“The typography of this series is all that could be desired. Nothing superior to it has issued from the American press. Irving will be among American classics what Goldsmith is among those of the Fatherland. His works have not been crowded from our shelves by the hosts of new claimants for public favor, who have appeared since the Sketch Book was in every body’s hands. We have often wondered in common with other readers, why there was no good American edition of his writings; but his place in our literary affections remains as high as ever. The desideratum of which we speak, is now to be supplied by Mr. Putnam; and we are now to have an elegant uniform edition of the works of our foremost writer in the belles-lettres department of literature.”—Boston Evening Transcript.
“The announcement that a new edition of the works of this admired author was in progress, has led us to revert with pleasure to the delight we enjoyed in our first acquaintance with him through his charming books. He was the first of American writers in the department of elegant literature who obtained a wide name and fame in the old world. Great Britain, France, Northern and Southern Europe, are alike familiar with his delightful and most healthful writings, and doubtless his own good standing abroad has done more than any other single cause to introduce the names and works of others of our countrymen. There is a charm about his writings to which old and young, the educated and the simple, bear cheerful witness. * * * Several new works have not yet seen the light. Among these is announced a Life of Mohammed, and a Life of Washington. As to the latter subject for a volume, we can only say, that if another Life of Washington needs be written—which we doubt—we should prefer, of all men, to have Washington Irving undertake it. The other promised biography, the Life of Mohammed, is a grand, an unexhausted, and a most inviting theme. It has never yet been well treated, nor is it probable that there is a man on this Continent better qualified to treat it with discrimination and power, and with faithfulness to the truth, than Washington Irving. If our country can be covered with a large issue of his writings, it will make some amends for the flood of trumpery which the Press has poured over it.”—Christian Register.
“The most tasteful and elegant books which have ever issued from the American Press.”—Trib.
Belles Letters—New Works.
1849-50.
Fenimore Cooper’s Early Works.
THE AUTHOR’S REVISED EDITION.
The Spy: A Tale of the Neutral Ground.
New Edition. Revised, &c., with Introduction and Notes, handsomely printed, uniform with the Sketch-Book, &c. 12mo, cloth, $1 25.
The Pilot: A Tale of the Sea.
12mo. $1 25. In September. To be followed by other vols. at intervals.
MR. COOPER’S NEW WORK.