The Book Trade.

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Biographies of Good Wives. By L. MARIA CHILD, Author of the "Mother's Book," "Letters from New York," "Flowers for Children," etc. New York: C. S. Francis & Co.

The publishers of the "Cabinet Library of Choice Prose and Poetry," have been singularly successful in the selection of works for their series. Embracing, as it does, works of the highest order of merit, and a pure and elevated moral tone, it cannot fail of securing the favor of all who desire to grow in the graces and virtues that are the chief ornaments of our nature. Of the "Good Wives" of Mrs. Child, we have no fear of saying too much. It is a good book, in the most emphatic meaning of the term; and her biographies, brief and beautiful, are marked for their faithfulness, clearness and simplicity. "If this book," says Mrs. Child, in her preface, which is modest, unassuming, and to the point, "convince one doubting individual that there really is such a thing as constant, disinterested love, which misfortune cannot intimidate, or time diminish-if it teach one mistaken votary of ambition that marriage, formed from conscientious motives, makes human life like a serene sky-if it reveal to one thoughtless wife some portion of the celestial beauty there is in a perfect union of duty and inclination-if it prevent one young heart from becoming selfish and worldly-then it has not been written in vain." We feel quite sure that no sensible, well-meaning wife or mother, can rise from its perusal without the strong impulse of goodness, an impulse that will ripen into a noble activity. 2.-Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life during a Four Months' Residence in the Valley of the Marquesas, with Notices of the French Occupation of Tahiti, and the Provisional Cession of the Sandwich Islands to Lord Paulet. By HERMAN MELVILLE. New York: Wiley & Putnam. This has all the elements of a popular book-novelty, and originality of style and matter, and deep Interest from first to last. The writer purports to have been a sailor in a ship cruising for whales in the South Seas, from which he escaped while among the Marquesas Islands, and for some time enjoyed the delights of the tropics in a valley whose beauty he describes in most glowing colors. The perfect sang froid exhibited in his intercourse with the cannibals, and ease with which he seemed to regard the delights, hopes, and fears of his Polynesian life, give a particular richness to the book. The faithfulness of the descriptions and narrative give it a peculiar charm, and few can read, without a thrill, the glowing pictures of scenery and luxuriant nature, the festivities and amusements, the heathenish rites and sacrifices, and battles, of these beautiful islands.

3.-Scenes and Thoughts in Europe. By an AMERICAN. No. XVI., Wiley & Putnam's Library of American Books.

In this book will be found a happy balance between the scenes and thoughts. The scenes are painted with liveliness, and every mark of a fine discrimination; the thoughts are profound, noble, and clearly expressed. The author shows, likewise, the rare combination of sufficient culture in what is peculiar to Europe, to select leading points, without losing sight of minute traits of individuality, with an understanding of the genius of his own land, superior in the opportunity of development and the prophecy of progress. He is European, not in a paltry and ignorant mimicry, or a profound pleasure in the externals, of European life; but in an intelligence of the great and beautiful results of her long ages of travail and wo, results which, if inadequate to satisfy in full the wants and desires of man, he can never afford to forget, but must always know better how to prize as he advances. He is American, not in a rude uncultured lawlessness which he mistakes for freedom; not in a vain, superficial, and bustling habit of mind, but in a superiority to ancient prejudice, and in a larger sense of the substantial interests of man. The book is worthy careful perusal and consideration. 4.-Views and Reviews in American Literature, History, and Fiction. By W. GILMORE SIMMS. New York: Wiley & Putnam's Library of American Books.

This volume embraces a collection of the author's contributions to the literary periodicals of the country, north and south, written during the last fifteen years. They refer to natural objects and characteristics, and constitute a class, in themselves, illustrative of our history, our materials of art, the moral of our aims, and the true development of our genius. They show what may be done among us, and insist upon what we should do, in regard to the essential in our progress. The subjeets discussed in the present series, are, Americanism in Literature, The Epochs and Events in American History, Literature and Life among American Aborigines, Daniel Boone, the first hunter of Kentucky, Cortez and the Conquest of Mexico, and the Writings of J. Fenimore Cooper. 5.-European Agriculture and Rural Economy: From Personal Observation. By HENRY COLMAN. Part I. Vol. 5. Boston: A. D. Phelps.

The present part closes the first volume of this invaluable work. Five more parts, which will be included in the second volume, will comdlete the labors of Mr. Colman. Thus far, the author's observations relate chiefly to England, Scotland, and Ireland, but in future numbers, they will be extended to the French, Flemish, Swiss, German, and Italian husbandry. We intend, at our earliest convenience, to give an elaborate review of this excellent work.

6.--History of the Great Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, in Germany and Switzerland, &c. By J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNE. Vol. IV. New York: Robert Carter.

The popularity of this work has been truly remarkable, especially in England and the United States. In the two countries named, more than two hundred thousand copies are in circulation, while in France the number hardly exceeds four hundred. The worthy author has reaped very little pecuniary advantage from the work, except the voluntary and liberal presents of Mr. Carter, who had made an arrangement to pay over to the author one-half of the profits of all of the fourth edition sold in the United States, or ordered and paid for previous to the publication of any rival edition. This would have been a very handsome sum; but a rival publisher of religious books in Philadelphia steps in and turns out an edition in a few days after the appearance of Mr. Carter's, and thus deprives the author of the benefits of the contract, and the publishers of almost all profit. Mr. Carter, however, who appears to be actuated by motives not altogether selfish, will, we have no doubt, act liberally towards the author; and, on this account, we earnestly hope his edition will be more generally purchased. He has published the whole history in every variety of size, style, and price, as will be seen by the following table: Uniform with the subscribers' cheap edition in half cloth, 374 cents; do. edition in full cloth, 50 cents; do. best edition, thick paper, in extra cloth, 75 cents; the four volumes in half cloth, $1,25; do. in full, $1,75; on fine thick paper, extra cloth, new type, $2,50; in one 8vo. volume, full cloth, same type without spacing, $1,00; the fourth volume 8vo., separate, paper cover, do. 25 cents. The fourth volume contains the most important epochs of the Reformation on the Continent; such as the Two Diets of Spires, 1526 and 1529, the latter celebrated for the great Protest of the Reformed States; the conference at Marburg between the Swiss and German Reformers; the Augsburgh Confession; the progress of the Gospel in Switzerland, terminating with the catastrophe at Cappel, in which Zwingle was slain, and the death of Ecolampadius.

7.-Sacred Philosophy of the Seasons; illustrating the Perfections of God in the Phenomena of the Year. By the Rev. HENRY DUNCAN, D.D., Rothwell Spring. New York: Robert Carter. This is the first of a series of four volumes devoted to the seasons of the year. There is a chapter for every day in the season of Spring, relating to a distinct subject, the object of which is to demonstrate the existence and the attributes of God, in the various phenomena of the revolving year. Each volume contains an argument complete in itself, and peculiar to the season of which it treats. The present exhibits proofs of the Divine agency in the reproductive powers and principles of creative things, with reference to the quality of the atmosphere, the diffusion of light and heat, the deposition and distribution of moisture, the properties of the soil, the nature of the living principle, the development of seeds and plants, the animal structure and instincts, &c. A similar arrangement is adopted in the other volumes devoted to the other seasons of the year. The variety of knowledge which it embraces, is well calculated to awaken and gratify the curiosity of the young, while it is also interesting to maturer years. Although it is not without its defects, it is, on the whole, a work which instructs by its multitude of facts, and which incites to reflection and further study, by its still greater multitude of suggestions.

8.-The Christian Ministry; with an Inquiry into the Causes of its Inefficiency. By the Rev. CHARLES BRIDGES, A.M., Rector of Old Newton, Suffolk, and author of " An Exposition of Psalm CXIX." From the Sixth London Edition. New York: Robert Carter.

This is a large octavo volume, of nearly five hundred pages; and is particularly intended for the use of the clerical profession. The author is an earnest and devoted member of what would be termed the Evangelical branch of the Church of England, and though he has had special regard to the Establishment, yet" he would be sorry to refuse a cordial admission, and to neglect a diligent improvement of the acknowledged excellencies of the honored men of God in other communions." The work is written in a strong and vigorous style.

9.-Solace for Bereaved Parents: or Infants Die to Live: with an Historical Account of Infant Salvation; also, very full Selections from various Authors, in Prose and Poetry. By the Rev. THOMAS SMITH, D. D. New York: Robert Carter.

We have here a volume of three hundred pages, devoted exclusively to the subject of infant salvation, and the comfort of bereaved parents. The author maintains that the doctrine of infant damnation is not peculiar to the Calvinists; but, on the contrary, that they were foremost in repudiating it. But by far the larger portion of the volume is made up of poems and prose extracts from eminent authors of all sects and no sects. These are appropriate, and selected with correct taste, and good judgment.

10.-The Fruit Culturist: adapted to the Climate of the United States; containing Directions for Pruning Young Trees in the Nursery, and for the Management of the Orchard and Fruit Garden. By JOHN J. THOMAS. New York: Mark H. Newman.

The object of this work is not only to furnish useful directions to those who may be little acquainted with the management of fruit-trees, but to promote the culture of the best varieties, and to improve their treatment so as to secure excellence and productiveness in a more eminent degree than is usually attained. So far as we are capable of judging, we should think it well calculated to answer these objects.

11.-A First Latin Book. By THOMAS KRRCHEVER ARNOLD, M.A., Rector of Lyndon, and late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Carefully revised and corrected, by Rev. J. A. SPENCER, A.M. From the Fifth London Edition. New York: D. Appleton. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton.

The public have been much benefited by the republication of Dr. Arnold's productions, and school literature will receive a great addition in the works of which this is the primary volume. The particular distinction which marks this method of instruction, is, that it constantly forces the scholar to review as he advances, while the system has heretofore been presented to the scholar in regular order, and often before fully digested. It is impossible, in studying the language in the metnod which Dr. Arnold here gives, and which was borrowed from the celebrated Ollendorf. for the scholar to advance without knowing well the previous knowledge presented. We would suggest that teachers compare the advantages thus offered, with those that have sustained the time-honored system, and conclude if they will not dispense with the errors of the latter. We hope the portion of the series that follow this volume, will also be presented, as they doubtless will, by the same publishers. 12.-Notes of a Traveller, on the Social and Political State of France, Prussia, Switzerland, Italy, and other parts of Europe, during the Present Century. By SAMUEL LAING, Esq., author of "A Journal of a Residence in Norway," and of "A Tour in Sweden." Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. This work was first published in Edinburgh, in January, 1842; and in August of the same year, a second edition was called for. It is from this last edition that the present is reprinted. The authon has collected a mass of materials in the social economy of the countries named in the title-page, and embodied them in a form at once attractive and philosophical. No works of the class have been more referred to and quoted than the present volume, and the two former on Sweden and Norway. Taking historical events, statistical facts, and his own observation in various tours as the basis, Mr. Laing proceeds straight forward in his conclusions in political or social economy, regardless of the theories, authorities, or opinions that may be jotted out of the road, or of the establishments, classes, or personages, whose assumed merits or false lustre may be rubbed off in the collision, and shocked with truth and just principle. There is a chapter on the German Customs Union, or the Commercial League, as to its political bearings and probable effects, that will be read with interest by our intelligent merchants and statesmen.

13.-Specimens of the British Critics. By CHRISTOPHER NORTH-(John Wilson.) Philadelphia: Carey & Hart.

The design of this volume is to republish some of the best collections that appeared during the last year in Blackwood's Magazine. The subjects of the criticism were Dryden and Pope, a survey of their genius and character, as displayed in their works generally, and in particular, upon their celebrated productions-Mac Flecnoe and the Dunciad. Old Christopher North, in his discriminating way, points out the aims and beauties of these matchless satires, and, at the same time, delineates the spirit which marked this peculiar period of English literature. Perhaps, to scholars, the most interesting portion is that which describes the relation of these poets to Juvenal, Homer, and Virgil. Better criticism has not been, and hardly can be written.

14.-The Outline Series of History. Philadelphia: Thomus, Cowperthwaite & Co.

This is a series of small works, in which it is intended to embrace treatises on all those subjects which are particularly adapted for school instruction. Of these, six are finished, namely, Outlines of the History of Greece, of Rome, of England, of America, Outlines of Natural Philosophy, and Outlines of Astronomy. It would be difficult to prepare a set of books better adapted to meet the wants of schools, than these. The subjects are among the most important which can be presented to the learner, and the works are comprehensive, without lengthened detail. The treatises on History are among the best compends that are extant on that branch of study; and those on Natural Philosophy and Astronomy, make those subjects so clear that a child that can read, can understand them. These last named works were prepared by C. List, Esq., a gentleman of large experience in educational affairs, of Philadelphia. The mechanical execution is excellent, and their price is such that they may be universally adopted. We recommend them particularly to those interested in the public schools.

15.-Cleveland's First Latin Book. Cleveland's Latin Grammar. Cleveland's Second Latin Book. Philadelphia: Thomas, Cowperthwaite & Co.

These works were prepared by Charles D. Cleveland, formerly professor of the Latin and Greek languages in Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa.; and of the Latin language and literature in the University of the City of New York. They are well calculated for leading the learner forward step by step, in acquiring a knowledge of that language which enters so largely into all our scientific works and the formation of the language which we speak. The first is founded on the author's original “First Lessons in Latin," which was the first of those “First Lessons" which have now become so numerous. The grammar is founded on Adams' Latin Grammar, and the Second Latin Book on Jacobs' and Doring's Latin Reader. These originals, of course, need no comment. They are known to every teacher as belonging to the first class of Latin school-books; and the notes, and the excellent arrangement made by the present editor, will be found by the student to give them great additional value. We may add to this, that the mechanical execution of the books is of a superior order.

16.-Narratives of Remarkable Criminal Trials. Translated from the German of ANSELM RITTER VON FEURBACH, by Lady DuFF GORDON. New York: Harper & Brothers.

These trials are selected from a work of thirteen hundred closely printed pages, and embrace such as appeared to the English editor to possess the greatest general interest, and in obedience to the suggestions of the Edinburgh Review. Although abridged to little more than half their original length, Lady Gordon seems to have preserved the main outline of every trial, which is filled up with just so much of detail as will serve to give a tolerably faithful picture of crimes common to all nations, treated in a manner widely different from our own. Anselm Feurbach, celebrated as a judge, a legislator, and a writer, was, for many years, president of the highest criminal court in Bavaria, and the penal code of that country was chiefly formed by him. The present work has excited great attention in Germany. Several of the trials forcibly illustrate the danger of relying upon circumstantial evidence in criminal prosecutions.

17.-Journal of Researches into the Natural History and Geology of the Countries Visited during a Voyage of H. M. S. Beagle round the World, under the command of Captain Fitz Roy, R. N. By CHARLES DARWIN, M. A., F. R. S. In two volumes. New York: Harper & Brothers. This work forms the tenth and eleventh numbers of "Harper's New Miscellany," a rare collection of useful standard publications. They embrace a history of the voyage of the Beagle, undertaken for scientific purposes, and performed at the expense, and under the direction, of the British government. In his preface to the English edition, Mr. Darwin, the author, states that he accompanied the vessel at the request of her commander, and with the special sanction of the Lords of the Admiralty. We have, in this work, besides a narrative of the voyage, a sketch of Mr. Darwin's observations in natural history and geology, presented in such a manner, as to possess much interest and value to the general reader. It is well adapted to the purpose of popular instruction and entertainment, and we consider its introduction into the series at once appropriate and judicious.

18.-The Old Continental; or, The Price of Liberty. By the author of "The Dutchman's Fireside," etc., etc. In two volumes. New York: Paine & Burgess.

This tale, we are informed, in a note appended, was substantially written several years ago; and the author, after keeping it, as he says, more than the period prescribed by Horace, has given it a last revision, and sent it out for the amusement of his countrymen. The personages, and a portion of the story, are historical or traditionary. The design of the author was, to convey to the mind of the reader some idea of the spirit, the sufferings, and the sacrifices of a class of people who are seldom, if ever, individualized in history, yet who always bear the brunt of war and invasion. The hero of the piece, says Mr. Paulding, once actually existed; and exhibited in his youth many of the qualities here ascribed to him. Some of the incidents detailed were well remembered by the people of the neighborhood; few, if any, of whom are now living. Others took place in different parts of the country, at various times. It gives a very graphic picture of the price paid by our fathers and mothers for the freedom we enjoy. It is, on the whole, a very interesting and attractive volume, and well calculated to add to the already well-earned reputation of the author.

19.-Thoughts on the Poets. By H. T. TUCKERMAN. New York: C. S. Francis & Co.

Mr. Tuckerman has given us in this volume his " thoughts," and, we may add, criticisms, on twenty-six poets; embracing Petrarch, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Pope, Cowper, Thompson, Young, Alfieri, Crabbe, Shelley, Hunt, Byron, Moore, Rogers, Burns, Campbell, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Barry Cornwall, Mrs. Hemans, Tennyson, Mies Barrett, Drake, and Bryant. These sketches are written in a chaste, classic, and graceful style, although not distinguished for a remarkable degree of vigor; and his thoughts are pure, pleasing, and poetical. Mr. T. is not, perhaps, so highly appreciated as a writer in this country as in England, where he will find a more numerous class of admirers. It forms one of Francis & Co.'s "Cabinet Library of Choice Prose and Poetry;" a series which, perhaps, more than any other, seems peculiarly adapted to the taste of intellectual women.

20.-Elements of Drawing and Mensuration, applied to the Mechanic Arts; a Book for the Instruction and Use of Practical Men. By CHARLES DAVIES, LL. D. New York: A. S. Barnes & Co.

Dr. Davies is the author of a series of popular arithmetics, and elementary works on algebra, surveying, geometry, etc., which have been extensively introduced into many of our best schools, and other seminaries of learning. The design of the present work is to afford an elementary text-book of a practical character, adapted to the wants of the community; where, every day, new demands arise for the application of science to the useful arts. The present work will, we have no doubt, be as popular as the other educational works of the author.

21.-Lilla Hart; a Tale of New York. By CHARLES BURDETT, author of "The Adopted Child," Chances and Changes," "Never too Late," Trials and Triumphs," etc. New York: Baker & Scribner.

Mr. Burdett is one of the reporters to the New York Courier and Enquirer, a situation "fraught with endless variety of scene and incident," scarcely paralleled by any other profession. A reporter witnesses many scenes, and comes in contact with every degree of horror, crime and suffering. This tale is founded on facts falling within the knowledge of the author, who gathers lessons of warning and instruction from all, and very happily weaves the incidents into this profitable and pleasing narrative. We are pleased to notice great improvement in the author's style.

2.-Lives of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. By D. FRANCIS BACON. New York: Baker & Scribner. This is a large and handsome volume, of more than six hundred pages. Dr. Bacon, the author, is a gentleman of great versatility of talent; and has, we believe, studied medicine, divinity, and law, to say nothing of politics. He was some time Governor of Liberia, and wrote a very interesting work on Africa, only a part of which has been published. His attainments are extensive, and he has brought to the preparation of the present work no ordinary degree of erudition, besides a large experience. It is written in a pleasing, and at the same time vigorous style; and he seems to have availed himself of the most reliable and authentic sources of information. We can commend it, most heartily, to all who take an interest in that little band of reformers who rallied around the Light of the World, and whose influence on the destiny of the race must extend through all time-eternity. 23.-Self-Formation: or, the History of an Individual Mind. Intended as a Guide for the Intellect through Difficulties to Success. By a Fellow of a College. First American, from the London edition. Boston: William Crosby, and H. P. Nichols.

We agree with the American editor in his estimate of this work, that it is, almost without question, the most valuable and useful work upon the subject of self-education, that has yet appeared in our language. It is original, both in plan and execution, and meets the case, as no other among the numerous books which have appeared with a similar design, has succeeded in doing. It is just what the unaided searcher for intellectual elevation and progress wants, to give him impulse, aid, and encouragement, in the arduous, and often disheartening task of self-discipline. Written in unaffected style, and interspersed with illustrative anecdotes, divests it of that dulness which so frequently characterises the essay. It is published in the usually handsome style of the best Boston books. 24. My own Home and Fireside: being illustrative of the Speculations of Martin Chuzzlewit & Co. among the Women of the Walley of Eden. By SYR. Philadelphia: John W. Moore. The design of this narrative, as we are informed in the preface, is to show who were the companions of certain foreigners who have visited America and traduced it-to expose the cowardly and brutal practice of whipping in the navy-to show who are the desperadoes that drive the Indian from his hunting grounds without remuneration-to present the life of the seamstress, and their vile treatment by the principals in some establishments-and to illustrate how, from the most base and impure parentage, often springs an issue cultivated and virtuous-and that the good of life sometimes dwells in the most corrupt communities. These views are woven into quite a readable and agreeable narrative. 25.-Family and Private Prayers. By the Rev. WILLIAM BERRIAN, D. D., Rector of Trinity Church, New York. New York: Stanford & Swords.

This is a very handsome duodecimo volume of more than four hundred pages, printed on a large, bold type, a great desideratum for a work designed for "all ages and all eyes." As a manual of devotion for the family and closet, it is peculiarly suited to the taste and feelings of the devout churchman. The principal part of it is taken from the Book of Common Prayer, and the rest, which will appear new to many, is drawn from the offices for special occasions, in the liturgy of the Church of England. It embraces prayers for every day in the month, for all the fasts and feasts of the Church, and, in fact, for almost every event and circumstance in life.

26.-Margaret: or, the Pearl. By the Rev. CHARLES B. TAYLOR, M. A. New York: Stanford & Swords.

"Lady Mary," and "Records of a Good Man's Life," by the same author, are among the most popular religious narratives of the day, and their circulation among Episcopalians in England and in this country, is quite extensive. The present story is of the same class, with, perhaps, this exception, that it will be considered by some rather more sectarian in its character than the latter. "Tractarianism," which has risen up in the Church of England, the author considers one of the chief errors of the day, and it is the object of the present narrative to show "the effects of the system as regards our own private and domestic circles, and the interior of our homes." The story is embraced in a handsome duodecimo, of about two hundred and fifty pages.

27.-The Philosophy of Reform; in which are exhibited the Design, Principle, and Plan of God, for the Full Development of Man, as a Social, Civil, Intellectual, and Moral Being; thereby elevating him in the Scale of Being to the Position he was created to occupy. By Rev. C. BILLINGS SMITH. New York: Gates & Stedman.

We rejoice at every indication of reform, and it is particularly gratifying to note the movements made by the Church and its ministers, who have for centuries been too much disposed not only to hold fast that which is good, but also many evils and abuses. The author addresses himself to the Christian, the Scholar, and the Statesman; and enforces with considerable power the doctrine of the progress of the race. The aims of the author are good; and, from the fact that the essay is recommended by such men as the Rev. Dr. Skinner, the Rev. William R. Williams, and others of the same theological stamp, will find a class of readers different from that which usually advance similar views of man and society.

28.-The Artists of America. New York: Baker & Scribner.

We have, on a former occasion, expressed our approbation of the design and character of this enterprise. The present number embraces sketches of John Trumbull and James De Veaux.