Roe;ers's Italy, a Poem. Embellished with Engravings from the Designs
of THOMAS STOTHARD, R.A. and J. M. W. TuR- NER, R.A.
This is indeed a dainty book, and one that we should as soon think of criticising as a garland of flowers or a cluster of jewels: its pages are studded with gems of art. We have never seen a volume equal to the present in the exquisite beauty of its illustrations and their fine quality. ST otoaao and TURNER, the two most poetical of our living artists, have put forth their finest powers ; and, ably seconded by the first en- gravers, MeSSM-GOODALL, WALLACE, FINDRN, COOKE, C. ROLLS', LE KEUX, SMITH, and ALLEN, have inlaid Mr. ROGERS'S descrip. tion of Italy with pictures in miniature of its sublime and beautiful scenery, and peopled it with the gay creatures of imagination. Messrs. STOTHARD and TURNER seem to have gone hand in hand in their de. lightful task ; and the sunny smile of an Italian sky and the spirit of BOCCACCIO have shed their breathing influences over their respective works. Wehave not seen more beautiful specimens of Mr. TonNEn'S splendid effects in landscape, or figures of Ins less exceptionable; Mr. STo•rusitnis young again, and his compoiltioas and figures have all the grace and charm of his style when in his prime, with less of bie peculiarities of manner. But let the reader fancy himself looking over our shoulder as we turn the leaves. Geneva and the Leman Lake, with a boat-full of its pie. taresrely.costumed inhabitants—Tell's Chapel—the Bridge of St. Maurice over the rapid Rhone—the Hospite of St. Bernard, and the Monks with their dogs bearing home a frozen traveller—Napoleon and Hannibal crossing the Alps—Martigny—the Lake of Como ; beautiful —Venice; splendid—the House and Tomb of Petrarch at Argue (by Pawn T)—Florence—Rome--the Campagna and Castle of St. Angelo- Tivoli—the Devil's Bridge—Naples—Pestum—Villa by Moonlight,— these are the scenes depicted by the magic pencil of TURNER. STOT- BARD has given us groups of Peasants—the Brides of Venice ; a beautiful vision—the Funeral Honours paid to RAFFAELLE ; a graceful composi- tion—the White Lady of Coll' Alto—a delightful group of Boys, all na- ture and innocence—a Tournament—the Tomb of Foscari ; a striking design—Genevra ; the story well and simply told—a scene or two from Boccaccio—the Cruel Widow• of Florence—a Hawking Party—Taking the Veil—the Fountain—the Harper—and the most perfect of the whole, s group of children on the sea-shore, worthy of ContlEGIO. Then we have in addition to these, vignettes, a profusion of tail-pieces, vases, and figures ; and portraits of two brothers of the BlediCi Family, respecting whom the poet tells a tale of horror.
Happy SAMUEL ROGERS, to have lived to see thy poem so adorned Who that can appreciate it but will afford a guinea for such a bijou. It is as good as DIBDIN'S rare books, and as much more interesting to the general reader as the subject. Whoever "got up" the book must
have been a person of surpassing taste. The letterpress is fitting for the
reception of the ornaments. Then the binding—what a treat for a lover of book-luxuries to consult with LEWIS or HERING as to the binding !
....rose-coloured turkey morocco, with arabesque scroll-work, and prim- rose or pomona-green watered silk inside, with a medallion inlaid on each cover, and a gold clasp to close it from the touch of the profane— admirable I
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