THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Literary and Historical Miscellanies. By GEORGE BANCRoft. 8vo. pp., 577. New York: Harper & Brothers.

In this collection of miscellaneous writings, Mr. Bancroft is presented as an essayist, a literary critic and translator, an historical inquirer, and a popular orator. To those who are acquainted only with his great work on the History of the United States, this volume will furnish an interesting proof of the versatility of his talents, and the wide range of his studies. For clearness and depth of thought, freedom of speculation, catholicity of taste, variety of knowledge, and splendor of diction, it would be difficult to find its match in the whole compass of modern literature. Mr. Bancroft combines many intellectual qualities, which are usually considered incompatible with each other. He is at once a philosopher and a poet, a man of letters and a man of affairs, with an equal aptitude for the subtleties of dialectics, the details of historical research, and the select visions of fancy. Hence, this volume contains matter for every class of minds. The essays will particularly attract the lovers of refined discipline and acute discriminations-the scholar will recognize the graceful vigor and delicate taste of the studies in German literature-the historical papers will be highly appreciated by the student of politics and history-and the general reader will find an ample store of instruction and delight in the occasional orations and addresses. We gratefully welcome the collection as an honor to our native literature, persuaded that writings of such noble purpose and admirable execution, are no less friendly to the reputation of our country than to the fame of their author.

2.-The Chemistry of Common Life. By JAMES F. JOHNSON, M. A., F. R. S., F. G.S., etc., author of "Lectures on Agricultural Chemistry and Geology," &c., &c. Illustrated with numerous wood engravings. 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 381 and 292. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The learned author in this work treats in their natural order of the air we breathe and the water we drink, in their relations to health-the soil we cultivate and the plant we rear, as the source from which the chief substances of all life is obtainedthe bread we eat and the beef we cook-the beverage we infuse-the sweets we extract-the liquor we ferment-the narcotics we indulge in-the odors we enjoy and the smells we dislike-what we breathe for and why we digest-the body we cherish -and finally, the circulation of matter, as exhibiting in one view the end, purpose, and method of all changes in the natural body. The author exhibits the present condition of chemical knowledge, and of matured scientific opinion, upon subjects to which his work is devoted, and mingles with his familiar scientific investigations important statistical data. It is a most valuable, interesting, and instructive work, and should be introduced into all our schools and academies as a text-book.

3.-The Practical American Cook Book; or Practical and Scientific Cookery. By a HOUSEKEEPER. 12mo, pp. 267. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

This work furnishes a collection of receipts for cooking and preparing all varieties of food. The authoress in her preface prepossesses us in favor of her book by her sensible and well-timed remarks on speaking of the importance of good cookery to our comfort, happiness, and health, and the duties of the housekeeper to her family in relation to cooking. Besides the receipts, which are graduated to the requirements both of "simple fare" and the "elaborate luxuries of the table," the reader is furnished with some general sanitary rules on diet and the time of eating, from high authorities, which must be valuable.

4.-Bell Smith Abroad. Illustrated by HEALY, WALCUTT, OVERARCHE. pp. 326.

New York: J. C. Derby.

12mo.,

This book of travel gives an account of the author's journey to Europe, and her experience of a sojourn in Paris; also some of the manners and customs of that people. It contains a series of sketches, written in a very spirited style, and abounds in amusing adventures, interesting stories, gossip, portraits, &c. The pleasing variety of the contents, with the lively, off-hand, humorous way in which the subjects are treated, renders the work highly entertaining.

5.—The American Statesmen: a Political History, exhibiting the Origin, Nature, and Practical Operation of Constitutional Government in the United States; the Rise and Progress of Parties; and the Views of Distinguished Statesmen on Questions of Foreign and Domestic Policy. With an Appendix, containing Explanatory Notes, Political Essays, Statistical Information, and other useful matter. By ANDREW W. YOUNG, author of "Science of Government," "First Lessons in Civil Government,” "Citizen's Manual of Government and Law." 8vo., pp. 1,016. New York: J. C. Derby.

This work, the copious title of which, above quoted, explains the general character of its contents, is one whose design and the very respectable manner in which that design is executed should recommend it to the notice of the political student, and all who wish to become familiar with the political history of their country. It is useful, too, as a book of reference to the advanced politician. The diffusion of political knowledge through the length and breadth of our land contributes to the public prosperity, and the safety of our democratic republican institutions; and such a volume as this, containing, as it does, in a compendious form, information which is to be obtained elsewhere only from a multitude of sources, or in more voluminous works, should circulate generally. In controverted questions of natural policy, or those involving constitutional principles, the substance of arguments on both sides is given, with apparent faithfulness and impartiality. The history of political parties is not an uninteresting feature. The appendix contains the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confeceration, United States Constitution, statement of the electoral votes from 1789 to 1853, the inembers of the Cabinet, chief and associate justices of the Supreme Court, speakers of the House, and presidents pro tem. of the Senate, during the same period. 6.-The Empress Josephine, first Wife of Napoleon. By P. C. HEADLEY, author of "Women of the Bible." 12mo., pp. 383. New York: Miller, Orton, & Mulligan. The design of the author and publishers, it appears, was to furnish in a more popular form than any previous publication, an impartial delineation of Josephine's character, and at the same time give a general view of the events upon the field of his tory, across which that extraordinary woman made a sad and brilliant transit. The author lays no claim to originality, as he had no access to manuscripts or archives; his facts were derived from Bourrienne, Hazlitt, Von Rotteck, Scott, Alison, and others. The author truly says, that the empress was a greater person than the emperor in the elements of moral grandeur, and retained her sovereignty in the hearts of the French nation, while he ruled by the unrivaled splendor of his genius. It is written in an agreeable style, and will doubtless extend the admiration of the pure and beautiful, in contrast with all the forms of corruption humanity could present in a period of bloody revolution. The work has already reached a sale of more than thirty thousand copies.

7.-A Long Look Ahead; or the First Stroke and the Last. Ry A. S. Roɛ, author of "James Montjoy; or I've been Thinking," "To Love and to be Loved." 12mo., pp. 441. New York: J. C. Derby.

This volume is written in an uncommonly easy and natural style, presenting pictures of daily life, and inculcating lessons which can be made practically useful. The writer, a true lover of nature, is happy in his descriptions of natural scenery, and the story very successfully contrasts an independent country life with the uncertainties which often attend a metropolitan career. Rural life is made very attractive. The events of the book are related with simplicity and earnestness-the characters finely drawn. Its perusal will have a tendency to correct an erroneous idea so prevalent, that a city life has so much greater advantages and opportunities for real happiness, than can be obtained in quiet villages and rural retreats.

8.-Fern Leaves from Fanny's Port-folio. Second Series. 12mo., pp. 400. New York: Miller, Orton & Mulligan.

More than sixty thousand copies of the first series of Fanny's leaves" found a market" before the expiration of the first twelve months, and of this second series some thirty or more thousand have been published. That one who can write so well on topics connected with domestic every-day life should disregard the ties of consanguinity and the natural affections of the human heart, is an anomaly in the history of the human race that we are unable to solve. The enterprising publishers have already paid "Fanny" some eleven thousand dollars copy-right on her "leaves."

9.—Memoirs of the Life, Exile, and Conversations of the Emperor Napoleon. By the Count DE LAS CASAS. With Portraits and other Illustrations. A new edition in four volumes. New York: J. S. Redfield.

The admiration of Las Casas for Napoleon was unbounded. It made him follow him, without knowing him, and when he did know him, love alone, he declares, fixed him forever near his person. While the world was full of Napoleon's military glory and renown, and his deeds and his monuments spread all over it, but comparatively little was known of his private qualities or the natural disposition of his soul. This void Las Casas undertook to fill up, and it must be confessed that his advantages for such a task, or rather, we should say, labor of love, were unexampled in history, with perhaps the single exception of Boswell, the hero-worshiper of Johnson. He followed him in his exile, (an exile that reflects no honor upon England's glory and fame,) and recorded day by day all that he heard him say, or saw him do, during the period of eighteen months, in which he was constantly by his person. In these conversation," says Las Casas," which were full of confidence, and which seemed to pass, as it were, in another world, he could not fail (unless we suppose him guilty of acting a part) to be portrayed by himself as if in a mirror, in every point of view, and under every aspect." Allowing somewhat for the author's devotion to Napoleon's fame, and his natural enthusiasm, and the generally volatile character of the French people, the world, we say, may freely study these memoirs, as there can be no great error in the materials, which the clear-visioned and philosophic writer has grouped with so much apparent fidelity. The volumes contain a great number of appropriate illustrations. We commend the work to all who have not already studied the life and character of the greatest general, and in some respects the most remarkable statesman of any age. 10-A Journey Through the Chinese Empire. By M. Huc, author of "Recollections of a Journey through Tartary and Thibet." In two volumes. 12mo., pp. 421 and 422. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The author of these interesting volumes on China enjoyed unusual facilities for seeing the people, and of observation generally. He was a missionary, and traveled with pomp under the protection of the emperor. Previous to this journey he resided fourteen years in different parts of the empire. His knowledge of the Chinese seems to have been gained by a large experience rather than by hearsay. The narrative is written in a felicitous style, and affords instruction and matter for study, while many scenes depicted are unique as well as amusing in their character.

11-Harper's Story Books. A Series of Narratives, Dialogues, Biographies, and Tales, for the Instruction and Entertainment of the Young. By JACOB ABBOTT. Smali quarto. New York: Harper & Brothers.

Two volumes of this delightful series have already been published. Each tale, narrative, &c., is issued separately, and several of them form a handsomely bound volume of three hundred pages. Mr. Abbott, the author of a great number of books for children, is beyond all question the most popular writer in this important department of literature, and deservedly so, for his books blend innocent amusement with the most wholesome lessons of moral and social wisdom and virtue.

12.

The Whimsical Woman. By EMILIE F. CARLEN, author of "One Month in Wedlock," "The Bride of Omberg," "Gustavus Lindorn," etc. From the original Swedish, by ELBERT PERCE. 12mo. New York: Charles Scribner.

The tales of Miss Carlen have obtained a wide and deserved popularity, and although modestly disclaiming the aspiration for that brilliancy of expression, that beauty of style, that richness of sentiment, and that majestic grandeur, which characterize the works of some of her sisters in literature, she nevertheless depicts with power life as it actually exists in nature. Those who have read the works of Miss Bremer, will take an interest in the perusal of her Swedish cotemporary. 13.-Le Cure Manque; or Social and Religious Customs in France. By EUGENE de COURCILLON. 12mo., pp. 255. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This work, fictitious only in form, is the autobiography of a peasant. The characters, it seems, are drawn from actual life, and the scenes portrayed are a faithful reproduction of what the author has known and observed. The picture of the social life of the provinces, and the peculiarities of the great body of the French people, are graphically sketched, and afford reading of an entertaining character. The style is oftentimes slyly humorous, as well as some of the incidents.

14.-A Common place Book of Thoughts, Memories, and Fancies. Part 1. Ethics and Character. Part 2. Literature and Art. By Mrs. JAMESON. 12mo., pp. 329. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The contents of this volume are for the most part fragmentary-original and selected-and are the result of a custom of this distinguished writer" to make a memorandum of any thought which might come across her, and to mark any passage in any book which excited either a sympathetic or an antagonistic feeling." This collection accumulated to such an amount, that she has embodied them in this form and sent them to the world. It is a book which is replete with pure and lofty ideas. We would recommend it as an excellent volume to keep near at hand for moments of leisure, for in these fragments there are contained truths and sentiments which are suggestive of much thought and reflection.

15-Kenneth; or the Rear Guard of the Grand Army. By the Author of "Redcliffe," "Heartsease," "Castle Builders," "The Two Guardians." 12mo., pp. 320. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

This novel, though it has not some of the attractions which the others possess, still will be read with eagerness and pleasure. The style is easy and graceful. The scenes are laid in Russia and France, and the author gives some account of the wars of 1812, and the disastrous effects consequent upon the evils which war inevitably brings upon countries. The dangers and sufferings to individuals growing out of such an unsettled state of affairs are well delineated. The book leaves a moral sentiment in the mind of the reader, when it is seen how fame and power can be rejected when they do not come in the way of principle and duty.

16.-The Standard Third Reader for Public and Private Schools. By EPES SARGENT, Author of the "Standard Speaker," the "Standard Fifth Reader," the "Standard Fourth Reader." 12mo., pp. 216. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co.

This manual contains exercises in the elementary sounds; rules for elocution, &c.; numerous choice reading lessons; a new system of references; and an explanatory index This number of the series seems to possess the merits of its predecessors. The subjects are various, well chosen, elevating, and in every way adapted to the youthful mind. A correct enunciation and articulation can be gained by following the directions and explanations laid down with such simplicity and completeness by the editor.

17.-History for Boys; or Annals of the Nations of Modern Europe. By JOHN G. EDGAR, author of The Boyhood of Great Men," and "The Footprints of Famous Men." 18mo., pp. 451. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The history of each of the States of Europe is briefly sketched, and the work is eminently well adapted for the use of youth. It is also a convenient book of reference for all, from the compactness with which it is constructed. It is written in excellent language, and aims "to assist in rendering historical knowledge interesting without the smallest sacrifice of accuracy."

18.-Hermit's Dell. From the Diary of a Penciler. 12mo., pp. 285. New York: J. C. Derby. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co. Cincinnati: H. W Derby. These pencilings are very pleasantly written. The author describes his beautiful rural retreat, Hermit's Dell, and gives a picture of life, its joys and sorrows, in this sequestered spot. The descriptions of natural scenery are very fine. The characters and incidents recorded in this diary, with the pictures of country life, render the book interesting and attractive.

19.-Nature and Human Nature.

By the author of "Sam Slick, the Clockmaker,"

“Wise Saws,” “Old Judge.” 12mo., pp. 336. New York: Stringer & Townsend. A humorous Yankee story in the vein of Sam Slick, the Clockmaker. The author, an Englishman, is a keen observer, and sees and depicts the unique and grotesque in our full-blooded, genuine Yankee character to the life.

20.-Uncle Sam's Farm Fence. By A. D. MILNE. 12mo., pp. 282. New York: C. Shepard & Co.

With Illustrations by N. Orr.

A tale depicting scenes of misery brought about by intemperance. The author is in favor of a probibitor law against intoxicating drinks. The story was originally published in the New York People's Organ, and its publication in book form is owing to" earnest request" from different parts of the country.

21.-Ellen Norbury; or the Adventures of an Orphan. By EMERSON BENNETT, author of "Clara Moreland," "Viola," "Forged Will," "Pioneer's Daughter," &c., &c. 12mo, pp. 309. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson.

This novel is written with a high object, the purpose of which is to arrest public attention in behalf of the misery, vice, and crime so common and alarming in large cities. The scenes are laid in Philadelphia, the characters and incidents are drawn from the author's own experience and observation, the counterparts of which may be found in every large city. He writes with much naturalness, and depicts the miseries and horrors of such low life with great fidelity. Many of the incidents seem very startling, yet we feel they are not fictions, but what may be transpiring around us daily. We are impressed with the moral truth of the book, that crime will sooner or later meet with retribution, while virtue as surely meets its reward.

22.-Woman of the Nineteenth Century; and kindred papers, relative to the Sphere, Condition, and Duties of Woman. By MARGARET FULLER OSSOLI. Edited by her brother, Rev. A. B. Fuller. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. 12mo., pp. 428. No one can question the rare talent, original thought, and imaginative power of Margaret Fuller: and no work can be more interesting than that which exhibits her views of her sex, especially as she was a reformer on her own hook. This volume is the best embodiment of her most valuable views. We accept with peculiar gratitude her brother's testimonial to her religious character. Her sad fate was no cruelty to herself, but a vast loss to her country and her sex, to art and literature and humanity. The account by Mr. Cass, at page 392, of her noble services to Italian liberty, should make her memory dear to every friend of freedom throughout the world.

23.-History of the Life and Institution of St. Ignatius Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus. By Father DANIEL BARTOLI, of the Society of Jesus. Translated by the author of "Life in Mexico." 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 342 and 439. New York: Edward Dunigan & Brother.

Daniel Bartoli, a Jesuit eloquent in the pulpit, and a popular writer in Italy in the seventeenth century, published the work of which the one before us is an elegant and apparently faithful translation, in the year 1650. It was translated into Latin, and at a later period into French. The book contains a biography of Loyola, and an account of his order-its rise, spirit, and progress; and as such will be interesting to Catholic readers, and all who desire to study the spirit and genius of the order.

24. Cornell's Intermediate Geography. 4to., pp. 84. New York: Daniel Apple

ton & Co.

This work, the second book of a series of school geographies by S. S. Cornell, is designed for pupils who have become familiar with but a few elements of geographical science. The maps contain only such of the physical and political divisions of the earth as a student at such a stage of advancement is reasonably expected to know and remember. The illustrations of the work are of excellent subjects and are well executed, much superior to the wretched cuts of the geographies of the past. The maps are clear and distinct.

25-A School of Life. By ANNA MARY HOWITT, author of "An Art Student in Munich." 12mo., pp. 266. Boston: Ticknor & Fields.

This volume is well written, the characters skillfully delineated. The reader will follow with much interest the fortunes of the two poor artists in their struggles with an unsympathizing world, and the sorrows and trials which they experienced in the working out and perfecting the gift of genius which they possessed. The story shows that victory almost invariably crowns the earnest seeker of right-that the first great lesson in "the school of life" is to learn to discern duty, then to perseveringly adhere to its performance. We predict success to this youthful writer.

26-The Closet Companion; or Manual of Prayer: consisting of topics and brief form of Prayer, designed to assist Christians in their devotions. With an introduction. By ALBERT BARNES. 12mo., pp. 306. New York: M. W. Dodd.

This volume contains a great number of well-worded prayers, on a great variety of topics. The author is of the opinion that the efficacy of prayer depends very much on our knowing, definitely and thoroughly, what we want and how to express our desires. In our judgment a hungry man knows what he wants without consulting authorities.