with gilt mouldings, are on the lower tier-the arms of the different states on the second and third-and the fourth bears the portraits of American heroes and statesmen. The proscenium is very lofty, having for a device, in the centre, the Phoenix rising from the flames, emblematical of the theatre; and on either side, medallion portraits of Washington and Franklin. Above the stage doors are devices, significant of tragedy and comedy, and the arms of the state and city. The walls of the boxes are of a pure white, and when the theatre is lighted by the handsomely-constructed chandeliers which have been introduced, the building will not be surpassed by any house in the country, either in elegance or adaptation to the objects for which it is intended. The manager of the theatre has, we learn, exerted himself, in connection with melo-dramatic performances, to bring forward the best plays in the language, with a force in the cast equal to that of any other establishment. FRANKLIN. The legitimate drama has been introduced at this theatre with good effect. Many comedies and tragedies, by the best dramatists, have been produced with great care, and we are happy to learn, have been found so attractive as to induce the manager to devote his attention more closely, in future, to their representation. LITERARY REVIEW. PASCAL BRUNO: Lea & Blanchard.-This is the title of a volume which contains two stories, the one which constitutes the title, a story of Sicily, and the other, "The Atonement." The first is edited by, and the latter from the pen of Theodore Hook -a name which always is a guarantee for something racy and sparkling. Pascal Bruno is a translation from a paper by Alexander Dumas, and is full of varied interest. From the moment the reader commences the story, his attention is fixed and his mind absorbed until the end. "The Atonement" is a fitting mate for the other, although of a different kind. The character of Rellione is powerfully drawn, and exhibits the pencil of a master-hand. A richer volume than this, for the lovers of fiction, is seldom published.-The Carvills. SKETCHES BY Boz.-These are published in numbers, and are well printed on good paper. Persons who are pleased with the writings of Charles Dickens, cannot but be gratified to find these sketches published in a cheap and attractive form. HORACE VERNON; OR FASHIONABLE LIFE: Lea & Blanchard. -Although this novel will be read with avidity, we think it a production of only transient worth. Some of the characters are well filled out, while those that are merely sketched, are attractive. Fashionable life is well depicted in these pages. THE AMERICAN JOE MILLER. With humorous illustrations: Carey & Hart.-This is a collection of American witticisms from the newspapers. We are glad to see so many good things published in so good a style. THE IDLER IN ITALY, by the Countess of Blessington: Carey & Hart.-This is one of the most entertaining books of the season. While it gives us fine descriptions of the cities of Italy and their environs, it introduces us to many distinguished characters, with whom it is pleasant to become acquainted, even through the medium of printed pages. We think the work will have a rapid sale. IMPRESSIONS OF TRAVEL: John S. Taylor.-This is a translation of the travels in Petræa, Egypt and Arabia, of Alexander Dumas, the celebrated French dramatist. It is from the pen of a lady of this city. The work is well printed, and we have read a large portion of it with the highest satisfaction. Some of the descriptions are among the most thrilling which we have ever read. The account of the time passed in "The Bewildering valley," is drawn with a vividness actually enchanting. The whole forms a delicious treat for the reader. HITS AT THE TIMES: By G. P. Morris.-This is a collection of humorous sketches which have appeared in the Mirror within a few years, and forms a duodecimo volume-which is beautifully printed, and also, happily illustrated by Johnston. "The Frenchman and the Water Lots" is among the best sketches in the book, and is a very good hit at the mania for speculation, two or three years ago so common throughout the country. THE CABINET MINISTER, by the author of "The Heir of Selwood."-This work will find readers without the aid of newspapers or periodicals. Its merit is of an uncommon kind, and so is that of all the works of the same lady. There is a liveliness in her scenes which gives a reality to every thing which is described, that not only pleases the reader, but actually forces him to become interested. The faults are many, but they are such as readers generally care little about. EDITORS' TABLE. To SUBSCRIBERS.-Another volume of the "Companion" is commenced with this number. It is printed on new type, and we have made every effort to render it in all other respects acceptable to our readers. We think we may safely appeal to the past for an assurance that we shall go on improving, without holding out any promises whatsoever. As we are opening new books, and are transferring the names of subscribers, we trust those who are indebted to us, will make it a point of duty to remit, at once, the amounts which may be due from them severally, and save them and us much unnecessary expense and trouble by their promptness. ANNELLI'S EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS.-Mr. Annelli has thrown open the gallery at the corner of Chambers Street and Broad THE POETIC WREATH: Lea & Blanchard.-Collections of poetry have been very frequently published within a few years, but we have seldom seen a work of the kind more tasteful in every respect, than this. The selections have been judi-way, to the public, having arranged therein a large number of ciously made, and the book is handsomely printed and bound. The extracts, however, are taken entirely from English poets. NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, NO. XIL, by “ Boz :" Lea & Blanchard. -The publishers continue to issue the numbers of this work with creditable despatch, and the interest taken in the work, we learn, creates a prompt sale.-The Carvills. PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ECONOMY: Harper & Brothers.-This little work, by Theodore Sedgwick, is formed of sketches of observations made in England, in 1836, although the title seems to indicate it to be an essay. It is filled with valuable information, and is a pleasant piece of summer reading. his paintings. They are daily commanding the admiration of visitors, and very deservedly so. We have sat for several hours in contemplation of the various subjects which he has handled, and most willingly add our feeble praise to that of the many admirers of the fine arts who have eulogized his works. Mr. Annelli is one of the best painters in the country, and were we inclined to employ an artist to do a piece of painting with great excellence, we should not hesitate to seek Mr. Annelli's aid, for his pencil is a rare one. NIBLO'S GARDEN.-As a place for amusement, this garden is to be superior to any thing of the kind ever known in the country. A new theatre for operatic ballets has been erected in PERICLES AND ASPASIA: Carey & Hart.-When we announce the garden, fronting on Broadway, and a large number of poputo our readers that Walter Savage Landor is the author of these lar artists have been engaged to carry forward the design of the two elegant volumes, we have said enough to ensure for them a proprietor. The old saloon is to be constantly occupied by the reading. He who reads the book once, however, will not be Ravel family, having been fitted up with a view to this new contented. It will charm him so that he will read it over and arrangement in a neat and commodious manner. We have no over, and always with renewed delight. The prose of Landor doubt, that, with these alterations, the garden will become a is as delicate and easy as that of any writer in the English lan-principal attraction during the summer months, both for stranguage-a fine model for young writers. gers and citizens. |