THE YOUTH'S LETTER WRITER OR THE EPISTOLARY ART MADE PLAIN AND EASY TO BEGINNERS THROUGH THE EXAMPLE OF HENRY MORETON. BY Mrs John Farrar - New York: Bartlett & Rayner Pp. 155. This little Volume is written by a lady who has already shown herself thoroughly acquainted with what will best amuse and instruct young people. Though small, it is complete in itself, and entirely answers the purpose for which it was designed, that of aiding the untried letter-writer in arranging and expressing his own thoughts- which is far better than supplying him with a model in those of others. It presents to the view, a highly interesting and amiable family of young persons, variously advanced in the capacity and habit of epistolary composition, constantly stimulated and aided by a high-minded, judicious, and affectionate father, whose aim seems to be, nearly in the words of the poet, to point to better' things, and lead the way. We recommend it to every parent who has children willing to be instructed. The information it contains is ample clothed in an interesting and simple style, which would charm most young readers. 6 If we could feel willing to find a fault, we should add that there are one or two trifling things which the author probably overlooked, but which she would be the first to wish corrected. She beautifully and justly recommends throughout, an exact adherence to truth, as far as it is compatible with a proper degree of politeness; - but in one instance when Henry asks in what manner notes of invitation may be refused, Mr Price, after stating various forms for pleading previous engagements, business, &c — adds 'If you have no hindrance but want of inclination, you can say "you are much obliged for Mr polite invitation, and regret that you cannot have the pleasure of accepting it." Surely the words obliged, regret, and pleasure, need not all be used, if we really refuse from want of inclination alone. We think this only an accidental error - if it may be called one, which does not detract in the least from the value and beauty of the volume. We wish itentire success, and should have been right glad of so efficient an aid in our own days of childish composition. The work is ornamented with a beautiful frontispiece, drawn by Wier, Professor of Drawing at West Point Military Academy, and engraved on steel, by Illman. MANUEL FOR THE USE OF VISITORS TO THE FALLS OF NIAGARA. BY Joseph Wentworth Ingraham. The above work is just published: it evinces great industry in the writer, and a degree of devotion to his subject but little short of idolatry, we were going to say, only we think him too pious to fall into such a sin, even before the majesty of the Falls. But we must say that we do not think he has added any majesty to his subject. The work will be useful to those who wish for a Guide-book, when visiting this Wonder of the world. - TO CORRESPONDENTS. Articles from S. F. W. in our next. Many thanks for the favor. Kindred Graves' in our next. 6 Also The Freed Bird.' Many books and articles are before us, which we have not had time to examine. The ENGRAVING will appear in our next number. PRINTED BY 1. R. BUTTS, CORNER OF WATER AND DEVONSHIRE ST. THE YOUTH'S LETTER WRITER OR THE EPISTOLARY ART MADE PLAIN AND EASY TO BEGINNERS THROUGH THE EXAMPLE OF HENRY MORETON. BY Mrs John Farrar - New York: Bartlett & Rayner pp. 155. This little Volume is written by a lady who has already shown herself thoroughly acquainted with what will best amuse and instruct young people. Though small, it is complete in itself, and entirely answers the purpose for which it was designed, that of aiding the untried letter-writer in arranging and expressing his own thoughts- which is far better than supplying him with a model in those of others. It presents to the view, a highly interesting and amiable family of young persons, variously advanced in the capacity and habit of epistolary composition, constantly stimulated and aided by a high-minded, judicious, and affectionate father, whose aim seems to be, nearly in the words of the poet, -to point to better' things, and lead the way. We recommend it to every parent who has children willing to be instructed. The information it contains is ample-clothed in an interesting and simple style, which would charm most young readers. If we could feel willing to find a fault, we should add that there are one or two trifling things which the author probably overlooked, but which she would be the first to wish corrected. She beautifully and justly recommends throughout, an exact adherence to truth, as far as it is compatible with a proper degree of politeness; - but in one instance when Henry asks in what manner notes of invitation may be refused, Mr Price, after stating various forms for pleading previous engagements, business, &c-addsIf you have no hindrance but want of inclination, you can say "you are much obliged for Mr polite invitation, and regret that you cannot have the pleasure of accepting it." Surely the words obliged, regret, and pleasure, need not all be used, if we really refuse from want of inclination alone. We think this only an accidental error - if it may be called one, - which does not detract in the least from the value and beauty of the volume. We wish itentire success, and should have been right glad of so efficient an aid in our own days of childish composition. The work is ornamented with a beautiful frontispiece, drawn by Wier, Professor of Drawing at West Point Military Academy, and engraved on steel, by Illman. MANUEL FOR THE USE OF VISITORS TO THE FALLS OF NIAGARA. BY Joseph Wentworth Ingraham. The above work is just published: it evinces great industry in the writer, and a degree of devotion to his subject but little short of idolatry, we were going to say, - only we think him too pious to fall into such a sin, even before the majesty of the Falls. But we must say that we do not think he has added any majesty to his subject. The work will be useful to those who wish for a Guide-book, when visiting this Wonder of the world. TO CORRESPONDENTS. - Articles from S. F. W. in our next. Many thanks for the favor. Kindred Graves' in our next. Also The Freed Bird.' Many books and articles are before us, which we have not had time to examine. The ENGRAVING will appear in our next number. PRINTED BY 1. R. BUTTS, CORNER OF WATER AND DEVONSHIRE ST. |