- --

NOTES ON NEW BOOKS.

"In every work regard the writer's end" is a sound critical maxim, not always so easy of fulfilment as in the case of "Sir Elwyn," a tragedy, in five acts', where it is precisely the "writer's end" that puzzles us. If" Sir Elwyn" be meant as a satire on tragedies, it is a work of the highest order of ironical talent; but, unfortunately for this praise, there is very little extrinsic reason to conclude that our theory is more than a baseless hypothesis our data being solely derived from its intrinsic value. The author calls it a tragedy—it is published as such: there is no sly preface, out of which the satiric smile might be extracted-all is grave, solemn, and soporific. Why, then, do we suspect it to be a satire? from its intrinsic badness. That in this nineteenth century, especially at this period, when the drama is giving strong symptoms of its revivification when Shakspeare, and Beaumont, and Fletcher are occasionally read, and the old dramatists much talked of when critics have by praise and abuse cleared the ground, to a certain extent, for every aspirant,- that at this period a work so thoroughly deficient in every thing like dramatic power should have been deliberately published, and politely offered for review this is a fact requiring investigation.

Our readers need not be told how constant and earnest have been our endeavours to encourage and bring out anything like dramatic talent, whereever it may be found; how we have fanned the least spark with the breath of praise, and how leniently we have dealt with faults: we have, in fact, always kept the two-fold nature of our office steadily in view, the first to the public as censors, the second to the author, as well-wishing correctors of flaws or exuberances. But this leniency can only be shown when the author has manifested any sort of productive material, any real indication of power and ability to praise, or to pass over, works not possessing these attributes, is injustice to the public and unkindness to the author; and to the author of "Sir Elwyn," whoever he may be, we can offer no magazinic incense — no soothing recompense of flattery for his trouble and expense (of printing) -our earnest expostulation rather, and suggestion, that he cultivate his powers in some other direction.

"Sir Elwyn" we should characterise as a tragedy of the Minerva press. It might have been called "The Saturated Bandbox, or the Bloody Brothers," with effect. It is full of spasmodical melodramatic writing; abounds in "hells, devils, ha, has," &c., and is altogether "very tolerable and not to be endured." To talk of character and passion with critical gravity would be transporting a wind-bag by the Birmingham railway:- of the spasmodic, philosophic, comic, ironic writing we may speak, and would select an example or so, if we had room.

The author is a great imitator of Shakspeare, rather, however, adopting a different view of his own, but some peculiarities he has in common with his great predecessor, as for instance his "puns," the Cleopatras for which he lost the world and was content to lose it- our author has one which rivals the outs of Homer or the "Roam hither then" of Shakspeare. Lord Rodolph says that his name is to be put into the Saints' Calendar "Saint Rodolphus 't is to be; they have added the Latin termination phus, see what a fuss they have made about me!" The pun here, however trenchant, is 1 Sir Elwyn; a Tragedy, in Five Acts. Bristol: J. & I. Mawdsley, 1840.

not the only charm; there is a mild scholarly condescension in the information about the Latin termination, equally apt and praiseworthy. For a touch of real Mercutio banter, take the following:

"Oh, fear not, mother; dreams were prophets

Of a darker age; they're laughed at now.

Lord Rod. Poh! 't was a cat scream'd: I heard it myself.
I'll hang

Those horrid midnight libertines. ·

A score of them for rape; I know not how oft

They've marr'd my rest. Psha! why fear a cat?”

The philosophical destruction of the spell, summed up in the last half line, is equally profound and dramatic.

Not to tire the reader, and to address ourselves to the author, we conclude with suggesting to him if he be a young man, which his work evidences, to betake himself to study to severe training of his faculties - but to relinquish, for a long time at least, the drama; of which he is not only ignorant, but for which he has no capacity. There are evidences of a poetic spirit scattered through this play, which if he be young may considerably expand; but if he be no longer a boy we would advise him to leave the Muses altogether, and merely delight in them.

Some lithographic views of military operations in Canada, during the late insurrection, accompanied by descriptive and historical notes, have been published by Lord Charles Beauclerk, who participated in the scenes he delineates, and who has furnished in this production not only a beautiful series of characteristic and striking pictures, but a very valuable contribution to the history of the civil war. Lord Beauclerk arrived at Quebec in July, 1836, and was present at many of the most sanguinary events that followed, to the close of the second insurrection. The narrative is written with force and simplicity, minute in the details, and temperate in spirit. Of the drawings we cannot speak too highly. They embody the peculiar atmosphere of Canada with great felicity, and by the aid of careful colouring bring the aspect of the place with fidelity before us. These lithographs are useful illustrations of the operations of the war, as well as very elegant specimens of art, and are recommended alike to those who desire to possess accurate military tableaux, and those who look in such publications merely for beauty of design and brilliant execution.

We have a small batch of recent novels before us, which we must dismiss in a brief summary. The first in point of interest, research, and general ability is the "Prophet of the Caucasus," by Mr. Stephens. In this work we have a complete panorama of the wars, costume, and habits of a race whose character is not yet sufficiently known to be greatly appreciated in Europe. The hardy Caucasians, bold, generous, and simple-hearted, are delineated by Mr. Stephens with skill and fidelity through the vicissitudes of a narrative that appropriately reflects the miseries and trials to which they have been exposed by a series of wanton and barbarous invasions. "The Interdict," by Mrs. Steward', is a novel of domestic interest, displaying great power in the portraiture of passion and individual character, and considerable felicity of invention. Some of the scenes are deeply pathetic, and distinguished by the unfailing characteristic of true pathos-simplicity; and

2 Lithographic Views of Military Operations in Canada under his Excellency Sir John Colborne, G. C. B., &c., during the late Insurrection. From sketches by Lord Charles Beauclerk, Captain, Royal Regiment; accompanied by Notes, historical and descriptive. London: A. Flint, 1840. 3 The Prophet of the Caucasus; an Historical Romance of Krim Tartary. By E. SPENCER, Esq. author of "Travels in the Western Caucasus," &c. Three Vols. London: Whittaker & Co. 1840.

▲ The Interdict; a Novel. By MRS. STEWARD. Three Vols. London: T. & W. Boone. 1840.

occasional passages of genuine humour relieve and heighten the charm of a natural and affecting story. Of "Arundel," a tale of the French Revolution, by Sir Francis Vincent', it will be sufficient to observe, that while it discovers a lively talent for depicting social experiences, it is deficient in that necessary quality which may be called, for convenience, artistical skill. The incidents are frequently improbable, and always too crowded. The hero, a gentleman disappointed at the outset of life, goes into France and mingles in the events of the revolution. This is credible enough, but the variety of adventures through which he passes, and the multitude of characters he meets, are too numerous and rapid for the career of an individual. The work, however, is sprightly, entertaining, and suggestive. "Hawkwood," a romance of Italy, with a higher aim and greater powers, is open to the same censure. The plot if plot it be is a labyrinth of perplexing incidents, which we in vain endeavour to penetrate. But ability of a high order is everywhere present in the pages of this Italian pageant. The feuds, crimes, and enterprises of Venetian story, the episodical traits of English adventure, and the salient features of a state of society at once grand, picturesque, and immoral, are pourtrayed by the hand of a master. It is impossible to read the work without being impressed with the genius of the writer, who, if he will only set about his next labour with a little more care, in reference to its plan and details, must achieve distinction in a path he cannot fail to dignify and embellish. "Indian Life"," announced as a tale of the Carnatic, is a pure sentimental rhapsody, oriental in style, confused in design, and scarcely intelligible in treatment; it may be consigned to that soft and benignant planet which is esteemed as the refugium of the lost things of earth. The "Orphan of Nepaul," is what the last work affects to be, a tale of Indian life—real, descriptive, and illustrative. This little story draws out some of the peculiarities of Hindostan with truth, exemplifies the customs and character of the people, and, conducting us through an exciting narrative, unfolds at the same time many of their social and historical traits that are ordinarily confined to publications of graver pretension. A very charming little book for children the best of all species of novels has been published by Mrs. Hall, entitled "The Hartropp Jubilee."" In this pretty book a story, admirably adapted to enchain the attention of the young, is made the vehicle of sound moral lessons, conveyed in such a form as to leave an indelible impression on the minds of young readers. It is beautifully embellished, and makes a handsome volume for presentation. The celebrated monody by Victor Hugo, called "The Last Days of a condemned 10" has appeared in a new English edition, with an Essay on Capital Punishments by Sir Heskett Fleetwood. The merit of this curious production is too well known to require any help from us to float it into popularity at this side of the channel.

The second volume of the "Natural History of Fishes "," by Dr.

Arundel; a Tale of the French Revolution. London.

By SIR FRANCIS VINCENT, Bart. Three Vols.

6 Hawkwood; a Romance of Italy. Three Vols. London: Saunders & Otley. 1840. 7 Indian Life; a Tale of the Carnatic. By MRS. COLONEL HARTLEY. Three Vols. London: Saunders & Otley. 1840.

8 The Orphan of Nepaul; a Tale of Hindostan. London: Saunders & Otley. 1840.

9 The Hartropp Jubilee; a Profit from Play. By MRS. S. C. HALL. London: Darton & Clark. 1840.

10 The Last Days of a Condemned; from the French of M. Victor Hugo; with Observations on Capital Punishment. By SIR HESKETT FLEETWOOD, Bart. M. P. London: Smith, Elder, & Co. 1840.

11 The Natural History of Fishes; particularly their Structure and Economical Uses. By J. G. BUSHNAN, M. D. Vol. II. Edinburgh: W. H. Lizars. London: S. Highley. 1840.

Bushnan, being the last number of the Naturalist's Library, is one of the most complete, curious, and valuable of that popular series. It is full, scientific, and clear; introduced by an interesting memoir of Hippolito Salviani; and enriched with numerous coloured engravings, which are alike remarkable for their beauty and accuracy.

"The Principles of Botany 12," by Dr. Willshire, may be described as a scientific hornbook on a subject of general interest. The study of botany has latterly become so universal that there is no danger that the reader shall be perplexed by Dr. Willshire's descriptions, which are at once elementary and popular.

The reprint, in one volume, of the "Life and Letters of Cicero 13," including the labours of Middleton, Melmoth, and Heberden, places the reading public under a fresh obligation to the judgment and literary enterprise of Mr. Moxon. This is not only one of the cheapest, but one of the most fascinating and valuable publications of the day. An extraordinary circulation will be required to cover the expenditure of such a mass of print issued at so low a price; but such a circulation may be confidently looked for. The production of such treasures of literature in this elegant and economical form is the best possible means of creating that taste which can alone repay the expenditure they involve.

It is a most gratifying token of a healthy tone on the part of the great bulk of English readers to find that most exquisite, true, and national work, the "Rural Life of England," by William Howitt 14, appearing in a second edition, revised and enlarged. This edition is in every respect an improvement upon the former; the information it contains is full, practical, and useful; the feeling that pervades it is pure and sound; and, as a chronicle of the habits, character, resources, and occupations of the rural population of this country, with a noble background of English scenery, it is the best book for the people that has graced the literature of our age.

A curious volume on Suicide, by Mr. Winslow, may be set down amongst those speculative works which awaken examination on subjects of profound interest, that have been either overlooked in the progress of philosophical inquiry, or treated imperfectly and erroneously. There can be no doubt that Mr. Winslow's theory is correct that the disposition to commit suicide is, to a great extent, amenable to those principles which regulate our treatment of ordinary disease. The difficulty is to prevail upon society to adopt those precautionary means which the nature of the case demands, before the passion of self-destruction has mastered its victim. This work is well calculated to direct general attention effectively to the subject. Popular in style and treatment, it is adapted to the public as well as the medical profession, and can hardly fail to be productive of useful results. The illustrations collected by the author are numerous; and, although he has lost sight of some very striking instances that occurred within the last ten or fifteen years in England, he has gathered a sufficient stock of facts to form the basis of an interesting and important hypothesis.

We have two little poems before us, displaying that state of mind so happily described by Junius as "the melancholy madness of poetry without its inspiration." "Kensington Gardens "15 is a mere piece of sentimental

12 The Principles of Botany. By W. HUGHES WILLSHIRE, M. D. London: S. Highley. 1840. 13 The Life and Letters of Marcus Tullius Cicero. In one volume. London: E. Moxon, 1840. 14 The Rural Life of England. By WILLIAM HOWITT. Second edition, corrected and revised. London: Longman & Co. 1840.

15 The Anatomy of Suicide. By FORBES WINSLOW, M. R. C. S., author of " Physic and Physicians." London: Henry Renshaw. 1840.

16 Kensington Gardens; a Poem. By EDWARD COOK.

London: Saunders and Otley. 1840.

slip-slop; and "Erotophuseos, or the Love of Nature," is a limping attempt to vindicate the supremacy of simple Nature over the artificial pursuits of man. Neither Nature nor Kensington Gardens required “such

poets to sing them."

The best account of the House of Saxony and the reigning family of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and the best portrait of Prince Albert, are contained in a little volume by Mr. Shoberlis, which has already reached a second edition. The historical sketch is brief, perspicuous, and minute, and embraces all the facts essential to a complete view of that illustrious race so distinguished in the early struggles of the Reformed Faith, and which, through a series of years, has been so intimately interwoven with the royal family of this country.

"The Life and Times of Martin Luther" 19 is a small volume, into which the author has drawn all the anecdotes of that celebrated man, which are to be found in his own writings or those of his contemporaries. As an illustration of his character and his acts, and of the age in which he lived, we hardly know where so much information can be procured in so brief a compass, or so agreeably conveyed.

The design of a little book, in which the Epistles of the New Testament are succinctly explained 20, is excellent, and its execution is highly creditable to the religious feeling and the patient research of the writer. It is a useful work for the young, and may be perused with advantage to the old, who will find in its unpretending pages many difficulties removed which they have not hitherto been able satisfactorily to penetrate.

Captain Sir Nesbit Willoughby has compiled a book of Extracts from Holy Writ and pious authors, for the use of Soldiers and Seamen.21 The pith of sound wisdom, and the fruit of deep meditation, this little volume may be commended to a still more extensive circle than the author originally destined it for.

It is a curious fact that the science of Geology, now making such rapid strides, and every day developing more and more its mission of practical utility, should up to this time have been deficient in a volume of alphabetical reference, where the student could find an explanation of the terms and subjects embraced in a study of so much importance. Dr. Humble has ably supplied the desideratum. His "Dictionary of Geology and Mineralogy is ably compiled; the explanations are lucid and accurate; and the arrangement is thoroughly scientific, and at the same time perfectly intelligible to the general reader. We regard this publication as the most important that has appeared on the subject to which it is dedicated.

17 Erotophuseos, or the Love of Nature; a Serio-Comic Poem, in Four Scenes. PIKROMEL, Esq. London: Smallfield & Son, 1840.

18 Prince Albert and the House of Saxony, &c. By FREDERIC SHOBERL, Esq. with additions. London: Henry Colburn, 1840.

"122

By TIMOTHEUS

Second edition,

19 The Life and Times of Martin Luther. By the Author of "Three Experiments of Living," &c. Glasgow: James Hedderwick & Son, 1840.

20 The Sacred Epistles explained and familiarised for young Christians. By JENNETTE W. DAWE. London: Smith, Elder, & Co. 1840.

21 Extracts from Holy Writ and pious Authors, intended as Helps to Meditation and Prayer, principally for Soldiers and Seamen. By CAPTAIN SIR NESBIT J. WILLOUGHBY. London: Printed for

the Author. 1839.

22 Dictionary of Geology and Mineralogy. By WILLIAM HUMBLE, M.D. London: Henry Washbourne. 1840.