble than a dozen Girls. Philadelphia: Ca rey & Hart. This work must possess merit, or two editions would hardly appear at once from tho American press. Besides this cheap edition of Carey & Hart, the Messrs. Harpers have published it in a hand some volume, with illustrations. It is pronounced to be a very entertaining work by those who have read it. The Person and Work of Christ. By Ernest Sartorius, D. D. Translated by Rev. O. S. Stearns. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. The object of this little volume is to establish the doctrine of the divinity of Jesus Christ, and to prove that upon this fundamental truth depends the effica cy of the Work of Redemption and Salvation. In this ago, when men of great learning are endeavor ing to disprove the God-head of the Messiah, and to establish a cold rationalism in the place of a living faith, such a masterly treatise as this should be wide ly diffused and carefully read. The Battle of Buena Vista, with the Operations of the “Army of Occupation” for one Month. — By Captain James Henry Carlton. Now York: Harper & Brothers. We have had books without number on the Mex ican War —purporting to be comprehensive histo ries of a long-protracted campaign. The volume before us is less ambitious and proportionally more valuable. It i3 the graphic and succinct narrative of one who could say of the great Battle of Buena Arista, “ magna pars fui .” No ono could have en joyed finer opportunities for thoroughly comprehend ing the whole action, than Captain Carlton, who commanded a company of dragoons in the engage ment, and who for many months subsequently, was encamped upon tho spot. His book, therefore, is the record of that brilliant field; and to it the future historian will resort for facts. Tho narrative is written in good style—without pretension, but not without ‘grace. It has illustrative maps, and u handsomely printed. 223