CRITICAL NOTICES.

Dream Life. A Fable of the Seasons. By IK | work of our nature, have a value infinitely beyond MARVEL. New-York: Charles Scribner. 1851. those narratives of conventional life which in our

Another beautiful book in the same vein, by the

author of "Reveries of a Bachelor." The im

mense popularity achieved by Mr. Mitchell through his "Reveries," will not, we predict, suffer by this new work. It is pervaded by the same charm that fascinates us in his last. Thoughts, feelings, and fancies, such as spontaneously flow from the warm life of a true mind and heart, he blends with exquisite descriptions of nature and touching incidents of life; carrying us on through youth, manhood, and old age, and setting his dreams and pictures of life in the frame-work of their appropriate emblematical seasons of the year. There is an elegance and simplicity in Mr. Mitchell's style that must perpetuate his name. He has very appropriately dedicated this book to Washington Irving, with whom, we think, he will be hereafter permanently associated in the minds of

all lovers of literature.

selves

modern literature so constantly obtrude themupon our notice, and so feebly awaken our sympathies. Of the former is this book of Miss Carey, and from the life-life among the original settlers of our western world.

The admirers of Mr. Headley will eagerly welcome this fresh work upon the author's favorite theme. The genius of the great captain of modern warfare exhibited its gigantic proportions in many ways, but probably in none more than in his knowledge of men, and the motives and principles which actuate them to the performance of heroic deeds. In the organization and training of his celebrated "Guard," this was probably exhibited in the most remarkable degree; and that also acter of that wonderful man as a leader, was prowhich was spontaneous and personal in the charCam-bably more palpably illustrated in the life of this 1852. his chosen band, than in any thing else connected with his military career. There is therefore undoubtedly a valuable meaning in the selection of this theme by our author. If he has not all the philosophic spirit to elucidate this, he has at least a most unquestionably popular graphic power, that will furnish the materials to his readers, or at least interest them in graphic narratives of heroic characters and deeds of "high renown."

Companions of my Solitude. By the Author of
Friends in Council, &c. Boston and
bridge: James Munroe and Company.
Reprinted from the English edition.

We are constrained to add our opinion to the consenting current, we believe of all the critics, as to the unquestionable genius of the author of this book. Full of original and earnest thought fulness, pervaded by a most delicate and pure humor, his speculations and fancies charm and interest us by their profound originality, and the meditative depth from whence they proceed. This book will be the favorite companion of the solitary hours of many a congenial spirit.

Clovernook; or, Recollections of our Neighborhood in the West. By ALICE CAREY. New-York: Redfield, Clinton Hall.

The fair authoress of this book is so well known to the public from the beautiful poems, so full of thought and depth of feeling, which she now and then contributes to the floating literature of the day, that this, we believe, first book of hers may already be supposed to have its audience, without any critic's commendation. We must say, notwithstanding, that it is a work well worthy of perusal, whether the author were known or unknown. The short and simple annals of the poor," inasmuch as they exhibit the very ground

Manual of the Common Council for 1852.

Mr. S. D. Valentine has published another edition of this valuable work, for the year 1852. As a book of reference for business men, it is indispensable. Besides a list of the various departments and officers belonging to the Municipal Government, it contains a great deal of interesting reading matter relative to the history and progress of the city, from the date of its settlement by the Dutch to the present time.

The Golden Legend. By HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields. A strange performance this. It is a Middle Age legend, quaintly and graphically told. There are certainly some passages of beautiful poetry in it. The plot is too obscure, and the supernatural but clum-ily brought in. The author introduces an imitation of one of the old religious mysteries, which certainly has a very strange sound to modern "ears polite." It gives us, however, a very "realizing sense" of medieval absurdities.

We have read the book with a sort of unsatisfied fascination; but not yet deliberately enough to pronounce upon its artistic merits as a poem.

Adrian; or, the Clouds of the Mind. A Romance. I work on the subject so profound, clear, and com-
By G. P. R. JAMES, Esq., and MAUNSELL B. FIELD, plete. It should be familiar to every one.
Esq. New-York: D. Appleton and Company.

mance. By CAROLINE CHESEBRO. New-York: J. S. Redfield, Clinton Hall.

Mr. James has performed many literary feats of Dream Land by Daylight. A Panorama of Roagility, celebrated horseman as he is. The rapidity of the motions of his Pegasus (or does he keep a stud of them, and shall we say Pegasi) have been the wonder and admiration of the reading public for a long time past. He has, probably

with

written two or more books at once, say one
each hand, and dictated a third; thus, as it were,
striding three of the aforesaid Pegasi at the same
time, and yet always coming round his circle at
the proper point to bow to the spectators. In the
above-named work he demands our admiration
for a feat of an opposite character. We behold
his steed coming forward, and lo! two riders so
ingeniously blended together that our senses are
cheated, and our wonder secured. But, banter
aside, the story, we must say, is very well written,
and has some admirable delineations of character
and scenery.

Novelties of the New World; or, the Adventures and Discoveries of the first Explorers of North America. By JOSEPH BANVARD. With illustrations. Boston: Gould and Lincoln, 59 Washington street.

A series for youth, very pleasantly relating the interesting adventures and discoveries of the early pioneer of America, in course of publication by this enterprising house, of which this is one, will contribute not a little to their entertainment and instruction. We can conceive of nothing more appropriate for all school or children's libraries.

Magazines are here presented in most elegant book form by Mr. Redfield.

Miss Chesebro's contributions to the various

cacy and beauty of sentiment, and her style is This lady's writings are marked by great deliworthy to convey her thoughts.

It will be a favorite volume among the "ladies of the land."

The Camel Hunt; A Narrative of Personal Ad venture. By JOSEPH W. FABENS. Boston and Cambridge: James Munroe & Co.

Although evidently written carelessly and in haste, this book evinces as much gemus as any thing of the kind that has lately fallen into our hands. It is full of wit, pathos, and characterpainting, such as is rarely to be met with. which we constantly regret in the perusal, so There is a want of consistency in the story and better from this writer. If we should be corexquisite are individual scenes. We predict more rect, Mr. Melville will have to take care of his laurels.

The American Matron; or, Practical and Scientific Cookery. By a Housekeeper. Boston and Cambridge: James Munroe and Company.

A good cookery book is a book not to be despised. This one has the great merit of having regard to economy in all its recommendations. We consider it the best that has come under our ob servation.

The Excellent Woman, as described in the Book of
Proverbs. With an introduction by WILLIAM
B. SPRAGUE, D.D. Boston: Gould and Lincoln,
59 Washington street.

The Theory of Human Progression, and Natural Probability of a Reign of Justice. Boston: Benjamin B. Mussey & Co., 29 Cornhill. The attempt made in this work is to show that politics may be reduced to a science. The author says, that the truth he endeavors to inculcate is, that credence, by which he means knowledge, rules the world, determines and fixes the destiny of nations. In this he has undoubtedly stated the first commendation. In the language of Dr. Sprague, This elegant little volume may well claim our requisite of all freedom, justice, stability, and ulti-it is a work that will bear to be read more than mate progress. The author is a clear thinker and a logical writer. We cannot consider him profound, although the work brings out many points into a clearer light than they have before been presented. The work is well designed, and will well repay a more attentive study than we have yet been able to give to it.

Elements of Logic, comprising the substance of the Article in the Encyclopædia Metropolitana, with additions, &c. By RICHARD WHATELEY, D. D., Archbishop of Dublin. New Edition, revised by the Author. Boston and Cambridge: James Munroe & Co.

So famous a work as this requires no special commendation. The simple announcement of a revised edition by the celebrated author, will be sufficient for the purpose. Our language has no

once, and each successive reading will be likely to reveal some new gem of thought, which, in the general mass of excellence, had been overlooked before. It is a book suitable for the husband to present to his wife, the mother to her daughter, and the brother to his sister; and the more widely it is circulated, the better for the country and the world."

Young Americans Abroad; or, Vacation in Europe. Travels in England, France, Holland, Belgium, Prussia, and Switzerland. With illustrations. Boston: Gould and Lincoln, 59 Washington street.

These boy letters are genuine, and will both amuse and instruct the juveniles for whom the book is intended. It must be the most interesting of the books of the season to all intelligent lads.

TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS.

WITH the present number we enter upon the Eighth Year and Fifteenth Volume of the American Review. We embrace the opportunity of this usual announcement to offer a word of explanation to our friends, which certain circumstances seem to make necessary. The conductors of the Review, at the beginning of the present year, differed as to the propriety of a certain manner and tone, and the introduction of certain ideas into its discussions, more especially in reference to the foreign policy of the Government. Not being able in time to reconcile those differences, the party who introduced them resigned his position, and it will accordingly be perceived by an examination of the numbers since April last, that the old and standard ideas of the party, those on which the Review had heretofore obtained its wide celebrity and circulation, have been resumed. We may refer to the twelve previous volumes of the Review, all of which the present editor has been intimately associated with, for those principles of a sound Nationality, which, in accordance with the Whig interpretation of Constitutional Republicanism, shall continue to animate its pages. Our friends, we believe, are fully alive to the importance of a journal such as this to their cause; especially on the eve of a contest that is to establish our present calm and prosperous condition, or throw us again into the political Maelstrom of quack Democracy, where the nation has so often been made the victim of theories, generally adopted from foreign politicians or economists, who are as disinterested in the feeding of our Democracy with them as an angler, when he professes to contribute to the subsistence of his prey. This journal, however, has not been and does not mean to be merely or principally political, but from the basis of a sound political system, whilst it will always maintain and defend the Whig doctrines, will endeavor to contribute to the advancement of literature, sound philosophy, and a true national culture in learning and taste.

That we have not reached the height at which we aimed in this respect, so far even as we had hoped, we must candidly confess. But then we did not anticipate the odds against which we would have to contend-an unexampled influx of foreign pirate literature, stolen from those who do encourage their own by paying for it. We do not shrink from a comparison with any single work of the same period, taking our whole volumes through; but how can we expect to maintain a rivalry with the picked papers from all the English Reviews and Magazines made into one, unless patriotism and self-respect, and a desire to place this important organ of our national thought in a position to rank with the rest of the world, should more animate the mind and action of the country? This may suggest the inquiry-Have we not a large enough subscription list to support the work? In one sense we have. Our subscription numbers about 5000, but it has to be maintained by too expensive a process of solicitation and collections. And thus the means that would make each number brilliant, and foster letters and education, has to be spent too much otherwise than in paying for the fruits of genius and mental labor. The remedy for this is so simple, and the result to be expected so important, that we have concluded to state our case thus candidly to each one of our friends, and to beg, for the sake of their country's most vital interest, their individual coöperation with us to the very small extent that we ask-which is simply that they should obviate the necessity and great expense to us of personal application for the amount of their dues, by remitting through the mail at our risk; and endeavor if possible to call the attention of some one neighbor or friend to the necessity of subscribing to the work, and so keeping our list up to its necessary point, and our payments available for a rich return to themselves. We would solicit this rally of our friends to our defense, particularly at this juncture, that we may be able triumphantly to resist both our political enemies and literary rivals.

To those who will remit us the amount of four subscriptions, we will send a copy of the work free, and the postage for the year may be deducted from all payments in advance. With this we offer all the inducements we can think of, to stimulate our friends to cooperate with us in placing this journal in such a position as will enable it to exercise a powerful influence for the good of the party and the country. The requests that we

here make of our friends are all that is necessary. They are so simple that we cannot permit ourselves to believe that there are any who will not be sufficiently interested or patriotic to comply with them, and so place us out of the reach of embarrassment in the good we are endeavoring to do, and out of the power of a system of literary piracy that is destroying our national literature. From those who are in arrears we earnestly solicit immediate remittances. A prompt compliance with this request is absolutely necessary for us, and will essentially assist and oblige Your Obedient Servants,

THE PROPRIETORS.

For the numerous and kind notices of the press, (especially during the last six months,) we have to express our warmest thanks. We hope in future to better deserve their commendation. We beg to call attention to a few, selected from those last received, as they kindly say for us what modesty forbids we should say ourselves:

From "Parker's Journal," NEW-YORK, October politician and statesman in our land. In another 18th, 1851.-We are more pleased with this maga-column we publish the prospectus to this work, to zine every month. Either it grows better, or we which we call the attention of our readers. grow more appreciative. The number for October From the "Northern Tribune," Sept. 23d, 1851. takes rank with the best English magazines. Oc--The American Whig Review. The September cupying a kind of middle ground between the number of this valuable organ of the Whig party heavy philosophic quarterly and the more roman in this country is before us. We wish the whole tic tale-telling monthly, it blends enough of the contents of the number, and especially the leading dignity and force of the one with the grace and article, entitled "Unity of the Whigs," could be amusement of the other, to make it at once popu- brought under the observation of every member lar and instructive. Our known neutrality on all of the party throughout the length and breadth of questions of mere politics will protect us from any the entire country. We imagine that an article misconception as to the motive of our strong praise. written with so much candor and ability, and pubIts politics we have nothing to do with. Its Ameri lished in a periodical so well entitled to be recogcan merits we have every thing to do with. We nized as the standard of the party, will not fail never see a thoroughly good American magazine, to meet the approbation of all who hereafter shall novel, poem, book, picture, statue, or intellectual claim to be Whigs.

creation of any sort, that we do not feel as if we From the "Dansville Herald," Nov. 5, 1851.were enjoying a personal success or reaping a per- The American Whig Review for this month has sonal benefit. The Whig Review, for October, re- been received, but we have been so busy we have flects credit upon American magazine literature, not had time to even look at it. That it is a good and seems to point strongly to the time when we number, the past excellence and present prospershall produce here, at home, within ourselves, ity of the Review effectually guarantee. enough, in quality as well as quantity, to satisfy From "The Democrat," FELLOWSVILLE, VA., Aug. the largest possible demand. A little international honesty, in the way of international copyright, 9th, 1851.-It is truly a national work. The powould soon bring out our "Yankee" workmen, and litical and literary matter are of the very highest put upon the literary sea "faster craft" than ever the due encouragement of sound principles, we order; and for the benefit of the Whig cause and Uncle John's philosophy dreamed of; for, with all his strengh, Uncle John is shockingly "slow." hope to see it circulate extensively in Western Virginia.

From the "Herald," NORFOLK, Aug. 6, 1851.— The work is one which should be taken and read

From "The Freeman," FREMONT, OHIO, November 22d, 1851. This valuable magazine will enter upon the eighth year of its existence in January by every Whig, containing as it does not only next. The leading objects of the Review are, of course, political. It is designed to set forth and political treatises from the ablest pens, but also defend the principles, the measures, and the men interesting productions on general subjects, in of the United Whig party of the Union; but at the prose and poetry, by the best authors.

same time every attention is paid to the literary From the "Binghamton Republican," Oct. 30th. department of the work, making it one of the most-The October No. of this staunch champion of desirable and useful publications in the country. Whig principles and able vehicle of literature is An engraved portrait of some distinguished person unusually interesting. We are glad to see

will be found in every number of the Review. the prosperity of this able magazine.

"The North Carolina Argus," September 20th, From the "Truth Teller," New-York, Nov. 8th, 1851. The American Whig Review. This is a 1851.-This Review is steadily improving, and at work of great merit, and deserves extensive patron-present holds the highest rank in its peculiar deage throughout the broad range of the United partment.

States. The great object at which it aims-an From the "Medina Citizen," October 23d, 1851* unbroken history of political parties and of the -This work commends itself not only by the leading events of the times-are considerations literary merit of its articles, but especially by its which should entitle it to the patronage of every high tone of morality.

From the "Star," RALEIGH, Sept. 24, 1851.-T. B. Thorpe, of La., is very interesting, and writThe American Whig Review. We have received ten in fine style. The Political Department, which the August and September numbers of this able is conducted with great ability, contains much valand interesting magazine. They contain portraits uable political information. The Literary Departof Seargeant Prentiss and D. A. Bokee, and a rich ment presents some choice reading from the pens variety of valuable matter, prepared in the most of some of the first writers in the country. The elegant and agreeable style. No intelligent reader finest magazine literature that we have, is found in should be without this work. the Whig Review. To the Political Department some of the first statesmen of the nation contribute frequently. The Whig Review is a work that should be in the house of every Whig in the Union. It is a great national, conservative work— the organ of the Whig party. That party should extend to it an extensive patronage. It is worthy of being the organ of any party whose aim is for the good of the whole country. The articles in its columns bear the mark of the statesman. would be glad to see it more extensively circulated throughout Tennessee as well as the whole Union. It is a duty every good Whig owes his party to support such enterprises. Especially should every leader in the ranks of the Whig party patronize the Review. The great conservative principles of his party are discussed, advocated, and defended, through its columns. Is it not all-important that every man who engages in political warfare should be armed with such a shield?

"The Independent," TROY, Ohio.-The American Whig Review.-The November number of this monthly is before us. It has a beautiful portrait of Leslie Combs. The Review, as its name indicates, is a Whig periodical. In addition to general literature, it aims at the prevalence of Whig principles. It is an able and well-conducted journal, well adapted to promote general intelligence and the particular interests of the party it labors to serve. Those who wish to arm themselves with the best weapons for Whig attack and defense, will find it to their advantage to obtain this Re. view. And those who wish to acquaint themselves with the position, strength and tactics of their foe, will also find it a great help. The number before us has about 100 pages of well-written matter, exhibiting a high order of native and cultivated talent, and is very suitable to embellish the study of any professional man, as well as the cases of the industrial part of our population. Why should not more give their patronage to the more substantial periodical works? Many a five dollars is put to a far less profitable use, even in the purchase of reading matter. Where one man does not feel able to pay for the work alone, several might unite, and have each number to peruse during the month. Four might take an able Review, and in the four weeks all have an opportunity for its perusal.

We

From "The Carroll Free Press," November 7th, 1851.-We have received the October number of the above-named excellent periodical. To those who desire to keep posted in the politics and literature of the country, it is an invaluable treasure.

From "The Fredonian," November 19th, 1851.American Whig Review. This Review for November is an excellent number, and its contents will deeply interest the many subscribers which it From "The Old North State," NORTH CAROLINA' possesses. The articles are varied in tone, and are November 25th, 1851.-The American Whig Re- of a character to demand attention and perusal. view for September and October has been received. We have the continuation of the life of Santa Rosa, The "Reminiscences of S. S. Prentiss," in the Sep-Louis Kossuth and his country, Journalism in Newtember number, is worth the whole year's subscription. The Review stands deservedly high with the party whose principles it advocates.

"The Dansville Herald," DANSVILLE, N. Y., 1851-American Whig Review.-We have received this able and valuable Review for August, and take occasion to express the high opinion we entertain of the work. Since its establishment by r. Colton, its first Editor and Proprietor, we believe it has uniformly commanded the respect and enjoyed the confidence of the Whig party gener ally, many of the most distinguished and ablest members of the party having from time to time contributed to its pages. While we pin our political faith to nobody's sleeve, we gladly bear witness to the Review's general soundness and catholicity of opinion: its marked ability cannot be questioned. The literary character of the work is deservedly high, and each number is embellished with a portrait, on steel, of some distinguished person.

From "The Expositor," SHELBYVILLE, TENN.— The American Whig Review.We have upon our table the September number of this valuable work. It is embellished with a splendid engraved likeness of the lamented Seargeant S. Prentiss, of Missis sippi. It contains much choice reading matter, as usual. The "Reminiscences of S. S. Prentiss," by

York, and other articles which are liberal and consistent in their tone, and written with much vigor and force. We cheerfully commend this work to the patronage of our Whig friends.

October 22d, 1851.-American Whig Review. From "The Washtenaw Whig," ANN ARBOR, contains its usual quantity of excellent matter. The October number of this popular magazine This is one of the best publications of the kind in this country, and should be read by all. It is thoroughly American in its predilections, and on all points of political interest in the history of the times, is standard authority. It is conducted with much ability, dignity, and discrimination.

"The Chenango News," September 3d, 1851.The American Whig Review, for August, we have received. As respects originality and variety of matter, purity of style, and high-toned sentiment, we regard it as one of the first publications of the kind on thecontinent.

"The Express," ST. ANTHONY'S FALLS, Sept. 27th, 1851.-The American Whig Review for September has been received, and we welcome it with great pleasure. Every Whig should take this sterling monthly, even if he is obliged to deny himself some of the necessaries of life to pay for it.