LITERARY RECORD. MECHANIC ASSOCIATIONS. -If the numerous mechanic associations for improvement in useful knowledge, throughout the United States, are often favored with productions of similar merit to the one before us - in the shape of an 'Address delivered before the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, at the celebration of their Triennial Festival in October last,' by Mr. JAMES L. HOMER-we can very readily conceive how extensively influential for good such institutions may become. The writer has condensed a vast amount of valuable information into a comparatively brief space, and conveyed the reasoning of a man of sterling good sense, and the results of evident research, in language forcible, simple, and appropriate. LIBRARY OF AMERICAN BIOGRAPHY.-We commend to every American this most valuable series-unexceptionable and praiseworthy alike in matter and in execution. The history of Cotton Mather, in the last volume, by the author of the sketch of that celebrated worthy, recently published in these pages, is one of the most charming pieces of biography which it has ever been our fortune to peruse. Faithful to history, and voluminous in fact, with a vein of dry humor and oblique satire running through it, it will command the suffrages alike of the man who consults it for substantial information, and the mere reader for present enjoyment. FRASCATI'S, OR SCENES IN PARIS, is a work of very unequal merit. Parts of it are insufferably bald and heavy, while other portions are imbued with spirit and interest. Of this latter description, are the dupery of the author, through flattery of a well turned leg, by an accomplished swindler- the deception practised upon him by the pseudo rich widow- the affecting scene at the Morgue, and some of the scenes at Frascati's. The work is something above the 'middle flight' of transatlantic romance-mongers. Philadelphia: CAREY AND HART. New-York: CARVILLS', and WILEY AND LONG. ANDREW THE SAVOYARD.-These volumes are clever, but in our judgment, they have been greatly over-estimated by the critics across the water. De Kock, the author, has been, if we may judge from this specimen of his powers, unjustly compared with writers who are as much above him in force of description and truth to nature, as he is below the standard to which a portion of the English and French press would elevate him. Still, the volumes will well repay perusal, and afford much gratification to the reader whose expectations of entertainment have not been raised too high. Philadelphia: CAREY AND HART. New-York: WILEY AND LONG. PAPERS OF THE PICKWICK CLUB. - Boz, the author of this amusing volume, belongs to the same school as the author of 'Little Pedlington.' He has a keen eye for the burlesque, and a Cruikshank-like facility and skill in imparting a whole character in mere outline. Laughter-moving, to a degree, are the histories of the corresponding members of the 'P. C.'-and we commend them to every reader as a certain remedy against blue devils, ennui, or dyspepsia. Philadelphia: CAREY, LEA AND BLANCHARD. New-York: WILEY AND LONG. AUTUMN LEAVES. Such is the title of a recent volume, from the press of Mr. JOHN S. TAYLOR. It consists of various poetical selections, mostly obtained, as we gather from the preface, from private manuscript books of extracts, 'never intended for publication, but compiled for the gratification of individual taste, and the preservation of literary gems from the wreck of the ephemeral works of the day.' The compiler, Mr. ROBERT H. GOULD, has shown good judgment in selection, and the publisher has evinced a proper appreciation of his labors, by the neat and tasteful manner in which the work is 'got up.' REMARKS ON THE FOUR GOSPELS. - The Rev. Mr. FURNESS, an eloquent clergyman of Philadelphia, has in this volume furnished some of the most delightful illustrations of, and comments upon, the Christian Scriptures, which we remember ever to have perused. Doctrinal peculiarities aside, there is in this book so much of fervent piety so many evidences of various research, and thoughtful consideration of the New Testathat it will commend itself to the Christian of every sect. Philadelphia: CAREY, LEA AND BLANCHARD. New-York: G. AND C. CARVILL. ment THE AMERICAN NUN.-Messrs. OTIS, BROADERS AND COMPANY, Boston, have published a small volume, entitled 'The American Nun, or the Effects of Romance.' The author is Mrs. L. LARNED, whose 'Sanfords, or Home Scenes,' 'Proselyte,' 'True Fairy Tale,' etc., have made favorably known to the public. It is intended to give a picture of the melancholy effects of monastic life on young and susceptible minds, and to portray the ruinous nature of convent discipline in general. The Catholics will not admire the book. HOLMES' POEMS. - A true poet, in manner original and unaffected, and abounding in spirit, humor, and pathos, is OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES; and had the beautiful volume which he has recently put forth but reached us seasonably, we should have made good these encomiums, by laying before our readers the liberal extracts we have pencilled. As it is, we can do no more than heartily to recommend the work to every reader of true sensibility and taste. Boston: OTIS, BROADERS AND COMPANY. HARRY O'REARDON, OR ILLUSTRATIONS OF IRISH PRIDE, is the title of a most graphic and admirable story, written by Mr. S. C. HALL for a London magazine, and eked out into a volume, 'by the hardest,' by Messrs. CAREY AND HART, Philadelphia. If natural description, affluent language, and true pathos, are marketable commodities, the volume cannot fail to command a large sale. THE RAMBLER IN MEXICO. LATROBE'S 'Rambler in America,' which for numerous excellencies has secured enduring applause, has paved the way for a welcome reception of the volume before us, which is characterized by kindred attractions, both of matter and style, and by that air of authenticity and sincerity for which the writer is distinguished. HARPERS'. 'EAST AND WEST.' This work, just published in two volumes, proceeds from the pen of the author of 'Clinton Bradshaw,' which acquired for the writer a fair share of fame, and has passed to a third edition. A lack both of time and space precludes other notice of the work than this brief announcement, until our next number. THE DESULTORY MAN. We convey implied praise of these volumes, just published by the Brothers HARPER, when we state that they are by JAMES, author of 'Richelieu,' 'De L'Orme,' etc. Farther than this, not having found leisure to even glance at the work, we do not deem ourselves qualified to pronounce. ‘HARVARDIANA,' a monthly magazine, proceeding from Harvard College, does honor to the students of that venerable institution. Like its contemporary of old Yale, it has variety, talent, and discrimination in matters of taste, to recommend it to favorable regard. 'Ollapodiana,' and one or two other valuable papers, prepared for the present number, are reluctantly omitted, by reason of its early publication, which is rendered necessary by improvements effecting for the ensuing volume. The reader's attention is requested to the Advertisement of the New Volume, on the third page of the cover of the present number. |