Mr. Putnam has got up this volume with his usual indifference to expense, and his usual regard for typographical beauty. The illustrative engravings are exactly what the reader wants to assist him in the comprehension of the text. Dr. Hawks refuses, in the preface, the name of author, preferring the more modest appellation of compiler; but we should like to see many more compilations from the same source. He has carefully studied the works of the great English and French savons and travelers relating to the subject, and has presented in clear language the truths which they have established. We commend the book to all who are desirous of accurate information about a most interesting country, in its past and present condition.
A System of Ancient and Mediæval Geography, for the Use of Schools and Colleges. By Charles Anthon, LL. D. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1 vol. 8vo.
This solid and well printed volume is but one out of many proofs of the author’s extensive erudition and classical enthusiasm. We are incompetent to speak of its value as a class-book, but certainly can bear testimony to its wealth of information relating to ancient countries, and its interest to all who are students of ancient history. The work rests on a solid foundation of over a hundred authorities, German, English, and French, and indicates on every page a scholarship as minute in details as it is large in its grasp. In the limits of some seven hundred and fifty octavo pages, crammed rather than filled with matter, Dr. Anthon has almost compressed a library of knowledge.
The King of the Hurons. By the Author of “The First of the Knickerbockers,” and “The Young Patroon.” New York: Geo. P. Putnam. 1 vol. 12mo.
In the press of this month’s publications we trust that this novel, the work of a man of shrewd and accurate observation, graceful fancy, and brilliant style, will not be lost in the crowd. The author’s wit and humor sparkle over his narrative, and lend an increased fascination even to the engrossing interest of the characters and incidents.
Essay on Christian Baptism. By Baptist W. Noel, M. A. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1 vol. 16mo.
The author of this little volume has already attained great notoriety by his volume directed against the union of church and state. The object of his present work is to declare himself by conviction a Baptist, and to exhibit the train of scriptural argumentation by which he came to the conclusion that believers have the exclusive right to Christian baptism. The work is well written, and the reasoning indicates a conscientious inquirer after truth.