Were we to search for any one evidence, among the various classes of publications, of the general advanced education and refinements of the present generation, the number and character of the novels that are month after month issuing from the press would probably be the most striking. The status which this class of books maintain in our modern literature, the variety of authors which it has called into celebrity, are tokens of its value and magnitude, which no common-place sneers regarding its frivolity or unreal nature has been able to bear down. It is not too much to say, that to our novels, the established rules which refined society acknowledge and study, has been greatly indebted; probably indeed, the gallant bearing of our gentry, and the delicacy of our public morals, have been brought about more by these multiform codes of social morality, than by the schoolor the pulpit. In this good work our female writers have been the most industriously engaged, and to this very circumstance has the special effects of such a class of literature been principally owing. For just as surely as the society of an accomplished woman smooths the natural asperities of the other sex, and ele-pass his profound views, and that an unostentatious and disguised pilgrimage to the shrine at Walsingham was vates the tone of their sentiments, by polishing their undertaken in consequence of the cunning suggestion of noblest exhibitions, so truly are the loftiest doctrines, or the young diplomatist, when he might hope to fathom the most ordinary ideas, gracefully set by female writers, the mind of the bluff king and his wily minister. The and made to tell on the conventional tastes and opinions adventures in the course of this supposed pilgrimage, of mankind with a potent charm. and the tales that they relate to, enliven the journey, fill these volumes, and are also to be extended to another series-for only some of the characters have here contributed their share, nor is the pilgrimage closed.

The Pilgrims of Walsingham; or Tales of the Middle | this country-that of a devotional pilgrimage. Her pilAges. By Agnes Strickland. London: Saunders & grims have the additional recommendation that they are Otley. 1835. historical characters of great celebrity. It is well known that persons of the very highest rank undertook such journeys, and sometimes in disguise. This is the style in which the authoress places her personages, these being no less than Henry VIII., his queen Catherine, the em peror Charles V., who visited this country twice, and on one of those occasions his stay was about five weeks, when, according to historians, he won the affections of the whole court. The other characters are Mary Queen Dowager of France and Duchess of Suffolk, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, Cardinal Wolsey, Sir Thomas Wyat, Anne Boleyn, the Abbot of Glastonbury, and the Abbess of Ely.

room

The period selected by the authoress for description, was one of great pageantry and also fanciful adventures. The visit of the accomplished, and at the time, young emperor, must have called forth all the devices that were likely to astonish and charm him; but as it had something more important in it than a love of travel or tokens of friendship, however ingenious might seem to be his purposes, it is here supposed that those pageants were ill calculated to allow time and opportunity for him to com

Novels have become so numerous as to be divisible into separate orders, according to well defined marks; and the rules by which to judge of them have become so generally known, that those which half a century ago The plan admits and suggests variety in the tales, acwould have been called very superior, hardly now-a-days cording as the diversity of characters on the part of the obtain the character of mediocrity. We know not in-narrators would afford. All of them possess merit, and deed that of the scores that annually appear, one can be form as a whole a very entertaining work. There seems found of late years that gives not a flattering specimen to have been not a little care bestowed in its detail, and of literary composition, at least so that we cannot but ex- such is the interest excited, that every one who reads ultingly ejaculate-What a number of elegant writers the present series will be impatient to see the succeeding. docs our country possess! Besides the beauty of the Upon the whole too, we are pleased with the manner in language, English novels also display an immense variety which the characters deport themselves, that being in and extent of knowledge of the finest and richest descrip- sustained harmony with authentic history. Anne Boleyn tion. Human nature is the capital study of novelists- has ever been a favourite in our eyes: this partiality no an exhaustless subject to be sure; but yet through them doubt having been strengthened by the account of her it has become greatly developed. In cultivating this great misfortunes and cruel fate. The present picture study they have traversed every age and condition; and of her, however, is of a different style, and the levity as as the scope to such writers is unlimited, we have of late well as heartlessness of a coquette, are attributed to her years beheld a bright array of cultivators, whose espe- without charity, and beyond historical support. Queen cial design and work has been to place before us the Catherine, however, who is also associated with our men of other days, and to exhibit them breathing and kindliest sentiments, is deservedly treated as the highacting, as if we had been of their age, and participators souled, confiding, and enduring wife; nor can the reader of their feelings, at the time too that we can bring into but be earnest in the sympathy here kept alive towards comparison our own personal experience and limited era. her whose feelings the presence of Mistress Anne, and The lights of history and the intentions of our common the fickleness of the tyrant, must have so often distressnature become, under the management of a skilful artist, ingly excited. sure guides in this excursive employment; and ornamented as such work requires to be, its study becomes not merely highly instructive but surpassingly delightful. How many sound lessons have we met with in novels! but still more triumphantly would we ask, how much real enjoyment have we derived from them? We think, to every sound and cultivated mind it would be a ground of deep concern, were it announced that never more was it to be allowed to taste the elegant pleasure and instruction communicated by such works as the Pilgrims of Walsingham.

The authoress of these volumes has fallen upon a happy fancy as regards their plan. She has founded

her fiction on a custom at one time not uncommon in

The present volumes contain the tales of Cardinal Wolsey, King Henry, the Abbot of Glastonbury, Queen Catherine, the Emperor Charles, and the Abbess of Ely. We wish we had space to present a few extracts from the king's tale-not that it is the best, but it affords a fair specimen of how the writer elucidates the character of the narrator in the style of the tale. It is entitled William Rufus and the Salmon-Pasty. The monarch commences with a quotation, that goes to show the light esteem in which the second of the Norman line of sovereigns was held by his subjects. It contains reflections which may naturally enough have been familiar on the part of such a moralist.

*

The writer has talent in the construction of a story, and also in the careful keeping that is maintained in re* Now republishing in Waldie's Select Circulating ference to the character of the narrator. The humour Library, part 2. 1835. Nos. 1, 2, 3.

and the satire of these volumes are also good, as well as

peared to him very beautiful, and a few kind and tender | Water; with some Account of the Rail Roads now in words from the lips of her he had called mother: but he progress in various parts of the World. By the Rev. had fancied her all that was good, and gentle, and virtuous; Dionysius Lardner, L. L. D. Fifth edition. One vol. and now that he was forced to look upon her as a fallen 12mo. illustrated with numerous Engravings and Wood. being-as one that had not only forgotten virtue herself, Cuts. but in sin had brought him into the world, to degradation and shame-what could be his feelings towards her? -The Gipsy.

The publication of the letter of Marion Delorme, concerning Salamon de Caus, has, it seems, stirred up other candidates for the invention of mechanism by steam, and Vincent de Beauvois, an ancient historian, gives it to a learned pope, Sylvester II., who, in the tenth century, constructed clocks and organs which were kept in motion by steam.

Literary Entelligence.

Miss Landon has just sent to the press a new Poem, entitled "The Vow of the Peacock," the subject of which is illustrated by a beautiful painting, which is to appear in the ensuing exhibition at the Royal Academy, by M. Lire.

Mr. Montgomery is about to publish a new and revised edition of his "Satan," a Poem.

A Narrative of the Visit made by the Deputies to the American Churches from the Congregational Union of England and Wales. By Andrew Reed, D. D. and James Matheson, D. D.

Miss Kemble's Journal of a Residence in the United States.

Our readers will be gratified to learn that Mr. Bulwer has in the press a new work entitled "The Student."

The literary circles are now on the qui vive for the appearance of the Hon. Mrs. Norton's new novel, "The Wife." It is said to be a domestic story of deep interest. The new work by the author of "The Collegians," recently announced, will appear forthwith; it is to be entitled "My Neighbourhood."

Dr. Hogg has just committed to the press his interest. ing Travels in the East. His opportunities for acquiring a knowledge of the countries through which he has passed have been very peculiar.

Mr. N. P. Willis, the American poet, has just put forth a volume, entitled "Melanie and other Poems," it is edited by his friend Barry Cornwall.

ful."

A new edition of the popular novel of "Anne Grey," edited by the author of "Granby," is in preparation. The third volume of the Rev. Mr. Grimshawe's Com-Also, a new edition of Captain Marryatt's "Jacob Faithplete Edition of Cowper, which is just ready, contains a beautiful View of Huntingdon, the scene of the poet's happy residence, during his first acquaintance with the Unwins; and a Vignette of the Picturesque Village of Hertford, near Huntingdon, to which he so feelingly alludes in one of his Letters to Lady Hesketh. It is pleasing to find that this valuable work is taking that high standing in the public estimation, to which it is so justly entitled.

The first and second volumes of the "Rev. W. Grim. shawe's complete edition of Cowper," are now ready, beautifully embellished by the Findens. They are printed uniformly with the works of Byron, Crabbe, &c.

Rainbow Sketches; consisting of comic and serious Tales, Poems, &c., by John Francis, author of "Sunshine; or Lays for Ladies;" &c. Embellished with Lithographic Illustrations, by M. B. S.

The Rev. A. Smith has a work in the press entitled Observations on the Natural History and Productions "An Essay towards a more exact Analysis of the Moral of British Guiana. With suggestions on Colonisation Perceptions;" with a view to determine the ultimate and Emigration to the Interior of that Country. FoundEssence of Right and Wrong, and illustrate the princi-ed on a long residence. By John Hancock, M. D. ples of Theology, Jurisprudence, and general Politics. Plebeians and Patricians, an attractive novel in 3 vols., is now preparing for early publication.

Mr. G. I. Bennett, the author of "The Albanians," is about to publish a novel in 2 vols., entitled "The Empress."

All those who are interested in emigration, will be gratified to learn that Mr. John Murray, an intelligent settler in Montreal, has sent home a little work for publication in this country, the contents of which will be of the greatest utility to every person intending to visit Canada. It is entitled, "The Emigrant and Traveller's Guide to and through Canada, by way of the River St. Lawrence, as well as by way of the United States of America: with some Friendly Advice on Embarkation; the detailed Cost of Traveling on each Route, and much other Useful Information to the Settler."

Corn Law Rhymes; the Third Volume of the Works of Ebenezer Elliott will appear in the ensuing month. Amongst its contents will be found some of the earliest productions of this talented writer, without any political allusions, which were almost unheeded at the time of their publication-Southey alone addressing him to this effect: "There is power in the least serious of these tales, but the higher you pitch your tone the better you succeed. Thirty years ago they would have made your reputation; thirty years hence the world will wonder that they did not do so."

The Mechanics of Law-Making, by Arthur Symonds, Esq.; intended for the use of legislators, and all other persons concerned in the making and understanding of English Laws.

A new work, by the author of the "Usurer's Daughter," called Provincial Sketches.

The Rev. R. Spence Hardy, having recently returned from the Missionary Station at Ceylon, by way of the Red Sea, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, &c., has just produced a most interesting volume with plates, entitled, "Notices of the Holy Land, and other places mentioned in the Scriptures;" which from the well-known experience and talent of the writer, cannot fail to demand the public at-logical and geognostic portion. tention.

The author of "Makana" announces a novel, founded on the fearful realities, in which Miss Blandy and the Hon. Captain Cranstoun were so deeply involved.

Shortly will appear in 1 vol. crown 8vo., "The History of the Assassins," by the Chevalier Joseph Von Hammer, translated from the German, by Oswald Charles Wood,

M. D. &c.

The Steam Engine, explained and illustrated in a familiar style, with its application to the Arts and Manufactures, more especially in transport by Land and

The speedy publication of the travels of MM. de Humboldt and Gustave Rose, in Siberia, has been announced. M. Gustave Rose has undertaken the minera

The Dictionary of the French Academy will appear in July. It boasts of the illustrious contributors, Pastoret, Dupin, Royer-Collare, Segur, Daru, De Jouy, Villemain, Arnault, Fourrier, Biot Thenard, and the great Cuvier,

&c.

A translation of the third volume of Niebuhr's History is just published in France. It appears to meet with great success both in France and Germany.

From Fraser's Magazine.
MISS JANE PORTER.

Miss Jane Porter is depicted in the quiet and ladylike occupation of taking a cup of coffee at a soiree, given, we suppose, by Mrs. Skinner in Portland Place. The graceful and delicate hand, to which we are indebted for Thaddeus, is stirring up, not Poles to the bitterness of strife, but sugar to the sweetening of Mocha.

Her sister, now three or four years dead, was a woman of talent; and her brother, Sir Robert Ker Porter, will be remembered as a man of intellect and acquirements, and an artist of no mean powers.

If we say that she is the daughter of a cavalry officer-that she was born in the metropolis of Mustard, viz. Durham, no matter in what yearthat her first book was (we believe) the Spirit of the Elbe, published in 1800: that it was followed, in 1803, by Thaddeus of Warsaw, which went through several editions, and in due course of years by the Scotish Chiefs, the Pastor's Fireside, and some other novels that we do not just happen to recollect-that as a philosophical or ethical writer she is known as the collector of the aphorisms of Sir Philip Sydney, and a contributor to the pages of Fraser's Magazine, we shall have exhausted all the events of her placid and useful life which are known to the public. In private she is a quiet and good-humoured lady, rather pious and fond of going to evening parties, where she generally contrives to be seen patronising some sucking lion or lioness. In which occupation may she long continue, devoting her mornings to the prayer-book, and her evenings to the conversazioneAnd may no ill event cut shorter The easy course of Miss Jane Porter.

Nun-like is she drawn in the picture given of her in Fisher's Drawing-Room Scrap-Book; and here we find that she chooses to exhibit with so much of monastic costume as the graceful hood, or something like it, cast over her head: Do not let the protestant apprehensions of our readers be aroused, for Miss Porter is as high a protestant even as ourselves; but in compliment to her Polish novel (which was a great favourite on the continent), she was appointed a lady of a chivalric order by one of the German; and for that reason she appears as a religieuse. We shall not say any thing about the suitableness of such a headgear to a long and handsome face. Handsome the face is still. We hope that Miss Porter has sufficient philosophy to pardon us for that fatal adverb. Time and tide wait for no man-nor woman neither; and there is the fact extant, that she published the Spirit of the Elbe in 1800-some five-and-thirty years ago. Allowing that she was then but twenty, it brings her now-a-days near to the Falstaffian age of some seven-and-fifty, or, by 'r Lady! inclining to three score. She wears the years well; but, these publications are sad tell-tales. Many a lady of We have the misfortune, we fear, in common Miss Porter's standing, if she had kept Miss Por- with most of our critical brethren in this country, ter's good looks, could well smuggle off ten or a to stand in a somewhat unpleasing position in redozen years from the account, if she had not dab-gard to our transatlantic neighbours. We have bled in printer's work. Joe Miller informs us that a coal porter having enquired what the crime was for which he saw a man hanging at Tyburn-tree, and being told that it was for forgery, exclaimed, "Ay, that comes of knowing how to read and write, my good fellow!" We are tempted to make a similar exclamation when we find a lady rendering the foot-steps of time traceable, by manifesting her powers of penmanship.

It is a matter of no great importance. Of her novels, we do not think that any won enduring fame but Thaddeus of Warsaw, published in 1803. In her Scotish Chiefs, Wallace wight is drawn as a sort of sentimental dandy, who, if we mistake not, faints upon occasion, is revived by lavender water, and throughout the book tenderly in love. There are some good passages in the Pastor's Fireside, though it was not very successful. Thaddeus, however, "which in our youth beguiled us of our tears," is the favourite. It is to her fame that she began the system of historical novel-writing, which attained the climax of its renown in the hands of Sir Walter Scott; and no light praise it is that she has thus pioneered the way for the greatest exhibition of the greatest genius of our time. She may parody Bishop Hall, and tell Sir Walter

"I first adventured-follow me who list, And be the second Scotish novelist." VOL. XXVII. AUGUST, 1835-15

From the Edingurgh Review.

Selections from the American Poets. 8vo. Dub

lin: 1834.

more than once adverted to the literature of America, in terms, as it appeared to us, of warm praise; we have most cordially acknowledged its present excellence in some departments, and anticipated with satisfaction its high destinies for the future;-but simply, it would seem, because the praise was not unqualified-because we could not exactly admit that America had yet conquered for herself that place in the republic of letters which is now on all hands conceded to her in the political world,-because we professed our ignorance of the literary pretensions of some names which had attained an American celebrity; the compliment is thrown back upon our hands with much indignation:we are accused of 'damning with faint praise,' of being actuated by feelings of national jealousy, and the spirit of detraction. Conscious it seems of the rapid strides which America is making in literature, and fearful of the coming eclipse which is to darken the glories of Great Britain, we are all engaged in a comprehensive conspiracy to deny all merit to the literature of the United States; or where that is impracticable, to reduce its claims to the lowest possible amount.

If we had not seen these opinions gravely announced and reiterated in American publications of acknowledged ability and influence, we should have had the greatest difficulty in believing that such impressions could seriously exist as to the