Of all the political and literary charlatans of the day, D’Israeli is the ablest, most brilliant, and most impudent. If any of our readers disagree with this opinion, we refer them to the work which has provoked it. To attempt a sober answer to its leading opinions would make the disputant as ridiculous as the author. The reader silently consigns them to contempt, or passes them lightly over for the other portions of the novel. The whole book is made up of foppery; but the foppery of sentiment, satire, and description, is infinitely more readable than the foppery of politics and religion.
A Year of Consolation. By Fanny Kemble Butler. New York: Wiley & Putnam. 1 vol. 12mo.
This is one of the most attractive volumes of the season. It is written in Mrs. Butler’s most brilliant style, and is spiced with just enough personality to make it piquant. That portion of her journal relating to Italy is especially readable. The side allusions to this country are very characteristic. Every page of the book bears the stamp of a strong, proud, frank mind, heedless of what Mrs. Grundy will say, and fearlessly expressing even its whims and caprices. There is a kind of impatient daring even in the use of figurative language, and analogies are sometimes brought violently together, as much from passion as fancy. A reader goes through the book at rail-road speed.
The Cadet de Colobrières. Translated from the French of Madame Charles Reybaud. Phila.: Carey & Hart.
This is an excellent novel; interesting as a narrative; showing great artistic skill in composition and grouping, and unblemished by the faults and indecencies usually connected with the very idea of a French romance.
Captivity of Napoleon at St. Helena. By General Count Montholon, the Emperor’s Companion in Exile and Testamentary Executor. Phila.: Carey & Hart. 1 vol. 8mo.
To those who take an interest in Napoleon, either as a general or statesman, this work will be of absorbing interest. Napoleon, at St. Helena, is even a greater man than Napoleon at Marengo or Austerlitz.