tempers the justice of all his inferences, and there is ever a pouring forth of that spirit of kindness which "delights to praise, but falters to condemn." It is perhaps on the graver themes of history, that the triumph of Scott's genius is most remarkable. So irresistible are the charms of style which he throws around historical subjects, that what in other hands is dry and uninteresting detail, comes from his pen with the force of truth, adorned with all the attractive grace of fiction. The works of an author like Scott cannot be too extensively diffused. No one can rise from the perusal of his writings without having been instructed as well as amused. The cause of religion, and virtue, and morality, finds an advocate on every page; vice will seek encouragement from the same source in vain. It has been well observed by an able and eloquent American critic, that "if ever writer deserved universal citizenship, it was Sir Walter Scott. He was the poet of nature, the delineator of his species in every climate, and on every soil; so that, wherever his works were known, there was he to be regarded as a native and a denizen." It is in this spirit that the publishers of the American edition of Scott's complete works, have undertaken to present them to the American people. They have supposed that they could not render a better or more acceptable service to the great mass of readers, than by placing such a publication within their reach. The revised uniform Edinburgh edition, from which this is reprinted, comprises eighty-eight volumes, the cost of which is one hundred and twentyfive dollars. The American edition now published contains the entire matter, with the addition of "Lockhart's Life of Scott," with the latest emendations, in ten octavo volumes, stereotyped, and printed on excellent paper. The price of this edition is above one hundred dollars less than that of the Edinburgh. The text of the "Life of Napoleon" was revised by Sir Walter himselt It contains copious editorial notes, with brief notices of many distinguished men who acted a prominent part in the eventful wars which followed the French revolution. In addition to the lines of the author, engraved from a painting by Newton, which accompanies the first volume, will be found a beautiful' medallion portrait to preface the seventh volume. The publication price affixed to this work is less, in reference to the quality of materials and style of execution, than that of any other production of the press in Europe or America. The investment and expenditures connected with this undertaking are much greater than usually attend a republication; and it will be apparent that the publishers must rely on an extensive sale for their remuneration. They appeal with entire confidence to the American public, for a just and liberal support in their endeavours to disseminate the means of an enlightened and rational enjoyment. Philadelphia |