NOTES ON BOOKS, SALES, CATALOGUES, ETC.

The very unsatisfactory condition of the present laws on the subject of international copyright has induced the eloquent author the The History of the Girondists, when giving to the world The History of the Restoration of Monarchy in France, to consent to write in English some of the most important passages of that history with the view of assisting his publishers in their endeavour to protect themselves against piracy. To this circumstance we are indebted for the appearance at the same moment of the English and French editions; and both at a much lower price than that at which we have hitherto been accustomed to receive original works. M. de Lamartine's present contribution to the modern history of France cannot fail to excite great interest—despite of the manifest prejudices of the writer; for it is written with marked earnestness—not to say bitterness, and depicts in striking colours at once the military genius and the heartless selfishness of Napoleon. The history of the murder of Duc D'Enghien is told with consummate dramatic effect; and as the reader finishes the narrative he feels, the force of the author's closing words, "The murderer has but his hour—the victim has all eternity." The book will be read and re-read for its brilliancy and interest; it can however never by quoted as an authority, for its writer has disdained to quote those on which his own statements are based. M. de Lamartine in making this omission has done injustice both to himself and to his readers.

Letters Historical and Botanical, relating chiefly to places in the Vale of Teign, &c., by Dr. Fraser Halle, is a small volume which we can conscientiously recommend as a desirable travelling companion to such of our friends as may be about to visit this beautiful district of

"Lovely Devonia, land of flowers and songs."

It is clearly the production of a thoughtful scholar; and besides its botanical notices and historical illustrations, contains many pleasant snatches of old song, and hints of by-gone legends.

Lives of the most eminent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, translated from the Italian of Giorgio Vasari, &c., by Mrs. Foster, vol. iii., is another volume of Mr. Bohn's Standard Library. Vasari's work was one of the favourite books of the unfortunate Haydon; and now, when so much attention is being devoted by all classes to the fine arts, when our nobles are throwing open their galleries to the public, and admitting all to a free study of the exquisite works in their possession, an English version of such a series of biographies as Vasari has given us, and enriched as it is by notes and illustrations drawn from his best commentators, cannot but find an extensive and ready sale.

Messrs. Sotheby and Wilkinson (3. Wellington Street) will sell on Wednesday next a valuable collection of Engravings, the property of a distinguished collector, by whom it was formed thirty years since, chiefly from the Durand Collection; and on Thursday next a most interesting collection of Manuscripts and Books of the poet Gray, the whole in beautiful condition, together with a collection of various editions of his works, a posthumous bust, and other items connected with the poet. On Friday the same auctioneers will be engaged in the sale of the interesting collection of Engraved British Portraits formed by the late Thomas Harrison, Esq.

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.—J. Lilly's (19. King Street, Covent Garden) Very Cheap Clearance Catalogue of Five Thousand Volumes; B. Quaritch's (16. Castle Street, Leicester Square) Cheap Book Circular, No. 32., Catalogue of Books in all Languages.

BOOKS AND ODD VOLUMES
WANTED TO PURCHASE.

*** Letters, stating particulars and lowest price, carriage free, to be sent to MR. BELL, Publisher of "NOTES AND QUERIES," 186. Fleet Street.