NEW BOOKS PUBLISHED IN MARCH, With an HISTORICAL and CRITICAL PROEMIUM. Authors or Publishers, desirous of seeing an early notice of their Works, are requested to transmit copies before the 18th of the Month. AN N interesting publication has recently appeared from the pen of CHARLES MILLS, Esq. who is already known to the literary world' as the author of a History of Mohammedism, consisting of " The History of the Crusades, for the Recovery and Possession of the Holy Land." This is a work which has afforded us much pleasure in the perusal, not unalloyed with strong feelings of disapprobation and reproach. While a full enumeration of facts, a faithful and learned historical research, combined with comprehensive views and much sound reflection, leave little for the student of history to desire; the subject matter is so frequently disfigured by the injudicious language in which it is conveyed, as to deduct much from the amount of its positive merits. It will easily be perceived by those who have read the work, that we allude to the pompous and swollen style, which, with a Johnsonian and Gibbonian mania, it has pleased our mistaken historian to acquire and indulge. His phraseology, indeed, is occasionally so stilted and perplexed, as to betray him into a wrong application of his words; and by thus taking the name of the King's English in vain, he almost puzzles the meaning he would convey. We are afraid that by aiming at effect, he has only succeeded in corrupting a naturally fine style, as, with this exception, he possesses powers of composition not unworthy the historian of the days of Coeur de Leon, and Godfrey of Boulogne. Let such a writer rely on his own strength, nor deign to toil and pant even in the wake of the ponderous elephant-like steps of the puffing author of the Latin-English Dictionary. His descriptions of eastern character and scenery are good, his recital of events and wars faithful, while a luminous statement of causes and consequences, are followed by moral and historical deductions, that throw much light and satisfaction on the minds of observant readers. As a religious and political sketch, greatly superior to the numerous effusions of loyal eulogy and interested trash which have followed the demise of our late Monarch, we notice a Sermon, embracing the character of George the Third, and the character of his reign considered separately. It was preached at the Octagon Chapel, Norwich, by THOMAS MADGE, on the 16th of February, the day of the interment of the King. To this is annexed the conclusion of a discourse formerly delivered on the death of the Princess Charlotte, which is also written in a manner creditable to the talent of the author. The modern advocates for the divine rights and impeccability of kings, will not, we are afraid, here be gratified. Even the converts to that mistaken opinion of "De mortuis nil nisi bonum," will find it difficult to reconcile the bold but candid examination of royal conduct to their weak and palsied feelings, that turn with false delicacy and disgust from the anatomizer's knife. Mr. Madge, being, we presume, of opinion, that a much better axiom is conveyed in the “De mortuis nil nisi verum," has proceeded in an English-like spirit to estimate the political character which he conceives has had so operative an influence over the welfare and the fate of Europe. After doing full justice, and paying a high compliment to the private character and virtues of the deceased Monarch, he concludes: Though, therefore, I can honestly speak of the personal character of our late Sovereign in terms of high respect and veneration, yet when recurring to the principles of Christianity, and remembering that I stand here as the expositor of those principles, I cannot give into the fulsome and extravagant adulation which has lately passed current amongst us. I cannot carry my admiration of his conduct from his private to his public station. I cannot call that reign a glorious one, the greater part of which has been spent in waging war against the liberty and independence of those, who had as much right to be free and independent as ourselves. Victories we may have gained-splendid victories, by sea and by land-but to what have those victories led? If you cannot say that they have led to the greater prosperity and happiness of our country-if you cannot say that they have contributed aught to our national faith, and national integrity-if you can point to no other results but holy alliances, and armed associations, and added taxation, and wide-spreading pauperism, and fresh enactments against the rights of petition, and the freedom of the press-then, I say, hearken to to the words of my text;-Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed."" This will be read with interest by those who think it proper to hear both sides, and who do not separate the monarch from his ministers, which, in a constitutional sense, is necessary.. JAMES HOGG, author of the Queen's Wake, and other poems, has recently presented to the public a work, entitled, The Jacobite Relics of Scotland, consisting of songs, airs, and legends, of the adherents of the House of Stuart. This is an extremely interesting production, and exhibits the judgment, as well as the poetical taste, of the editor, in a very favourable point of view. It is illustrated with musical airs adapted to the old favourite songs, and breathing all the spirit of national love and freedom, for which the Scotch have of yore been so distinguished. We are reminded again of the glorious times when Bruce triumphed, and when Wallace fell; of the scenes distinguished in history by feats of heroism, or echoing the fond complaints of the lover. There is a character of disinterestedness and devotion too in the tone of these strains "of days that are gone by," that seems to preserve some remnant of the spirit of chivalry which shone on earlier times. The magnanimity displayed in following a weak and losing party, was only equalled by the fidelity which was proof against power and corruption in the most venal times. However mistaken the views of that party may have been, the greatness and heroism of individual sacrifice to a cause never shone more conspicuous. We repeat our observation, that the present is honourably distinguished from the usual collections of old poetry, and that the admirers of national heroic achievements will here find materials upon which to dwell with the enthusiasm of the poet and the fond recollection of the lover. We have recently perused a little volume lately published, entitled, Poems for Youth, by a Family Circle, with which we have been much pleased. There is an elegance of style and sentiment, accompanied by a sweetness of poetical expression, which is rarely met with in compositions of a similar kind. We are of opinion, however, that the title of the work is not exactly in unison with the nature of the contents, as there is a tone of poetical enthusiasm breath ing through some parts of it, calculated to interest the feelings of maturer áge equally with that of youth. In support of this opinion, it will be sufficient to extract the following beautiful verses, written on a Sunday in Autumn :"Sweet is the Autumnal day, The Sabbath of the year, When the sun sheds a soft and farewell ray, That lingers late in bloom; While Hope stands smiling near; When the soul muses on the future day, And through the clouds that shade her homeward way, Heaven's azure skies appear." Among the lighter pieces, those to the Squirrel, to the Bee, and to the Crown Bird, are eminently happy and well adapted to the understanding of youth; while "Lines written on planting a Young Oak," and those on a late Violet, though simply beautiful, are evidently superior to what we are led to expect from the title of the work. The public has lately been facetiously greeted by the appearance, and politely invited to the presence, of King Coal's Levee, or Geological Etiquette; and the Council of the Metals, just issued from the mine of our anonymous author's wit, which is as dark and dingy, and lies · as deep to common apprehensions, as the hero of the earth whom it celebrates. Though (like the king of minerals himself) it is rather far-fetched, and requires working to bring it to light; yet, by the aid of explanatory notes, and patient scientific investigation, we think geological readers might be brought to a relish of it. We have read Armstrong's poetical elucidation of physic, Dr. Darwin's Loves of the Plants, and Fondling of the Elements; but we must say, that this attempt at court personification of earths and metals, throw both those scientific authors at an immeasurable distance. Even Bottom's representation of Wall and Moonshine is not half so ingenious and comical; and it required an imagination beyond Shakespeare's to ransack the very bowels of the earth, and animate the dull and lifeless clay, and describe the tortuosities of Baron Basalt's tour. We do not assert that the poem is ill contrived and conducted; but that, except to a very scientific few, it is 'totally frivolous and vexatious. Wo sooth'd and tame, And rubb'd a few sore noddles as they came, But what are broken heads, if girt by crowns of fame?" This is a favourable specimen of the humour and talent of the whole; and we may promise our readers they may safely read it without any fear of dying of laughter in convulsion. We observe with pleasure, not unmingled with disgust, a new publication from the pen of Mr. PERCY BISHE SHELLEY, whose original and extensive genius has so frequently favoured the poetical world with productions of no 'ordinary merit. In this instance it has assumed a dramatic form, in a singular and wild composition, called The Cenci, a family of Italy, whose terrific history seems well adapted to the death-like at mosphere, and unwholesome regions, in which Mr. Shelley's muse delights to tag its wings. We cannot here explain the incestuous story on which it turns; but must content ourselves with observing, that in the attempt to throw a terror over the whole piece, he has transgressed one of the first rules of the master of criticism; and, instead of terror, succeeded only in inspiring us with sentiments of horror and disgust. In the action he has not only "overstepped the bounds and modesty of nature," but absolutely turned sentiment into nonsense, and grief into raving, while we in vain endeavour to persuade ourselves, that such faults can be redeemed by occasional bursts of energy and true poetry. Among the numerous titles of poetical composition that greet us with laughter or with sorrow, we notice the appropriate one of The Comforter, a Poem, which is here, we presume, to be applied to the hearts, in contradistinction to those we have seen addressed to the feet and faces of delicate and nervous people. It seems indeed, to be constituted on that fastiious and modern feeling which delights to indulge and analize the particular sentiments of egotism and complaint to that exquisite degree, that the imagination becomes morbid, and the language indefinite and perplexed. In applying its balm to the wounded spirit, it draws under which it languishes, that we so strong a picture of the disease of life, much question whether it tends not more to aggravate than to dispel it; and the remedy in this case may be truly pronounced to be worse than the disease. We cannot think this moral comforter much calculated to warm those cold and languid spirits that sicken in the gaze of this world's dearth and disappointment, and seek a refuge in the gloom of truth, experience, and despair. It is talking of downy pleasure to the wretch writhing in agony, of patience to the suicide, and the maddened in soul. There is besides in this poetical reasoning something unsubstantial and untrue, which leads one to believe in the arguments directly opposite to those it embraces, and which it in fact draws with a stronger and more enduring hand. It reminds us of the preacher, who to shew his skill raised so many arguments against the miracles, that he could not lay them again, and left himself and his congregation much perplexed. The style and poetry, however, of the Comforter are above the common level, and redeem its want of argument. It is followed by a pathetic, and exquisitely-toned little piece entitled The Sabbath. The Rev. JOHN STEDMAN, M. A. has recently published a sermon preached in the parish church of St. Mary, Guilford, on The Nature and Extent of Christian Duty, stated and enforced with a more immediate reference to the present times. In the progress of his subject he has finely illustrated a beautiful text, from the iv. c. 8 v. of the Philippians. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely and of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." The first number of a Series of Portraits of the British Poets has made its appearance during the last month. No labour or expense appears to be spared in accomplishing the Herculean work which has been here undertaken. It is expected to be completed in about 25 numbers. The present number contains portraits of Chaucer, Gower, Milton, Sir C. H. Williams, and Mason, from drawings by Thurston, from supposed authentic originals, engraved by Finden, C. and R. Warren, J. J. Wedgwood, and A. Rhodes. Such a work cannot but be interesting to all lovers of English poetry. It procures us as it were a personal interview with the men by whose writings we have been instructed or amused. It is not a mere republication of what has been wellknown to the public before. A great proportion of these portraits have never yet been engraved. A most beautiful one of Milton embellishes the present number, which was found in Dr. Williams's library, and painted by Dobson. That of Chaucer, however, is from that crude pen-and-ink sketch in the British Museum, and the preference of which over the original painting of this early poet betrays an unhappy want of judg ment. But on the whole, if the following numbers equal this specimen, the work cannot fail to be a most valuable and indeed indispensable adjunct to the libraries of the author, the scholar, and the critic. As a companion in the study of Modern History, we can recommend as useful to affix on the walls of a library or school-room, A chronological Chart of the contemporary Sovereigns of Europe from the Norman invasion. The BARON DE SAO LOURENCO'S Translation of the Essay on Man may be classed among the curiosities of literature. The original is faithfully rendered line for line into Portuguese verse, and illustrated by most copious notes and quotations from all languages, which abundantly show the taste and erudition of the translator. In an enthusiastic attachment for his author, and a keen perception of his beauties, we know none who are entitled to rank above him. But the taste and genius of the writer, are not the only attractions of these splendid volumes; their typographical beauties are of the highest order, and besides portraits of the author and translator, they contain several exquisite engravings, after designs from the delicate pencil of Uwins. We could have wished perhaps that so much valuable matter had been produced in a shape which would have rendered it more easily attainable by the public in general. We have this month to recommend to our readers a small volume of poems, entitled "Sacred Lyrics," by Mr. EDMESTONE. Although of a decidedly religious cast, it is not in the slightest degree disfigured by that vulgar cant and low-bred puerility, which it has been almost thought a profanation to separate from such subjects. We know not why the cedars of Lebanon should not wave as gracefully as the pines of Ida, or why the poet who strikes the harp of Judah should not assume as lofty a strain as he, "Who sits in shadow of Apollo's tree." Mr. Edmestone is one of the few who have endeavoured to redeem sacred poetry from the contempt into which it was fast sinking, and we congratulate him on his success. By a strict attention to the graces of versification, united with a considerable share of genuine poetic feeling, he has produced some of the most pleasing poems on religious subjects in our language. Amongst the poetical effusions of this prolific age which lay claim to something above the dull mediocrity which besets us, we may mention Retrospection, a Rural Poem, by THOMAS WHITBY, author of the Priory of Birkenhead, &c. Though deficient in all the higher qualifications which distinguish a superior poet, Mr. WHITBY is not without powers of poetry in the descriptive and pastoral line. These he appears to have tolerably successfully cultivated, and there are touches of pathos, and traits of heart heart mingled with his descriptions of scenery, which occasionally redeem the faults of feeble and common-place composition. In the swarm of religious tracts, treatises, &c. which lately appear gathering round Mrs. HANNAH MORE (the queen bee of a prolific hive), we may notice as something more curious and interesting than usual, "The Principles of True Christianity vindicated, in an Address to Deists and nominal Christians, by WILLIAM GRIMSHAW, who formerly professed Deism." The object and arguments of this advocate for Christianity are boldly and successfully directed against the latitudinarian principles of nonconformists, dissenters, and other sects who are pleased to call themselves Christians, but, in the opinion of the author, speciously retain the name, while they dispense with the great and essential doctrines of Christians--the efficacy of faith, the divinity of the Saviour, and the Trinitarian unities. How far he has succeeded in exposing the absurdity and weakness of thus frittering away religion, or in discovering his own, must be left to the infinite variety of judgment whichsuchcontroversies excite. Lessons of Thrift, by a Member of the Save-All Club, with the admirable caricatures, which illustrate the chapters, constitute one of the pleasantest parlourwindow books which has for a long time fallen into our hands. The admirers of Shandean humour, of Burton's Anatomie of Melancholie, of Gilosa's Gambado, and of Beresford's Miseries of Human Life, will find new gratification in these satirical exposures of penury and personal meanness. The Rev. T. CLARKE, author of the "Travels and Observations of the Wandering Jew," has published, for the use of schools, a new and pleasing little work, entitled, Popular Voyages and Travels, comprising, The Tour of Europe, with remarks on the character and manners of various European nations. It is illustrated with engravings and maps, well adapted to impress the historical information it contains more strongly on the memory of students, who are often more wearied and disgusted, than interested and informed, by a long and dry enumeration of facts, without the relief and pleasure to be derived from a representation, "ad oculum," of the scenery and characters described. John Evans, LL. D. has just published a discourse delivered on the 16th of Feb. entitled Reflections suggested by the Demise of his late venerable Majesty George the Third, including a Character of the deceased Monarch, &c. &c. a production favourably distinguish from the ephemeral growth of mawkish adulation, and strained panegyric, which invariably springs forth on a state occasion. While he does complete justice to the character of the man, he pretends not to blind himself to the faults of the Monarch, and declaring "that of the political reign of his late Majesty he shall say nothing," he continues to observe, “That it should have been fraught with war, is the subject of deep regret." BIOGRAPHY. The Life of Wesley and the Rise and Progress of Methodism; by Robt. Southey, Esq. The Life and Adventures of Antar, a celerated Bedowen Chief, Warrior and Poet, who flourished a few years prior to the Mahommedan æra, now first translated from the original Arabic; by Terrick Hamilton, esq. Oriental Secretary to the British Embassy at Constantinople, 4 vols. 8vo. 11. 16s. cal and Historical Tracts; by Charles Butler, Esq. 8vo. 10s. 6d. The Life of Fenelon, with other Biographi Biographical Memoirs of Thomas Walker, Esq. of Manchester, 8vo. 6d. Amongst the first class of very superior novels which characterize the literature of the day, we must not omit to notice a clever and animated production · entitled Geraldine, or Modes of Faith and Practice, by a Lady; a novel combining much of an entertaining and useful nature. Strong conception of character, exquisite tact of the passions, sound sense, and beautiful sentiment, with natural, spirited, and even witty dialogue, are the distinguishing features of this delicate and original story. Our fair author has truly conformed herself to the rule of a critical old bard of ours, Horace, who says he cannot, for the life of him, perceive why "sound truths should not be spoken in a laughing George III. by the Rev. T. Pinchback, Is. vein." And, indeed, it is not the least charm of the moral, but beautiful, writings of our countrywomen, that "With advice they mingle kisses sweet." Anecdotes of His late Majesty, George the Third, 3d. A Sermon on the Death of the Duke of Kent and His Majesty George III. by the Rev. A. Reed. Is. 6d. A Sermon on fhe Death of His Majesty George III. by the Rev. J. Davies. 1s. A Sermon on the Death of his Majesty A Sermon on the Death of His Majesty George III. by the Rev. George Burder. 1s. The best Provision for the Poor, a Sermon preached at the opening of St. Matthew's Chapel, Manchester; by Rev. R. Bradley. 8d. The |