Billeder på siden
PDF
ePub
[blocks in formation]

possess in point of arrangement and occasional elucidation, an advantage over the generality of similar works extant at the present day. Our examination of its contents has indeed been rather hasty, but its excellencies are so apparent, that we feel little hesitation in recommending it to the instructors of youth, as an elegant book, eminently calculated to relieve the labours of the teacher, and to lead the pupil by an easy and delightful path to a competent knowledge of his native tongue.

REVIEW.-Cuma, the Warrior-bard of Erin, and other Poems, by John Richard Best, Esq. author of "Transalpine Memoirs,' "Transrhenane Memoirs," &c. pp. 261. Longman and Co. London. 1829.

THE two principal poems in this volume are nearly of equal length; but the interest which attaches to them is of very different character. "Cuma, or the Maid of Ischia," contains a picturesque delineation of Neapolitan scenery, and "the Researches of the Canon Andrea de Jorio, on the topography of the sixth book of the Æneid," which the author gives as an accompaniment to his poem, pleasingly associates the latter with classic poesy. "The Warrior-bard of Erin" is an irregular but animated composition, in which historical incidents are shadowed forth, and rendered subservient to a series of interesting fiction.

[ocr errors]

A handsomely engraved map is given, to illustrate the localities mentioned in the poem, Cuma, or the Maid of Ischia," the plot of which appears to be this:Rodolph, a noble youth, for some cause has been banished from Ischia. In company with his faithful follower Naldi, he has been joined to the piratical bands of Cuma, under the assumed name of Alno; and is acting as lieutenant to Lorenzo, the pirate chief. Roger, king of Naples, fearful of the growing power of these associated marauders, determines to dislodge them from their strong-hold, and reduce Cuma to ashes; Lorenzo gains notice of his intention, and orders Alno to attack the castle of Ischia's whilst he remains for the defence of Cuma. The castle is taken, and Alno's band bring to him, as a prisoner, an Ischian maid, Lucia, who proves to be "his own beloved." Alno commits her to the care of his attendant, who conducts her to the Sibyl's cave. He himself and his band return to Cuma, where their assistance is wanted to turn the victory in favour of Lorenzo. This reinforcement enables the Cumæans to repulse the enemy. After the

94

action, Alno sets out for the Sibyl's cave, where he finds his Lucia sleeping, under the protection of Naldi. Meanwhile Roger's forces rally, and return to the assault of Cuma. Alno, Lucia, and Naldi embark for Ischia, and, whilst on their passage, they see the flames of Cuma increasing in the sky. Without troubling their heads, however, about Roger or Lorenzo, they continue their voyage to Ischia, where they are kindly received by Lucia's father. The lovers are supposed to be made one; and thus the piece terminates according to the statute in such cases made and provided.

On this poem one or two observations may be made. The plot is faultily obscure, the poetry occasionally brilliant and frequently insipid, and the means employed to heighten the pathos, in many instances contribute to cast an air of puerility over the whole performance. The following passage possesses much poetic beauty.

Alno is standing in the Sibyl's cave, watching the slumbers of Lucia.

"And Alno stood and watched her broken rest:
Oh! 'tis a sight most painful to the heart
Thus to observe the agitated breast

Of her we love, 'mid slumbering terrors start-
To trace the cruel-harsh-too faithful dreams
That rend her soul, o'ercome by partial sleep-
To mark the inward agony that gleams
Across her features; and the groans that sweep
Half stifled from her; while the quivering lids
Assert the pain that flashes in those eyes
They scarcely close; when e'en our love forbids
Us note the half-formed syllable that dies
On the unwary lips !-Such was the state
Of her with whom seem link'd brave Alno's fate."
P. 46.

His

The researches of the Canon de Jorio on the topography of the sixth book of the Æneid, are intended to prove that Virgil, in describing the Tartarean regions, had an eye to the peculiar localities of his country; and that there is more topographical accuracy than poetic fiction in his description of Æneas's descent into Hell. observations are very clearly illustrated by the chart which accompanies them, and his arguments carry considerable force. There is so much diversity of opinion, however, among the learned, on the subject to which he refers, that our present limits will not allow us to say more in favour of his hypothesis than that it is ingenious, and deserves the attentive consideration of the classic scholar.

"The Warrior-bard of Erin," says the author, in his introduction to the poem, is "founded upon one of those rebellions which have so often taken place in Ireland

apparently successful in the beginning, though afterwards crushed by the regular and overwhelmning force of England. Though the time of the action be undefined,

95

Review. Students' Algebra-The Heraldry of Crests.

yet it may evidently be affixed to the
earlier epochs of English conquest." This
poem is confessedly a rhapsodic effusion,
yet, though very irregular in the verse, it
frequently exhibits great richness of poetical
imagery, and no ordinary strength of mind.
The following passages are beautiful :—
But soon as the last sad adieu has been said,
Soon as lengthening distance divides;
When each fond hope of meeting for ever is fled,
Oh! then o'er the weak bosom glides

That sickening feeling that says we are left,
That all we once cherished is gone,

And the heart on a sudden awakens bereft-
Ere the lingering smile of the morning is flown-
Awakens abandon'd, forsaken, and lone.-p. 102.

"Oh! solitude has little charm for one
Who lov'd it erst-but lov'd it not alone!
It may delight the panting heart that flies
From the cold world to nature's sympathies,
And, in its gentle quiet, hopes to find
A soothing balm for the distracted mind:
But he who once has known that solitude
In happier days, will seek the spell in vain
It wore when first his gladsome footsteps trod
Its wilds; the past, the past returns again;
And all deserted feels the yearning heart
'Mid those dear scenes that once could every bliss
impart."
P. 104.

Time and space are wanting to notice
particularly the subordinate poems. The
proposed "Continuation of Collin's Ode
to the Passions,'
"" would add nothing but
length to the original. Of the whole
volume it may be said that it is the pro-
duction of a powerful and feeling mind,
but it is perhaps more distinguished by the
poetic strength of the allusions and descrip-
tions contained in it, than by felicity of
language and the harmonies of verse.

REVIEW.-The Students' Algebra. By
John Darby. 12mo. pp. 170. Whit-
taker, & Co. London. 1829.
THE invention of algebra, or symbolical
arithmetic, opened a new era in numerical
science. Questions which had till then
been solved with some difficulty, were de-
termined by the analytical art with the
greatest imaginable ease. The solution
of a proposition, by the new method, has
this advantage also, that it is not merely
an answer to the individual question pro-
posed, but furnishes, as well, a theorem
which will serve for the working of all
others of a similar nature. By an alge-
braic equation (in which the student dis-
covers the most complicate unknown quan-
tity, by skilfully comparing it with one
already known,) questions of the greatest
intricacy are gradually reduced to the
simplest form, though, according to the
rules of ordinary arithmetic, it would be
impossible to solve them.

As an algebraic companion to Euclid, we would recommend Emerson. Bonny

96

manner

castle has formed a work on this subject,
which is better adapted for boys at school
than the one last mentioned. The present
volume, however, seems to promise greater
practical utility than either of these valu-
able treatises. It explains all that a boy
can well comprehend, and does not di-
verge into abstruse reasonings. The defi-
nitions of terms are clearly and briefly ex-
pressed; and the fundamental rules exem-
plified in their nature and varieties with
perspicuity and simplicity.
Proceeding in a masterly
through the involution of powers and the
evolution of roots, the author gives a series
of proportional theorems, and then goes
on to the reduction of equations. Simple
equations of one, and afterwards of two or
more unknown quantities having been tho-
roughly exemplified, the student is next
led to the more abstruse branches of the
art, which treat of pure and adfected qua-
dratic equations. What is placed after
these, the judicious teacher will reserve till
the pupil, having returned to the com-
mencement of the work, has once more
gone over the former parts.

It is pleasing to review a work which presents many points for applause, and but few for censure.

Such a work is the

one of which we now speak. With modest pretensions, it takes its stand on the ground of usefulness, without instituting invidious comparison with other treatises on the same subject. An intimate acquaintance with algebra, and a conviction that this book is a masterly performance, will, it is hoped, justify the reviewer in strongly recommending it to the notice of scholastic gentlemen.

REVIEW.-The

Heraldry of Crests. 12mo. pp. 96. H. Washbourn, Salisbury Square. London. 1829. "CLARKE's Introduction to Heraldry" was reviewed recently in the Imperial Magazine, and an opinion expressed that its moderate size and judicious arrangement powerfully recommended it to the student's notice. The present work issues from the same publisher, and promises to be no less useful to the heraldic scholar than the former volume. These two works do not supersede each other; the "Introduction to Heraldry" being intended to convey a general scheme of the science, while the "Heraldry of Crests" affords a more perfect elucidation of the most interesting branch of the art, We transcribe the introduction of the latter work; as it con

97

Review. The Christian Expositor-Cabinet Cyclopædia.

veys, in few words, much pleasing information relative to crest bearings, and as it will shew the character of the treatise better than a formal criticism.

"A CREST, which derives its appellation from crista, the comb of a cock, denotes, in heraldry and armour, the uppermost part of an armorial bearing, or that part which rises over the casque or helmet, next to the mantle. In heraldry only, the crest is a figure placed upon a wreath, co

98

armour borne by at least twenty thousand families.

A crest very generally borne in the present day is not, however, included among them,—namely, the cap and bells; how this could have escaped the herald's notice, we are at a loss to discover.

ronet, or cap of maintenance, above both helmet REVIEW.-The Daily Scripture Exposi

and shield; as, for instance, the crest of a bishop is the mitre. The right to assume these distinguishing emblems was originally deemed one of the principal marks of nobility; which may be inferred from their having been borne at tournaments, to which none were admitted unless they had given strong proof of magnanimity, courage, or merit, or possessed the advantage of superior birth. Hence also the crest is esteemed a criterion of higher nobility than the armour generally.

"The ancient warriors wore crests, to strike terror in their enemies, as the representations of animals they had killed; or to give them a more formidable mien, by making them appear taller and more martial. Hence, the term crest-fallen is often used, figuratively, to express a want of spirit or courage. Sometimes the crest has served to distinguish sovereigns and commanders in the field; at others, to mark the several branches of a family: and, on some occasions, as the distinguishing badge of factions.

tor, containing a Text of Scripture for every Day in the Year, with explanatory Notes and brief Reflections, 32mo. pp. 304. Religious Tract Society, London. THE passages of scripture elucidated in this little volume, appear to have been selected on account of their peculiar phraseology, or their illusions to customs which are either obsolete or foreign. These circumstances give to the elucidation a particular interest, and add value to the reflections. An index contains a list of all the passages that have been selected, connecting them with the days of the months, as they run through the year. The explanations are simple, but

"Philip, Earl of Flanders, is supposed to have plain and satisfactory, and much useful

been the first who introduced into this country the use of crests upon seals, &c. about the year 1101. The great seal of Richard I., who died A. D. 1199, was represented with a plume of feathers as a crest. After that reign, most of the English kings had crowns on their helmets Richard II., previous to 1377, had a lion upon a cap of state. Edward the IIIrd was the first king of England that bore a crest upon his helmet in the field. After the institution of the order of the garter, the knights-companions followed the same example, which soon became general among the nobility, and was afterwards assumed by all who were legally entitled to bear arms: since which time it has been considered by the College of Arms as a necessary appendage in the enblazoning of coat armours.

"This honourable emblem of distinction differs from any other part of an armorial bearing, being either attached to the arms, or borne separately; some with mottos, and others without, at the option of the bearer. It is represented by any beast, bird, serpent, or fish; by trees, flowers, fruit; castles, globes, spheres; swords, corslets, armours, spears, arrows, or other emblems, issuing out of a coronet, cap, or wreath. From the great increase of persons entitled to bear arms, it was found necessary to vary the figures by additional marks of distinction; such

as charges, or various beasts, &c., holding imple

ments of war, laurels, escalaps, anchors, swords, spears, flags, birds, and other figures of every deseription, and of interminable variety, emblematic of either the name or actions of the assumer."

The contents of this volume include observations on crowns, coronets, helmets, and wreaths; names and descriptions of beasts, birds, &c. used in reference to the crests; a dictionary of familiar terms, blazonry of some remarkable crests; index &c. of those borne by the peers of the united kingdom; and a general index of such as belong to distinguished individuals. There are no less than a hundred and one pages of illustrative engravings, embracing nearly all the varieties of crest 133.-VOL. XII.

information may be gathered from a peru

sal of them.

To the Religious Tract Society, the public are indebted for many valuable pamphlets and volumes, containing articles extracted from the voluminous writings of justly celebrated divines, associated occasionally with others that are original. These being sold at a remarkably cheap rate, are thus placed within the reach of the labouring classes of society. It will be needless to add, that all are of a strictly religious character, calculated to amend the heart, and reform the life.

This little daily Scripture Expositor, dressed up in its Sunday's attire, makes a very handsome appearance; covered with silk and shining with gold, it is a blooming annual in miniature, and one whose internal parts detract nothing from its external splendour.

REVIEW.-The Cabinet Cyclopædia, conducted by the Rev. Dionysius Lardner, LL.D., &c.&c.&c., assisted by eminent literary and scientific men.-History: Scotland, by Sir Walter Scott, Bart. Vol. I. 12mo. pp. 360. Longman.

London. 1830.

THE first volume of the Cabinet Cyclopædia exhibits a work of great promise, which, from the specimen now under inspection, will, we have no doubt, be every way verified in the execution. It is intended to embrace whatever is useful in Natural Philosophy, the Arts, Natural His

G

[blocks in formation]

tory, Geography, Moral Philosophy, Literature, History, Biography, &c. The range will be very extensive, but the utility will be commensurate to its dimensions.

We are informed in the prospectus, that it "is intended to form a popular compendium of whatever is useful, instructive, and interesting in the circle of human knowledge. Each volume will contain one or more subjects uninterrupted and unbroken, accompanied with corresponding plates, or other appropriate illustrations." By these means any one volume may be obtained without making any inroad on the series, so that the purchaser may continue or discontinue the subsequent volumes as may suit his convenience inclination. In its whole extent, the Cabinet Cyclopædia will exceed one hundred volumes, one of which will be published every month; but from the arrangements already noticed, it will be accommodated to the wants and wishes of every reader.

or

The first volume contains the history of Scotland by Sir Walter Scott, with the elegance of whose diction all readers of taste are well acquainted. It is divided into twenty-one chapters, in none of which do we find any tedious and uninteresting details. It seizes the prominent events of every year, and, in consecutive order, introduces the great occurrences of Scottish history, connecting them with the causes that called them into existence, and also with the consequences to which they

lead.

The author does not pretend to have explored any new sources of historical materials, nor to have furnished incidents which have hitherto remained unknown. But while he has passed over what was too remote to be incorporated in a compendium, and has compressed what appeared too diffusive to keep interest alive, he has arrayed the whole in language suited to modern taste, without altering the character of facts, or sacrificing truth at the shrine of political partiality.

Within the narrow compass of one volume, Sir Walter Scott has embodied all the occurrences of Scottish history that can be necessary for common purposes; and he who fairly digests what the author has written, will have little occasion to prosecute his researches in other quarters. To some few individuals a more minute examination into particular events may be needful, but for persons of this description this work was not designed. It is "a popular compendium," and as such it can hardly fail to be popular among the great mass of historical readers.

BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS.

100

1. The Child's Repository, and Infant Scholar's Magazine (Vol. III.) for 1829, (Stephens, London,) we have several times had occasion to notice. It is professedly designed for children, to whose capacities the articles it contains are pleasingly adapted. The incidents, and little tales, and anecdotes, are short, and the language is of an accommodating character. The numerous wood cuts interspersed throughout its pages, must render it attractive to the very youthful mind. As a little volume, it is neatly put out of hand; so that while its contents will enrich any juvenile library, its appearance will add to its embellishment.

2. The Brighton Grammar, for the use of Children, by the Misses Miller, (Longman, London,) is a neat little book which contains the elementary principles of this useful science. It is distinguished by simplicity and perspicuity, and wisely omits the difficulties which language frequently presents to the mind of the adult, and which larger works can alone obviate. In the earliest stages of learning, it will be sufficient to teach the rudiments. At this, these ladies have aimed, and their undertaking has been attended with success.

3. Anti-Slavery Reporter, (several numbers,) is a periodical, with the contents of which, the friends of slavery say they are completely weary; we should be happy if they would add, "and of which they are ashamed." They admit indeed that they are ashamed to see the report published, but they never express any compunction for cherishing a system which furnishes the occasion. Culprits at the Old Bailey are more frequently ashamed to hear the evidence brought against them, than sorry for having committed the crimes which the witnesses substantiate. This little publication is a thorn in the side of slaveholders. Its conductors possess considerable facilities for obtaining information, and they deserve well of their countrymen for dragging the enormities of the system to light.

4. A System of Geography, for the use of Schools and private Students, by Thomas Ewing, (Simpkin and Co., London,) having reached the twelfth edition, brings with it a better recommendation than the language of critical praise can bestow. Its reputation is honourably established in many of our most celebrated seminaries; and commanding a rapid and an extensive sale, the editor of each edition has an opportunity of introducing into his maps and pages, the discoveries and changes which time brings

[blocks in formation]

to light, and of thus augmenting and perpetuating its claims to future fame.

5. The Principle of Vital Godliness, addressed to those who know the Truth, by David Taylor, (Robins and Co., London,) furnishes a strong internal evidence, that the author is in earnest for the salvation of souls. His views of vital godliness appear to be drawn from the pure word of inspiration, unadulterated by the accommodating requisitions of human creeds. It is a work which will be perused with interest by those who are asking the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, but with few besides will it obtain a reading.

6. Practical Logic, or Hints to Theme Writers; by B. H. Smart, (Whittaker, Treacher, and Co., London,) avoiding as far as possible the technology usually connected with its subject, includes a full exemplification of inappropriate language, and false deductions; and explains, with much perspicuity, the fundamentals of the reasoning art. Its author has rendered an essential service to every one that wishes to acquire a knowledge of logic, but who values his time too highly to spend his whole life in the acquisition.

7. Gideon and other Poems, (Simpkin and Marshall, London,) form a volume, in which, if there be little to excite admiration, there is still less to provoke censure. The verse is harmonious, and the subjects are striking; but the sentiments, generally speaking, are common-place. The best verses unquestionably are to be found in the longest poem, "Gideon."

8. Carstair's Practical System of Shorthand, (Wilson, Royal Exchange) is a system which appears to be better adapted to practical purposes than almost any other that has preceded it. The method of positing the vowel-points is extremely judicious; and the combinations of the consonants are effected in the most perspicuous and simple manner. The rules for contraction also are happily conceived; and are calculated to abridge the labour of the writer, without rendering the meaning obscure. It may, however, be regretted, that Mr. C. should have thought the decrying of other systems necessary to the recommendation of his

own.

9. The Grammatical and Pronouncing Spelling Book, by Ingram Cobbin, M. A. (Westley and Davis, London,) does not exhibit the admirable arrangement adopted by the proprietors of the Mavor Spelling Book, on which account few teachers perhaps would prefer the present work to the one just mentioned. The method is too complex; a fault arising from an attempt

102

to blend the science of Grammar with the first rudiments of infantile study. A child must be able to read his mother tongue, before he can comprehend its grammatical construction. If the book is intended for such as can already read, it is far too puerile. Pronunciation is exemplified in a manner more calculated to confuse than assist the juvenile mind. The book certainly contains much information, but the medium through which it is conveyed has been very unhappily chosen.

as

10. An Address to the Public, drawn from Nature and Revelation, against the unlimited Dissection of Human Bodies, (Cawthorn, London,) though comprised within thirty-five octavo pages, is one of the most tiresome and unmeaning pamphlets that have ever been obtruded on the public. Distinguished by an affectation of learning, and a complete want of method, it inflicts on the nerves of the reader as much pain, can well arise from the anticipation of dissection after death. The cause which it so feebly advocates is, however, onc of the first importance, being no less than a protection of the grave. To violate the sanctuary of the tomb is, in effect, to strike at the root of morality and religion. It infringes on that decent respect which all nations, savage and civilized, have paid to their dead; and not only reduces man to a level with "the beasts that perish," but places the unfortunate in a state of degradation from which all executed criminals, except murderers, are exempt.

11. Christian Counsel, by an Old Divine, (Simpkin and Marshall, London,) is a manual that contains a variety of wholesome truths connected with our religion, and inculcates lessons of piety, which it becomes all to ponder with feelings of reverent attention. The features of the work, it may be proper to state, are of the Calvinistic character.

12. A Farewell Sermon, preached at the Parish Church of Kirk Smeaton, County of York, by the Rev. Charles Cator, M. A. (Baldwin, London,) contains many important inquiries by Mr. Cator, of himself, as to his faithful discharge of the ministry committed to his trust: it also makes a solemn appeal to those who had attended his preaching, to profit by what they had heard; but in other respects we discover nothing remarkable.

13. Scripture Questions on the principal Discourses and Parables of the Lord Jesus Christ, by Albert Judson of America. (Religious Tract Society, London,) seem every way adapted to communicate important scripture truths, and impress them on

« ForrigeFortsæt »