THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Notes on Central America, particularly the States of Honduras and San Salvador-their Geography, Topography, Climate, Population, Resources, Productions. &c., &c.; and the proposed Inter-Oceanic Railway. By E. G. SQUIER, with original maps and illustrations. pp. 397. New York: Harper

& Brothers.

The varied and valuable contents of this volume are sufficiently indicated by the title page. The work is one which will be found alike interesting to the geographer, the geologist, the naturalist, the botanist, the historian, and the general reader. It is prefaced by a geographical introduction of great value, written in Mr. Squier's well-known lucid style, and contains information of much value, with regard to a section of country of which until very recently but comparatively little was known. The body of the book consists, in the first place, of notes on the geographical and topographical features of Central America, observations on its climate, and statistical accounts, carefully prepared, of Guatemala, San Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. In the chapters on the Republic of Honduras, will be found notices of its rivers, lakes, and lagoons; bays, ports, harbors, and islands. The political divisions are very carefully considered. In chapters ix., X., and xi., the naturalist will find much that will interest him, while the ethnologist will read attentively that portion of the book which relates to the existing aboriginal inhabitants, the Zicaques, Layas, Sambos, and Caribs. To the political economist, the chapter on political organization will open a wide field of study. A separate and long chapter is devoted to the proposed Inter-Oceanie Railway, in which Mr. Squier proposes a route different from any already presented, and which he asserts to be superior to all others as a means of transit between the seas, and of more safe, rapid, and easy communication with the more important commercial centers on the Pacific Ocean. This route lies wholly within the State of Honduras. For the particulars of the reconnaissance of it, which it has already undergone, we must refer the reader to Mr. Squier's book. The chapters on the Republic of San Salvador are extremely interesting, and will be found to be of permanent value, as also will the miscellaneous notes on Segonia, Chontales, and the Mosquito shore" the Bay Islands"-aborigines of Honduras thermometrical and barometrical observations—and bibliology. The entire work, enriched by a copious index, and profusely illustrated with tinted lithographs and charts, is a very valuable contribution to American literature, and reflects the highest credit on its indefatigable author.

2.-The Works of the late Edgar Allen Poe; with a Memoir. By RUFUS W. GRISWOLD, D. D.; and Notices of his Life and Genius. By N. P. Willis and J. R. Lowell. Vol. IV. 12mo. New York: Redfield.

The three former volumes of this collection of the writings of the gifted but unfortunate author, were published some three years since. The present volume, which the publisher has judiciously added to the collection, embraces everything written by Mr. Poe, which he himself would have wished thus to preserve. It contains some of the most remarkable productions of one of the most remarkable men of the age. The memoir of the author, by Dr. Griswold, in the first volume, does no credit to the head or heart of that gentleman, for it is neither just, candid, or philosophical. We hope some one, of a larger and more comprehensive philosophy, will some future day assume the responsibility of redeeming the character of poor Poe, the most transcendant genius our country has produced, from the malignant libel of the learned doctor of divinity.

3.-A Treatise on Arithmetic, Theoretical and Practical. By ELIAS LOOMIS, LL. D., Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the University of the city of New York, and author of a Course of Mathematics. 12mo., pp. 331. New York: Harper & Brothers.

Professor Loomis's series of school and college text-books, on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, practical and progressive astronomy, are highly estimated by those best competent to judge. This treatise lays claim to a higher aim than that of making liberal though rapid computers. It is of a different character. Mr. L. has attempted, and successfully, we conceive, to develop every principle in its natural order; to demonstrate every rule briefly but vigorously, and to accustom the pupil to think clearly, and to express his ideas with precision. At the same time, every principle is illustrated by a copious collection of examples, thus impressing the principles permanently upon the mind. While it aims to be theoretical, it will be found, in the best sense of the word, eminently practical. beyond all question a first-rate educational treatise, and one which we can recommend to merchants and business men, as well as those who have the charge of providing books for our high schools and seminaries of learning generally.

It is

4.-The Theology of Inventions; or Manifestations of Deity in the Works of Art. By the Rev. JOHN BLAKLEY, Kirkintilloch, Scotland. pp. 294. New York: Carter & Brothers.

Here we have demonstrated that all works of invention may be traced through the inventors of earth, to the Great Inventor of both mind and matter. The author has displayed great acumen in his reasoning, and considerable knowledge in bringing it to bear on the various topics of which he treats. His leading idea is, that all human wisdom is traceable to the Divine mind. The style is exceedingly transparent, terse, and graceful; and no one can rise from the perusal of the work, without acknowledging that it is the production of a master mind. What is proved by the author is, that mechanical inventions, in the discovery of their elements and principles, and in the construction of their parts are, and ought to be, viewed as emanations of the wisdom, power, and beneficence of God, and this proposition he has proved philosophically from reason, and theologically from revelation.

5.--Eutaw, a Sequel to the Foragers; or, the Raid of the Dog Days. A Tale of the Revolution. By WILLIAM GILMORE SIMMs, Esq.

The revolutionary romances of Mr. Simms, of which this is the eighth in the order of their publication-that is, the present revised edition-make sure for that gentleman an imperishable reputation, as an American historical novelist of the first rank. It is fortunate for the posterity of the writer, that they will possess his works with all the revisions and corrections his matured judgment suggested. The publisher deserves the thanks of the American public for the uniformly handsome and substantial style in which this series, as well as all his other works are produced. Nothing trashy or ephemeral emanates from the press of Redfield—a name that has already become synonymous with standard literature.

6.-Ernest Linwood; a Novel. By CAROLINE LEE HENTZ. ton: John P. Jewett & Co.

pp. 467.

Bos

Scarcely had this work been announced when the news of the death of the gifted authoress arrived from Florida. Ernest Linwood is an autobiographical novel, in which the heroine, in a quiet, unpretending style, gives us the history of her somewhat eventful life. The love scenes between Gabriella and Ernest are delicately told, and in the more impassioned portions of the story, Mrs. Hentz displays a powerful pen. We regard Ernest Linwood as her best, as it was her last, work. As in all her productions, so in this; a fine moral runs through the narrative like a thread of silver, while there is an utter absence of anything like "fire writing."

7.-The Shakspeare Papers of the late William Maginn, LL. D.

Annotated by Dr. S. SHELTON MACKENZIE, editor of " Sheil's Sketches of the Irish Bar," "Noctes Ambrossianæ," &c. 12mo., pp. 354. New York.

This volume contains articles on Shakspeare and the most prominent characters in his plays, which originally appeared in Bentley's Miscellany and Frazer's Magazine. They were received at the time with marked fame by the discriminating readers of Shakspeare, in this country as well as in England. They have never before been published in a collected form. The collection consists of essays or critical disquisitions upon certain prominent characters in Shakspeare's Plays, including in the catalogue Falstaff, Jacques, Romeo, Iago, Polonius, Timon of Athens, Lady Macbeth, &c. There is also a scholarly and slashing analysis of Dr. Farmer's celebrated essay upon the "Learning of Shakspeare," which was written to prove that the poet was ignorant of every language except the English. As an editor and annotator Dr. Mackenzie has no superior, and his preface to the present work is exceedingly well done, and his occasional notes add materially to the value of the collection.

8.-Harper's Classical Library. 12mo. New York: Harper & Brothers.

We have noticed, as they appeared, the volumes of this admirable library of the Greek and Roman classics. The study of the language in which they were written, with such fine translations, so far as reading them is concerned, seems to be almost a work of superrerogation in our time. The series has reached some dozen volumes. We have now before us "The Tragedies of Eschylus," literally translated, with critical notes and an introduction, by a distinguished scholar of Christ Church, Oxford, together with an appendix, containing the new readings of Hermann's posthumous edition, translated by George Burges, A. M. The translation of Mr. Buckley is regarded as a faithful copy of the author's thoughts and words, although the graces of poetic expression must necessarily be dressed by a little prose version. The select orations of M. T. Cicero, were translated by C. D. Tonge.

9.-India, the Pearl of Pearl River. By Mrs. EMMA D. E. N. SOUTHWORTH. pp. 402. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson.

Mrs. Southworth, who possesses the happy faculty of always keeping alive the attention of her readers, has, in this volume, surpassed any of her previous works. The scenes of the story are laid in the Southwest, almost new ground for the novelist; and our authoress has shown consummate skill in descriptions of the natural scenery of that most interesting region. The characters are boldly drawn; and of stirring scenes and stirring incidents there is no lack. But with all this vigor and vividness, there is no overstraining for the mere sake of effectall is simple and natural. The hero is a finely conceived character, and the two heroines are exquisitely delineated. The work is far more carefully finished than any one we have yet seen from Mrs. Southworth's pen, and leads us to hope that she will take a still higher stand than the one she occupies. India is destined to a merited prosperity.

10. A History of Philosophy in Epitome. By Dr. ALBERT SCHWEGLER Translated from the original German, by Julius Seeyle. pp. 365. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

This volume will be welcomed and prized by all students of philosophy, it being a translation and not a paraphrase of the author's meaning. In Germany, the original work is to be found in the hands of almost every scholar, by whom it is highly esteemed, for its clearness, conciseness, and comprehensiveness. In its English dress, it loses none of its interest and value. Its account of the Greek and of the German systems is of especial value and importance. The book will well reward diligent study, and is one of the best works for a text-book upon neglected branch of scientific investigation.

this

11.-The Balloon Travels of Robert Merry and his Young Friends over various Countries in Europe. Edited by PETER PARLEY. pp. 312. New York: H. Derby.

It was a very felicitous idea of the indefatigable and ever-welcome Peter Parley, to send his young readers in the car of an imaginary balloon over the most interesting portions of Europe. Mr. Robert Merry and his young friends start, or rather soar from Boston, and get birds'-eye views of portions of Ireland, London, Paris, Madrid, and many other places of wonderful celebrity. And as they sail along, or stop to pay brief visits, Mr. Merry and his companions converse most pleasantly of the sights which meet their eyes. In fact there is scarcely any object of interest in Europe which is not remarked or explained in the most familiar and fascinating manner. It is a volume that should be in the hands of every boy and girl in America. The engravings are very beautiful. Floreat Peter Parley! 12.-Tales of Old Flanders. Count Hugo of Craenhove and Wooden Clara. From the Flemish of HENDRIK CONSCIENCE. pp. 93. Baltimore: Murphy & Co.

There is a freshness and raciness about the stories of Hendrik Conscience which will be very attractive to all lovers of fiction. His tales have strong distinctive points of interest, which lay hold of the sympathies of the reader and sustain him in a state of deep and permanent interest. There is a truthfulness in the pictures in the two tales contained in the present volume which is perfectly delightful, and each of them may be read by the most modest without a blush, and by the most fastidious without a scruple. Writing in a language familiar to comparatively few, Conscience owes to his own merits alone the American and European reputation he now enjoys.

13.-Annual of Scientific Discovery; or Year-Book of Facts in Science and Art for 1856. Edited by DAVID A. WELLS, A. M. pp. 390. Boston: Gould & Lincoln.

In these closely-printed pages is to be found a wonderful variety of information respecting the most important discoveries and improvements in mechanics, useful arts, natural philosophy, chemistry, astronomy, meteorology, zoology, botany, mineralogy, geology, geography, antiquities, &c.; together with a list of recent scientific publications, a classified list of patents, obituaries of eminent scientific men, and notes on the progress of science during the year 1855. Mr. Wells has performed his laborious duty admirably, and presented us with such a work as must commend itself favorably to the consideration of every mechanic and man of science. The arrangement is excellent, and a copious index adds greatly to the value of the volume, which is embellished with a very good portrait of Richard M. Hoe, Esq.

14.-Memoir of the Rev. John Moore. With Selections from his Correspondence and other Writings. By JOHN G. ADAMS. pp. 360. Boston: A. Tompkins. Mr. Moore was a Universalist preacher of considerable note, in Concord, N. H., where he died suddenly, in February, 1855. The great respect in which his character and talents were held, led to the publication of this memoir, which is carefully and impartially written. Prefixed to the volume is a finely engraved portrait of its subject.

15. Sermons. Chiefly Occasional. By CHARLES LOWELL, Second Minister of the West Church, Boston. pp. 329. Boston: Ticknor & Fields.

These sermons are specially marked by the fervent piety and profound theological learning of their venerable author. And they are withal so stamped with simplicity, that the humblest reader cannot fail to comprehend them. A fine and characteristic portrait of Dr. Lowell adorns the volume.

16.-Men and Times of the Revolution; or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson. Including Journals of Travels in Europe and America, from 1777 to 1842, with his Correspondence with Public Men, and Reminiscences and Incidents of the Revolution. Edited by his Son, WINSLOW C. WATSON. pp. 460. New York: Dana & Co.

To every American this volume cannot fail to be one of surpassing interest, narrating, as it does, with singular clearness and graphic power, the various eventful scenes through which the subject of this memoir passed, in one of the most stirring periods of the world's history. From the age of nineteen to near the close of his life, which was extended beyond four score years, Mr. Watson was in the habit of recording his impressions of men and incidents, as the events occurred, and that period embraced the epoch of the war of independence. In Europe and America he was, in the midst of the scenes of this pregnant era, an intimate associate with many of the individuals who impelled or guided the great changes, and a vigilant observer of the occurrences connected with their development. The extraordinary and perilous journey of Mr. Watson, in the crisis of the Revolution, from Massachusetts to Georgia, is full of interest, as narrated by himself in his letters and journals, as are also his European experiences. But what may strike many as not the least interesting feature of the volume, will be the descriptions of places and traveling, three-quarters of a century since, as compared with the magic changes that characterize the present period.

17.-Aspen Court. A Story of our own Time. By SHIRLEY BROOKS. pp. 504. New York: Stringer & Townsend.

This is a capital English novel of society, as good as anything Dickens has produced. Club life, low life, and lady life are all admirably drawn, and the best of it is, there is no caricature. It would be impossible, in a few lines, to dissect a work of this kind, or to give the plot. Enough to say that there are wild young men, rascally lawyers, aristocratic young gentlemen, and no end of ladies of all descriptions. The story goes on swimmingly to the end, in which Death and Love struggle who shall be the victor. The character of Carlyon is finely drawn, and betrays a practiced hand. As a true picture of London society, as it is, we do not know anything so good as " Aspen Court."

18.-Appleton's Cyclopedia of Biography. Embracing a Series of Original Memoirs of the most Distinguished Persons of all Times. pp. 1,058. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

All who desire to have a complete library biography in one volume, will get this valuable work. The various articles have been contributed by the most eminent writers of the day, and Dr. Hawkes has greatly added to the value of the original English edition, by notices of American celebrities. None who have made themselves distinguished are omitted from the pages of this book, which is really what it professes to be—a dictionary of biography. The pictorial illustra tions are accurate and well executed; and what is seldom to be found in a work of such magnitude, there are exceedingly few inaccuracies either of dates or facts. The Messrs. Appleton have done an important service to American literature by the publication of such a cyclopedia, and Dr. Hawks has performed his labors in a masterly manner.

19. The Gospel in Ezekiel: Illustrated in a Series of Discourses. By the Rev. THOMAS GUTHRIE, D. D., Edinburgh. pp. 395. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.

The Rev. Dr. Guthrie is one of the most eloquent preachers of the Scottish Church, and to his power and pathos this volume bears ample testimony. The discourses are twenty-six in number, each one elucidatory of some text in Ezekiel. They who are partial to the florid style of pulpit eloquence will greatly enjoy these expositions of one of the grandest and most poetical portions of the Old

Testament.