NOTES ON BOOKS, ETC.
Mr. Timbs announces for publication by subscription, Curiosities of London: exhibiting the most rare and remarkable Objects of Interest in the Metropolis. Mr. Timbs states, the authorities for his work have been four-and-twenty years in collection; and that the utmost pains has been taken to verify names, dates, and circumstances, so as to insure accuracy. In this labour the author has been aided by the communications of many obliging friends, as well as by his own recollection of nearly fifty years' changes in the aspects of "opulent, enlarged, and still increasing London."
It is proposed to publish by subscription The Visitation of the County of Northumberland, taken by Richard St. George, Esq., Norroy King of Arms, and Henry St. George, Esq., Blue Mantle Pursuivant of Arms, A.D. 1615. To be printed in tables on folio, with the arms engraved on wood, price One Guinea; or large paper, royal folio, Two Guineas; or large paper with the arms emblazoned (of which only the number subscribed for will be done), Five Guineas. Subscribers' names will be received by Mr. John Gray Bell, No. 17. Bedford Street, Covent Garden.
The first number of the Antiquities of Shropshire, by the Rev. R. W. Eyton, has just been issued for the sake of determining the author's doubts as to whether there is any general wish for such a publication. Should the answer be in the negative, the author will neither forget his obligation to present subscribers, nor the explanation which he will farther owe them if the work be discontinued. The work will extend at least to five volumes, or twenty parts, and, according to the present plan, will be completed in not less than five years. Any subscriber will be at liberty to withdraw his name, by giving notice to that effect within one month after the publication of any fourth part, or completed volume. Three hundred copies of Part I. have been printed, but the number of the future parts will be limited to those subscribed for within the next three months.
The Surrey Archæological Society propose holding the Inaugural General Meeting of the Society in Southwark early in the month of February, and to exhibit upon the occasion a collection of such objects of antiquarian interest relating to Surrey as may be contributed for that purpose. Parties are invited to favour the Society with the loan of such objects.
Books Received.—A Peep at the Pixies, or Legends of the West, by Mrs. Bray: written for the entertainment of a family circle, these amusing records of the doings of the little people will find favour with all lovers of folk lore.—Ada's Thoughts, or the Poetry of Youth, may be commended for its natural, simple, yet elevated tone.—Essay on Human Happiness, by C. B. Adderley, M.P.; the first of a series of Great Truths for Thoughtful Hours. A set of little books similar in object and design to Pickering's well-known series of Small Books on Great Subjects.—Beauties of Byron, Verse and Prose. This selection, made for Murray's Railway Reading, will be acceptable to many who would object to place the collected edition of the noble bard's writings in the hands of the younger members of their family.—Speeches on Parliamentary Reform, by the Right Hon. T. B. Macaulay. This new number of Longman's Traveller's Library is well-timed, and very acceptable.