And the breeches—and all that,
Are so queer!”
Little more can be said in the way of criticism, unless we should follow up these remarks by further examples in detail. For this we have no inclination, since, after all, the book, as a whole, is one of high merit; and, from the very nature of the work, it is impossible for an editor to produce a faultless volume. A thorough analysis of the book might induce many, whose minds are not comprehensive, to think it a bad, instead of what it really is, a good work.
The Two Admirals, a Tale, by the Author of “The Pilot,” “Red Rover,” &c., &c. Two Vols. Lea & Blanchard: Philadelphia.
Mr. Cooper, in the book before us, has re-asserted his right to the rank of the first living American novelist. The “Two Admirals” is not inferior to the best of his works. The scenes are described with that graphic force for which our author is distinguished above all writers of sea-tales. The two combats betwixt Sir Gervaise Oakes and the French fleet are told with unusual power. But there is nothing like character in the tale, and the plot is shamefully commonplace. Mr. Cooper seems to be aware of his want of ability to write a story, or paint a character, and he therefore wisely expends his whole strength on particular incidents and scenes. In his line he is without a rival here or in Europe.
The Poetical Works of John Sterling. First American Edition. One vol. Herman Hooker: Philadelphia.
Every man of taste will rejoice at this collected edition of the poems of Sterling, the “Archæus” of Blackwood. To Rufus W. Griswold, the editor, and Herman Hooker, the publisher, the American public is indebted for this edition of the works of one of the most pure, delicate, fanciful, and idiomatic, of the poets of the present day.