There are several prose contributions in the Souvenir of distinguished merit, amongst which is pre-eminent "The City of the Demous, by W. Maginn, Esq." The Plates of this volume are 14 in number. The Frontispiece is by C. Rolls, from a painting of Leslie's, "The Duke and Duchess reading Don Quixote:" it is carefully engraved, and for the size may be pronounced a splendid print. "Juliet after the Masquerade," from Thomson, by C. Rolls, and "Psyche," from Wood, by Engleheart, are very fair performances: the latter is a clear, wellengraved plate, but would have been improved by being a little more finished. We are struck with the beauty of the plate by Goodall, from Linton, "Return of a Victorious Armament to a Greek City;" it is rich and full of character. But why was the tasteless print subscribed "Medora," introduced into a work of so much merit as this? "The Declaration" by Romney, from Farrier, there is a want of historic accuracy; the face of the "maiden" is not sufficiently young: on the whole it is a pretty plate, though the white drapery is rather hard. There is a brilliant engraving by a young man, Humphreys, from a painting by Chalons, "The Thief Discovered." Of the "Ruby of the Philippine Isles," we can only say that it In is a pity that such an engraving from such a picture should have been admitted into the Souvenir. One of the best plates of Romuey's that we have seen for some time, is his "Stolen Kiss," from Allan. We have a heavy, dull print, not answering, we should judge, to the inten. tion of the painter, in "The Conversation," by Ensom, from Stothard. The last plate, "A Fête Champêtre," by Wallis, from Danby, is too gloomy and murky for the scene, and the figures are too few and diminutive: it was not well judged to choose a subject which had been so well handled by Stothard. The Bijou now makes its début as a candidate for public favour. Its outside dress, compared with the other annuals, is poor; and there are marks of its having been got up in haste; but its literary contents form rather a striking, though not very full, table, and its graphic illustrations are incomparably fine. Mrs. Hemans is in the Bijou; so is the Poet Laureate, but we are not tempted and again; the reader will see him, all to extract him. Coleridge is here, again himself, in the following stanzas: "THE TWO FOUNTS. Stanzas addressed to a Lady on her Reco very, with unblemished Looks, from a severe Attack of Pain. BY S. T. COLERIDGE, Esq. "Twas my last waking thought, How can it be, That thou, sweet friend, such anguish should'st endure ? When straight from Dreamland came a Dwarf, and he Could tell the cause, forsooth, and knew the cure. Who then needs wonder, if (no outlet found In passion, spleen, or strife,) the FOUNT OF PAIN, O'erflowing beats against its lovely mound, And in wild flashes shoots from heart to brain ? Sleep, and the Dwarf with that unsteady gleam, On his rais'd lip, that aped a critic smile, Had pass'd: yet I my sad thoughts to beguile Lay weaving on the tissue of my dream : Till audibly at length I cried as though Thou hadst indeed been present to my eyes, O sweet, sweet sufferer! if the case be In every look a barbed arrow send, On those soft lips let scorn and anger live, Do any thing rather than thus, sweet friend! Hoard for thyself the pain thou wilt not give!" The Bijou gives a truly delightful letter of Sir W. Scott's, explaining his family picture, of which there is an engraving. His Majesty and the late Duke of York are in Mr. Pickering's list of contributors! that is, he has picked up two translations of theirs from the Latin, as exercises for their tutors' eyes, which ought never to have been submitted to any others. We shall conclude our notice of the literary part of this work with some verses by the Ettrick Shepherd, beautiful from their simplicity. "AN AGED WIDOW'S OWN WORDS. VERSIFIED BY JAMES HOGG, THE ETTRICK SHepherd. Oн is he gane, my good auld man ? And is that manly heart at rest, The kindest e'er was born? We've sojourned here through hope and fear For fifty years and three, And ne'er in all that happy time, Said he harsh word to me. And many a braw and boardly sou And daughters in their prime, His trembling hand laid in the grave Lang, lang afore the time. I dinna greet the day to see That he to them has gane, But O 'tis fearfu' thus to be Left in a world alane. Wi' a poor worn and broken heart, And the dear hame beyoud. : There are 15 Embellishments of the Bijou. The Frontispiece is "The Child and Flowers," from Sir Thos. Lawrence, by Humphreys; a very pleasing engraving this young artist promises well. The next plate is that referred to," Sir W. Scott and Family," by Worthington, from Wilkie. This is altogether interesting; the faces and the expression are satisfactory; but there is a meagreness in the back-ground. The finest plate in the volume is "Sans Souci," by Brandard, a very young man, after a picture by Stothard, the most elegant and poetical painter of the English school. If Mr. Brandard go on, as he has begun, he will be one of our first engravers. In "The Suitors Rejected," is there not a transposition of the names of the painter and engraver? We make this inquiry, because we are acquainted with the name of Wright, as an extraordinary painter; but he is here given as the engraver, and the painter is said to be Worthington. This is a very interesting plate; yet some of the drawing and feel. ing of the draughtsman have been lost. Of the print, "The Boy and Dog," by Humphreys, from Sir Thomas Lawrence, we are tempted to ask, though it may be deemed presumptuous, whether there be not a want of drawing in the off-leg? or, is this the engraver's fault? The next print is by Worthington, from the same accomplished artist; namely, "Portrait of a Lady:" minutely examined, the engraving does not shew a fine style, nor give the clearness of colour for which Sir Thomas is celebrated; it has, nevertheless, an elegant appearance. "The Dreams of the Youthful Shakespeare," from Westall, by Augustus Fox, is a promising print, from a young man it reminds us of W. Finden's beautiful, finished engraving in illustration of Beattie's Minstrel. Mr. Fox would do well to consult some of the fine prints, like that just named, in order to acquire harmony and keeping, which are wanting here. Mr. E. Finden has given us, in the next plate, "The Oriental LoveLetter," from Pickersgill; with which much pains have evidently been taken, and it may be justly pronounced a clever historical engraving, by one who devotes himself chiefly to the landscape branch of the art. In "Shakespeare's Interview with Queen Elizabeth," from Stothard, Mr. Ensom has presented us with his best performance; it is an exceedingly interesting print. Of "Haddon Hall,' by Wallis, from Reinagle, we cannot say much, remembering, as we do, the beautiful plates of Goodall and others in the landscape department. There are in the Bijou several head-pieces, after Stothard, which are as hastily executed as they were tastefully intended. On the whole, judging from the specimens of art before us, the Bigou promises to be one of the best of our annuals. It is decidedly the first in its embellishments of those already published, and we should place the Sou venir in the second rank, and the Forget Me Not in the third. The "Amulet" is more sober in its character than some of its annual competitors; the Editor aims to " blend religious instruction with literary amusement." On opening the volume we are presented with a long list of contributors in capitals, beginning with Mr. Coleridge and ending with the late Mrs. Barbauld. In this crowd of names are some that the eye rests upon with delight, and the female reader will see with satisfaction that a large proportion of these are of her own sex: for example, Mrs. He mans, (always welcome,) the late Mrs. Henry Tighe, Mrs. Opie, Miss Porter, Mrs. H. More, and Miss Mitford. The number of Reverends in the list is, however, somewhat ominous; and we would suggest to the Editor that sundry of the serious verses of these pious contributors belong to the Evangelical and Methodist Magazines. Amongst these baits for "the religious world," T. Hood's " Ode, imitated from Horace," has rather a grotesque appearance. Having named Mrs. Barbauld, we must say, that her papers are not in good custody, whilst such as some of those found in this year's Amulet are suffered to come abroad. But let us give the reader an exquisite little poem : "THE DIAL OF FLOWERS.* BY MRS. HEMANS. 'Twas a lovely thought to mark the hours By the opening and the folding flowers That laugh to the Summer's day. Like a pearl in an ocean shell. To such sweet signs might the time have flown In a golden current on, Ere from the garden, man's first abode, When shepherds gather'd their flocks of By the blue Arcadian streams. So in those isles of delight, that rest Far off in a breezeless main, Which many a bark, with a weary guest, Hath sought, but still in vain. Yet is not life, in its real flight, Mark'd thus even thus-on earth, A lingerer still for the sun-set hour, "This dial was, I believe, formed by Linnæus, and marked the hours by the opening and closing, at regular intervals, of the flowers arranged in it.", Mrs. Opie's verses are the more in teresting from the tinge of mysticism which her mind has lately received her paper, "The Last Voyage, a true Story," is an example of the power of a good writer to make much of very scanty materials. The reference to this tale leads us to remark, that the prose pages of the Amulet outnumber the poeticalthis gives the volume a heavy look, especially as some of the papers are, by their subject and their length, suited to any volume rather than an 66 Amulet," which loses its character when it ceases to charm. More than thirty pages are taken up by "A Brief notice of some ancient Coins and Medals," by Dr. Walsh, designed, though we cannot explain in what manner, to "illustrate the progress of Christianity." There is also an original "History of the Gunpowder Plot," the most doleful and disgusting story in the British annals: but, then, there is a page of Autographs of the principal conspirators. Following this, is another page of Autographs of Officers employed against the Spanish Armada. This is too antiquarian for our taste; let it not be forgotten, however, that the second title of the Amulet is "Christian and Literary Remembrancer." But from dulness and heaviness we ought to except several of the prose compositions before us; all Miss Mitford's, for instance; and above all, Miss Porter's spirited and striking sketch, "Peter the Great and the Shipwreck." from a painting of Howard's. The figure is too large for the size of the plate, or we should have called this, in the most unqualified sense of the terms, an exquisitely beautiful print. We think that "The Earl of Strafford and his Secretary," from Vandyke, is neither well chosen nor well engraved. Mr. Thomson has given us a charming print in, "The Lady of Ilkdale," from Jackson; this is in the dotted manner. We are compelled to say of the next plate, "The Mouse Trap" from Ward, that it is very poor: there is a coarseness and poverty of line in the engraving. From this we turn to a very neat and careful print, Mr. Portbury's "Dead Fawn," from a painting of Smirke's the figures here would have been more complete if there had not been a want of effect in the back-ground. Neither of the Landseers appears to advantage in "The Falconer," painted by E. L., and engraved by T. L.; we are sorry to make this remark upon so very eminent a young painter. Why did Mr. Armstrong throw away his fine talents upon such a subject as "Peter the Great Shipwrecked," by Stroehling? The Plates of the Amulet are fourteen in number, and the proprietors are entitled to commendation for the industry and liberality which appear in this part of the work. The frontispiece is, "The Morning Walk," a pleasing print by Mr. C. Rolls, from a picture of Sir Thomas Lawrence's. Mr. Rolls has yet to learn the art of truly representing in so small a compass the lightness and elegance that distinguish this master. We know not whom we are to praise for the beautiful vignette title; it is worthy of a name. "The Last Man," by Wallis, after Jones, is accompanied by the impoem of Mr. Campbell's, so entiwhich is republished for the sake int, in which, however, we do all the sublimity that the verses to expect. We cannot speak well f "The Shepherd Boy," by C. Rolls, Tom Pickersgill; the subject is comnon-place and ill-chosen, and the print 8 altogether heavy. The next plate is engraved by a very clever artist, Mr. W. Finden, all whose works bear the stamp of excellence; it is, "The Gipsey Girl," morta led, f the ot fin ead us After all our remarks, we cannot dismiss the "Amulet" without saying that it is an elegant and interesting volume. The tasteful binding in rich watered silk tempts both the eye and the hand. The same may be said of the last annual in our list The "Pledge of Friendship." This work succeeds one of the same title, last year; though in fact it now takes rank, for the first time, with the “annuals," as original publications. We congratulate the Editor on his success in forming such a respectable corps of contributors, at the head of whom, shining in all the rich but chaste attire of fancy, is our favourite Mrs. Hemans. Her "Memory of the Dead," is a poem never to be for. gotten. In her "Faith of Love," there is a holy moral. By the side of this lovely writer, we see here many of the authors whom we have already named and quoted, though few of the very first class. Miss Mitford is in many a pleasing page of both prose and verse. Mrs. Opie relates a "True Anecdote," entitled "Rejected Addresses," which we commend, as preachers are wont to say, "to the serious attention" of satirical young ladies, who put a sister's lover out of countenance and out of heart. Some of Mrs. Cornwall Baron Wilson's verses are pathetic; but do they not relate to sorrows which scarcely admit of exposure? We might point out many contributions to the volume which will please and delight the reader, particularly several of our Quaker poet's, Bernard Barton, and of the Rev. T. Dale's. On the whole, we think, there is too large a proportion of melancholy subjects; yet melancholy as is their tone, who would willingly part with such verses as the following? "MY FATHER'S GRAVE IS HERE. Br MY FATHER'S GRAVE,' I heard her say, ART. XII.-A Sermon, preached in the Chapel in Hanover Square, Newcastle, previous to a Collection in Aid of the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, October 29, 1826. 12mo. pp. 12. Newcastle, printed by John Marshall. 1827. THE Unitarian Association could not receive the sanction of a more influential name than that of the venerable author of this sermon,-the Rev. William Tur ner. The sermon is the easy, familiar address of a pastor, who has been long considered as a Father by his affectionate flock. The preacher states some of the leading doctrines of Unitarianism; gives a few sketches of the history of English Unitarians; and relates some of their efforts for the promotion of their opinions, terminating in the establishment of the Unitarian Association, which he strongly recommends to the support of his own denomination. For the spirit of Young hope may blend each colour this short address, we could wish it a gay, And fairer views appear; But no! I would not go away MY FATHER'S GRAVE is here.'" This, like several of the other " annuals," has an "Ornamented Case," which the Editor reckons, together with the Vignette, of which one side or page of the case is but a re-impression, amongst the plates, which, exclusive of these, are ten. The engravings have no very high claim as works of art-yet we must point out two very pretty landscapes; one, "Arthur's Seat," from Nasmyth, by Lacey,-the other," Brougham Castle," from Copley Fielding, by the younger W. Cooke. We may probably take notice hereafter of the remaining" annuals." Our object in the present article has been to review them impartially, and to put the reader in possession of their merits, for merits they all have, though not in equal proportions. The proprietors, without any exception, are entitled to our commendation for the fair prices at which their elegant volumes are offered to the public; and this, united with other and higher claims to the patronage of the literary world, will cause them, we doubt not, to be presented to many a young glistening eye and tender hand on the approaching merry days of Christmas and the New Year. more extensive circulation than the author seems to meditate for it, by printing it as one of the Tracts of the "Newcastle Unitarian Tract Society." ART. XIII.—A Plain Statement of the Evidences of Christianity, divided into short Chapters, with Questions annexed to each. Designed for the Use of Schools, Sunday-Schools, and Young Persons. By Francis Knowles. 12mo. pp. 100. Wigan, printed by J. Brown: sold by Wightman and Cramp, London. 1826. THIS is a clear and judicious summary of the Evidences of Christianity; welladapted for the young, on whose behalf it was compiled, and further recommended for its cheapness. The "Questions" appended to each chapter fit it At the for use in Sunday education. foot of the page, the author has given the meanings of the less common words employed; a great advantage to the young learner. He has also published separately a short " Appendix-containing Outlines of the Chapters, for the purpose of assisting the Memory."+ 1s. 6d. extra boards. + Price 4d. stitched. |