Opinions of the Press.
"He (Dr. B.) has caught his tone and treatment from the ingenious and industrious scholars of that part of the Continent. There is no speculation too refined, no analogy too subtle and remote, for the employment of their time and talents; and in much that Dr. Bell advances on the same system to establish the intimate connexion between the Northern mythology and some of the popular superstitions of these islands, we concur.... At times, when we were most disposed to ridicule his positions, his learning stepped forward to his aid; and if it did not secure for him all our patience, at all events it commanded much of our respect."—Athenæum, Oct. 2.
"Dr. Bell, whose long residence in Germany, and intimate acquaintance with the popular literature of that country, entitles him to speak with great authority upon all questions relating to the Mythology of the Teutonic race, has just published a little volume, which will be read with interest by all who, to use the words of Mr. Keightly, 'have a taste for the light kind of philosophy' to be found in this subject.... Dr. Bell has displayed in the work before us an amount of original investigation so much beyond what is generally found among recent writers upon Folk-lore, that he can well afford to have this slight omission pointed out."—Notes and Queries. Oct. 2.
"It is not too much to assert, that all that can be said, or has been discovered about 'The little animal' (Puck), is gathered together in Dr. Bell's most amusing and instructive volume, which not only elucidates the mystery which hangs about it, but enters largely into all illustrations of the folk-lore and the superstitions of all nations, but especially of the earliest religious rites of Northern Europe and the Wends. It has always been a marvel how Shakspeare could have possessed the information which he made available in his plays. Dr. Bell proves that he must have possessed far greater facilities than we are aware of. The work, besides possessing these features, enters into further antiquarian researches of a learned character: and is one which cannot fail to be highly appreciated wherever it makes its way into circulation."—Bell's Weekly Messenger, Feb. 26, 1853.
Copy of a Note, dated Royal Crescent, Cheltenham, Aug. 23, 1852.
"Accept my best thanks for the first vol. of your 'Puck.' It is a most interesting work, and I am astonished at the vast quantity of matter you have brought together on the subject: I say this on just hastily running it over. I must read it carefully. Heartily wishing you success in this volume, and the early appearance of the second, I am, &c.,
"J. B—S—TH, LL.D., F.S.A."
From Lewes, dated Sept. 26, 1852.
"Through the kindness of our friend, C. R. S—th, I am favoured with a loan of your very curious and interesting book—M. A. L——R."
Valuable Books, Kentish Topography, Manuscripts, &c.
PUTTICK AND SIMPSON, Auctioneers of Literary Property, will SELL by AUCTION, at their Great Room, 191. Piccadilly, on Wednesday, March 9, and Five following Days, Sunday excepted, a large Collection of interesting and useful books in most departments of Literature, including the works of standard Historians, Poets, Theologians, Greek and Latin Classics, &c., numerous works connected with the History of the County of Kent, large collections of Kentish Deeds and Documents, &c. Catalogues will be sent on application (if in the country on receipt of six stamps).
NATIONAL ILLUSTRATED LIBRARY.
VOLUME XXV. for MARCH.
The Odyssey of Homer, with Flaxman's Illustrations, &c. 1 Vol. Edited by the REV. THEODORE ALOIS BUCKLEY, M.A. Cr. 8vo. cloth, 2s. 6d.; mor. extra, 7s. 6d.