Sturmer; A Tale of Mesmerism. To which are added other Sketches from Life. By Isabella F. Romer. Two Volumes. Lea & Blanchard: Philadelphia.
This work is republished, we presume, not so much on account of its intrinsic merit, as on account of the present émeute in our immediate vicinity and elsewhere, on the subject of Animal Magnetism. “Sturmer,” the principal story, is, nevertheless, well narrated and will do much in the way of helping unbelief. The minor tales are even beautiful. “The Mother and Daughter” is exceedingly pathetic.
Famous Old People. Being the Second Epoch of Grandfather’s Chair. By Nathaniel Hawthorne. Author of “Twice-Told Tales.” Boston: Tappan & Dennet.
Mr. Hawthorne has received high praise from men whose opinions we have been accustomed to respect. Hereafter we shall endeavor to speak of his tales with that deliberation which is their due. The one now before us is a simple and pretty story.
History of the Life of Richard Cœur de Lion, King of England. By G. P. R. James, Esq., author of “Richelieu,” &c. Two volumes. New York: I. & H. G. Langley.
We like Mr. James far better as the historian or biographer than as the novelist. The truth is, it is sheer waste of time to read second-rate fictions by men of merely imitative talent, when at the same expense of money and labor we can indulge in the never-failing stream of invention now poured forth by true genius.
The Effinghams; or, Home as I Found it. Two volumes. By the author of the “Victim of Chancery,” &c. New York: Samuel Colman.