PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

From .5.tay 31st te June 6th.

BOOKS.

The History of Oregon and California, and the other Territories on the North-west Coast of North America ; accompanied by a Geographical View and Map of those countries, and a number of Documents as proofs and illustrations of the History. By ROBERT GREENHOW, Translator and Librarian to the Department of State of the United States, &c.

.Warratire of a Mission to India, and the Countries bordering on the Per- sian Gulf, eve., by way of Egypt and the Red Sea. Undertaken by order of the French Government. By V. FONTANIER, Vice-Consul of France at Bassora. Volume I.

The Life of Sir Hugh Palliser, Bart., Admiral of the White, and Gover- nor of Greenwich HospitaL By ROBERT M. HUNT, Esq.

Afloat and Ashore ; or the Adventures of Miles Wallingford. By the Author of "The Pilot," &c. In three volumes.

Maurice, the Elector of Saxony; an Historical Romance of the sixteenth century. By Mrs. COLQUIIOUN. Dedicated by Permission to his Ma- jesty the King of Saxony. In three volumes.

Commentaries on the Laws of England. In four books. By Sir WIL- LIAM BLACKSTONE, Knt., one of the Justices of his Majesty's Court of Common Pleas. Incorporating the alterations down to the present time. By JAMES STEWART, ESQ., of Lincoln's Inn, Barrister-at-Law. Second edition. In four volumes.

[The merit of the Commentaries of BLACKSTONE has been equally recognized by the profession and the public. It is a text-book alike to the classical student who studies law as a liberal science to enlarge his knowledge and sharpen his intellect, or the roost grovelling mind which looks to chicanery as a means of living. In this sense, the Commentaries on the Laws of England and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations stand alone in didactic literature, as combining the soundest science and the most compre- hensive accuracy with all the attractions of the belles lettres. But reforms in the law are fatal to the professional utility of a work, and even its influence for educational purposes. The broad outline of the subject of course remains; all the historical passages are untouched, even the definition of particular things is the same : but when the reformer of the criminal law, or of the law of real property, or of Parliament, comes with his improvements, though burglary, "fees," knights of the shire, and an forth, still remain the same, the law and practice under each is very different. This inconvenience began to be felt very shortly after BLACKSTONE'S death; and editions were soon published with notes. The more extensive changes of the last dozen years have rendered this plan unavailing : different lawyers have published editions incorporating. the alterations with the text, and among others having this object is Mr. STEWART'S publication before Us. The plan of the editor is to exhibit such a work as it might be supposed BLACKSTONE would have sent forth had he been living now. Changes, con- sequently, are of continual occurrence ; from a change of tense, to indicate that which is now past, or a half sentence, to note some addition or alteration,. up to a new chapter, where extensive reforms have rendered such a treat- ment necessary. Thus altered, the " whole text of BLACKSTONE," it is said, is given ; and as a reference is placed in the margin to every page of the original editions, the reader may at once see to what extent Mr. STEWART'S emendations go. The approval of the profession, shown by the exhaustion of the first edition, and in one volume (for we believe the volumes were originally published separately) by the demand for a third, is sufficient evidence of the usefulness of this plan, and of the character of Mr. STEWART'S execution. But as a mat- ter of literary taste, we must confess we have qualms touching this alteration of another man's writing. We should have preferred, had it been possible, to have bad the additional matter designated by some typographical signs, and a use of the third person. Why not say " the editor," instead of 4‘ 1."1 American Criminal Trials. By PELEG W. CHANDLER, Member of the American Antiquarian Society, &c. Volume 11. [We are glad to see the completion of Mr. CHANDLER'S interesting work ; to which we shall probably take an opportunity of returning. Meanwhile, we

observe that, among other trials, the volume contains the proceedings relatiug to Major Annail.]

Sydney Morcom. In two volumes. [The authoe tells the reader, that much in Sydney Morcom is fact, not fiction. Possibly ; but it is a sort of fact that has very often appeared before, and often belongs in its nature to a passed time—harsh father, roguish younger brother, eldest son disinherited for disobedience about love, and so forth. The com- position is good ; but it is that of an old-fashioned tale, not of the modern fiction, which requires more dramatic power in the dialogue and more life in the persons than what contented people half a century ago.] Lucilla Hartley; or Discipline Illustrated. A Narrative founded on occurrences in real life. By the Authoress of "Happy Hours with Mamma."

IA little tale, designed to illustrate the beneficial results of a good governess, In opposition to the evil effects of a bad school ; Mrs. Stapleton, the private teacher, reforming other pupils besides the heroine Lucilla Hartley.]

Two Old Men's Tales.

[An addition to the series of Mr. BENTLEY'S Standard Novels, which now numbers ninety-four volumes.]

Edward the First, or the Tyrant's Triumph; a Drama, in five acts. By JOHN MACPHERSON. This drama forms the first of a trilogy, where Edward is shown triumphant ; in the next we are to have Wallace successful, and in the third martyred. If She completion of the plan depends upon the success of Edward the First, further publication may be doubted ; for Mr. MACPHERSON seems to he defi- cient both in dramatic power and poetical genius. It would appear from the dedication, however, that the eminent critic FRANCIS JEFFREY entertains a favourable opinion of the work.] Illustrations of the Tragedies of Sophocles, from the Greek, Latin, and English Poets; with an Introductory Essay. By J. F. Beans, M.A., St. John's College, Oxford.

[This appears to be the continuation of an interesting critical publication, which we described on the appearance of a former part ; an exhibition of paral- lel passages from English and Latin poets that bear a resemblance to verses in the tragedies of the great Greek dramatist.]

Thoughts Suggested by a few Bright Names, and other Poems. By Emma BLOOD WORTH.

[A pretty little volume of pretty little poems, though not displaying any marked originality or character. Several of them have appeared in the Literary Ga- zette and other periodicals.] The Theses of Erastus touching Excommunication. Translated from the Latin ; with a Preface, by the Reverend ROBERT LEE, D.D., Old Grey. friars, Edinburgh.

[The principle of EnesTus was, that the sacraments only, not the other pri- vileges of the church, were to be denied to notorious sinners; leaving it to the Civil Magistrate to punish offenders. The principle seems obviously wrong ; but we need not pursue it. The apparent object of this publication is to set the Scottish public right on the subject of Erastian doctrines.]

Letters to a Son, from a Protestant Mother, on the Errors of the Romish Faith.

[This work professes to be actual letters written by an English Protestant lady, who had married a French Romanist, to her son who was to be brought up in the faith of his father. If this were matter of agreement, sense doubt snay be entertained as to the propriety of an attempt at conversion, which is said to have been successful. We suspect, however, that the success must have originated rather in maternal influence than convincing argument ; for the main points of the Romish faith are left untouched.'

Two Months Abroad; or a Trip to England, France, Baden, Prussia, and Belgium, in August and September 1843. By a Railroad Director of Massachusetts.

[An account of a rapid run through the countries mentioned in the thlepage, by an American railway-director, whose business in England seems to have been a contract for some iron rails. It does nothing more than convey the impressions made on the writer by the obvious things be saw ; nor does it pre- tend to any thing beyond. It is curious for its style of printing—in double columns, on coarse paper, and, we suppose, cheap. That elegant printing can be done in America, we well know; but the idea is not bad of sending out in- ferior works in an inferior style. It is publishers' criticism, tacit but expressive.] Panorama of the Beauties, Curiosities, and Antiquities of North Wales; intended as a Pocket Companion to the Tourist and Traveller. Fourth edition, corrected and improved. By J. HEMINGWAY, Author of "The History of Chester," &c.

[This volume is rather an itinerary than anything else. The writer states that be has visited the places he describes; but minuteness, more than vividness, is the result of his inspection. The book will doubtless be found useful as a guide ; but it is too dry to be recommended for any other purpose.] Travels in Ireland. By J. G. KOHL. Translated from the German. [A new translation of Kostr.'s Irish tour; which professes to contain the whole of the work, anti not to be a mere abridgment. It was published, we think, in parts ; and it forms a neat-looking volume.] The Biographical Dictionary of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. Volume IV., Part I.

[This appears to complete letter A, for it comes down to " Azz "; AZZUBEYDI, a celebrated Hispano-Moorish grammarian, being the last life.]

The Formation of Words of the German Language, practically Developed and Arranged according to the views of Dr. Becker, the discoverer of the Natural System of Language. With an Appendix, containing Questions for Examination in the German Language ; the whole forming a Supplement to every German Grammar. By H. APEL. [From experience, and from opportunities of observing no inconsiderable num- ber of Dr. Beceeit's pupils, we can state that his meths(' of teaching German enables the pupil to obtain a complete mastery of the language, both for com• manding the stores of knowledge treasured up in it and for fully expressing his own ideas through its medium, in a shorter time, and with leas exertion of mere mechanical memory, than any other. Mr. Arm. appears in this little /ran* to have succeeded to a very considerable extent in preparing a manual to the English teacher or student who chooses to adopt BECHER'S system.]

SERIALS.

Parker's Collections in Popular Literature.

[The object of this speculation is to produce "a series of books at low prices, calculated, by their unexceptionable tendency, for general use in families ; from which school-libraries might be formed, reward-books selected, and lending- libraries supplied." Of this popular undertaking the first thing to be said is that the books are bargains—we have seen nothing that contains so much type in so small a compass ; whence it follows, that they are handy ; and, it may he added, the getting-up is neat. They are also varied both in general subject and in particular subdivision. The speculation is moreover conducted with great spirit, for no fewer than sixteen volumes are at once before us ; a classified ex- hibition of which, with a few remarks, will enable the reader to comprehend the scope and character of Mr. PAEEEE's "Collections in Popular Literature." *I. HISTORY.

History of the Invasion of Russia by Napoleon Bonaparte. From the French of EUGENE LLEAusts, Captain of Engineers during the Expe- dition.

The Lord and the Vassal; a Familiar Exposition of the Feudal System during the Middle Ages. Of these two books, which commence the historical series, LABAUME's work possesses the character of certainty that mostly belongs to original nar- rators : he also enjoys considerable reputation for accuracy; and the vastness of the subject fills the mind and excites the interest of the reader from the beginning to the end. We must confess, however, that though LARAMIE'S' general picture is no doubt correct, his Southern imagination seems sometimes to have run away with him. Several of his traits seem touched-off for effect; and there are detailed conversations which seem long to hold under the dr-. curnstances, and very long to report. The Lord and the Vassal is a composition on the origin, character, influence, and decline of the feudal system, chiefly derived from ROBERTSON, HALLAM. and GUIZOT. II is done in a workmanlike manner.

2. POPULAR BIOGRAPHY. Smeaton and Light-houses. Linneeus and Jussieu ; or the Rise and Progress of Systematic Botany. - envier and Zoology. The object of this section is rather peculiar—to combine a general sketch of the history and character of any particular science or pursuit with a life of the individual, or lives of the individuals' who chiefly contributed to its dis- covery or advancement. The sketch of the rise and progress of the art always seems designed to precede the biography ; which is followed by a continuation of the subject to the present time, where requisite. Thus, in Smeaton' an ac- count of the most difficult erections for light-houses or beacons follows his life, and the building of the Eddystone ; in Curter, there was little to do in this way, from the late period of his death and the completeness of his labours; but sketches are given of his fellow-naturalists. In Linnceus and Jussieu, there are two lives to exhibit the authors of the artificial and natural systems of botany. These works will be found useful, as bringing together in an accessible shape a good deal of scattered information. The history of the science is better than the exposition, which is rather jejune; anti the biography is better than the history. Of the series we prefer Smeaton.

3. srenotr.

The Merchant and the Friar. By Sir FRANCIS PALGRAVE, etc. The Life and Adventures of Peter Wilkins, a Cornish Man. A new edi- tion, thoroughly revised. The most delectable History of Reynard the Fox, and of his Son Beynardine. Vona, the Chinese Magistrate; and other Tales of other Countries.

Norah Toole, and other Tales. By a Lady. Two only of these volumes are original, Vanti and Norah Toole; and both have a similar object, that of conveying a picture of national characteristics in the guise of fiction. China, Hindostan, or rather Anglo-India, and Peru, are the subjects treated of in Vanti; Ireland, Scotland, Norway, and Switzerland, in Norah Thole.

The other three volumes are reprints; Peter Wilkins and Beynard the Fox having been, thoroughly revised to adapt them to the stricter taste of the age. Beynard, it may be added, is a work of a very singular history and character. Its author is unknown ; the honour of its authorship has been contended for by France Flanders, Germany, and Holland ; it appears of course in each language, besides CAXTON'S translation ; the earliest known manuscript is about the year 1300; it formed the delight of Europe during the middle ages, for the characteristic truth of its beasts, and its sarcasms upon monarchs, ministers, and courtiers; and may probably be read now with as much zest as at first. In a literary sense, Reynard the Fox is the most valuable present of the collection.

4. USEFUL ARTS.

The Writing-desk and its Contents; taken as a Text for the familiar illustra- tion of many important facts in Natural History and Philosophy. By THOMAS GRIFFITHS, Author of "Recreations in Chemistry," &c. &c.

The Useful Arts employed in the Construction of Dwelling-houses. The Useful Arts employed in the Production of Clothing. The Useful Arts employed in the Production of Food. There is nothing particularly new in the idea of this section : the different

articles of convenience and use around us have already been taken as texts for illustrating a variety of facts connected with their nature or manufacture; and various works have expounded, in a variety of ways, the materials of food, clothing, and so forth, as well as the arts by which they are converted to our use. The feature of these little books consists in their completeness—in con- densing into one small volume subjects which are frequently scattered through many popular treatises.

5. MISCELLANEOUS LITERATURE.

Chronicles of the Seasons, or Progress of the Fear' ; being a Course of Daily instruction and Amusement, selected from the Popular Details of the Natural History, Science, Art, Antiquities, and Biography of our Father- land. In four books. Volumes I. and II.

The only book uuder this head is the Chronicles of the Seasons ; and in our view it is the most attractive of the whole collection. STURM'S "Reflections for Every Day in the Year," and some other publications of a similar character, have forestalled any novelty of plan in making the almanack a series of texts on which to write a journal; but the work before as possesses more variety in subject, and freshness of treatment, than any other book of the same kind that we have met with. It gives sufficient information as to the calendar, which it agreeably relieves with uatural history, rural sketches, biography, antiquities, and other cognate topics. The Chronicles of the Seasons also possess an ani- mated spirit that does not belong to all the other books ; many of which, in- deed, have too much of an encyclopmdic character in their execution.] History of Germany. By F. KOHLRAUSCH. Part I. [The translation, for the Foreign Library, of a work which enjoys a high Con- tinental reputation, tested by thirty years. As we have no history of Germany, this publication may be taken as an addition to our useful books; though, for an historian, KOHLRAUSCH is deficient in largeness, grasp, and eloquence.]

PERIODICALS.

Westminster Review, No. LXXXI.

New York Democratic Review for May.

Magazines for June—Blackwood's, Tait's, Dublin Uoiversity, Fraser's, Hood's, British, Illuminated, Bankers' Polytechnic, Portfolio, Shn- mondis Colonial, Chemist, Precursor oettnity.

ILLUSTRATED WORKS AND PRINTS.

The Mysteries of Paris. Illustrated with upwards of 700 engravings on wood, executed under the superintendence of Mr. CHARLES HEATH. No. I.

[A. handsome edition of this popular work, illustrated by French Artists, and announced as the only English edition authorized by M. Eugene Sue." To recommend it to the better sort of readers, the text is purged from as mach grossness as possible.]

MAPS.

Map of the Isle of France, with the adjacent Islands. Compiled from actual Surveys, by JAMES WYLD.