OUR BOOK TABLE. THE GREYSON LETTERS. Henry Rogers. Gould & Lincoln, Boston. The author of the Greyson Letters has become widely known as the author of the "Eclipse of Faith;" Reason and Faith;" &c. 66 He has added much to his reputation as a thinker and a writer by this book of letters, purporting to have been written by a fictitious Mr. Greyson. By writing in a series of letters the author has been able to present essays on a variety of subjects; and though the book has not the charm of a continued narrative, it abundantly compensates for this by the interest which the author inspires an account by his pungency of style and aptness of illustration The subjects treated are numerous and varied. There are letters on practical religion appealing directly to the heart; doctrinal and metaphysical letters; letters æsthetic and literary; letters of friendship and affection; and all written in a most admirable style, often invoking a smile, or bringing out a hearty laugh at the wit and humor of the author, and as soon inducing a grave countenance, by the gravity of the thought which follows. The author in his preface very justly applies Cowper's remark: "My readers will hardhave begun to laugh before they will be called upon to correct that levity, and peruse me with a more serious air." We have not for a long time read a book which we think has so much valuable instruction clothed in such palatable and pleasing language and figures. HILLARD'S SERIES OF SCHOOL READERS. Hickling, Swan & Brewer, Boston. Four books of this series of readers have now been issued, and from our observation we should say very favorably received. The exercises in orthoëpy are very carefully prepared, and cannot fail, when properly practised day by day in the school-room to insure correct enunciation-so absolutely essential to even tolerable reading. These exersises are the same in the second, third, and fourth readers, and thereby secure a continued drill on the same elements in the different stages of the scholar's progress. As far as we have examined, the selections for practice appear to be judicious, various, entertaining and instructive. The "Biographical and critical notices of authors," connected with the selections, will commend themselves to teachers as an important and valuable feature. A part of the series has recently been adopted in the schools of this city. WORCESTER'S SPELLING BOOK.. -A pronouncing spelling-book of the English Language. By J. E. Worcester. Hickling, Swan & Brewer, Boston. 1858. The publishers of Dr. Worcester's Dictionaries have now brought out a spelling-book to correspond with Worcester's dictionaries, in orthography and pronunciation, and the system of notation in marking the sounds of the letters. The author has followed the ordinary method of classification and grouping of words, beginning with words of one syllable and advancing to such words as "supererogation" and "transubstantiation." The exercises for writing are well arranged and valuable. The chapter on "Italics, Old English," &c., is interesting and instructive. The division of abbreviations into Latin and English is proper. The "Astronomical Signs are well enough, but not particularly connected with spelling. The book will be especially welcomed by those who use Dr. Worcester's Dictionaries, and are pleased with his method of notation in making the sounds of the letters. THz PROGRESSIVE READERS.-By Salem Town, LL. D., and Nelson M. Holbrook. Sanborn, Carter, Bazin & Co. Boston. The series consists of the Progressive Primer, and Five Progressive Readers. We have been very much pleased with the plan and execution of these books. There seems to be a plan of instruction. They are what their title indicates, progressive. The primary series has pleased us better, on examination merely,-for we have not used them, and it must be remembered that use in the school room is the only test of a book,-than any series for primary and intermediate schools that we have seen. They are adapted to interest and please the child, thus making it a pleasant rather than an irksome task to learn to read. The drill exercises on sounds and pronunciation are well arranged and thorough. The plan of indicating common errors which are apt to occur in each lesson, and of giving the correction, we think a good one. The definition of words to which much attention is given is vastly important. The explanatory foot notes are of great value. The appearance of the books is remarkably good, and the primary series are beautifully and tastefully illustrated with cuts. The lower numbers of this scries are in use in the public schools of this city. THE WESTERN BELL: A collection of Glees, Quartetts and chorusses, by Edward A. Perkins and Frederick H. Pease. Oliver Ditson & Co. Boston. "THE WESTERN BELL is not merely a new collection of pieces, but a collection of almost entirely new peices; the poetry and music, for the most part, having been written expressly for this work, and having never before been published. By particular desire a few valuable copyright pieces have been added, which have hitherto only appeared in sheet form." The book is very finely printed and "bound to match." CAMP'S GEOGRAPHY, EMBRACING THE KEY TO MITCHELL'S SERIES OF OUTLINE MAPS.-By David N. Camp, Supt. of Connecticut Common Schools. O. D. Case & Co. Hartford. Hon. Mr. Camp has done a good work in re vising Mitchell's series of Outline Maps, and making this very fine compendium of Geography as a key to them. The outline maps are very much improved, and the Geography contains exact transcripts of the larger maps reduced in size, with a key to all the maps. "The Geography is complete in itself and may be used independently, or with the larger CONTINENTAL HARMONY. Oliver Ditson & Co. WELLS'S NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. By David A. Boston. "A collection of the most celebrated Psalm Tunes, Anthems, and Favorite Pieces; designed particularly for 'OLD FOLKS' CONCERTS,' and the Social Circle." A fine collection and very full. It has a large collection of old tunes, which are very dear to all lovers of sacred music, and many new tunes which will become "old and popular." THE COLLEGE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE. -Cincinnati. January, 1858. This professional journal is conducted by the Faculty of the Eclectic College of Medicine, and is published on the first of each month. Terms, $1.00 a year in advance. ILLUMINATED FAMILY MAGAZINE.-Feb. 1858. We have received this beautifully illustrated new magazine from D. Kimball & Co., Market Square. Its fashion plates and patterns are very fine. IV 2377 Wells, A. M., author of various scientific textbooks. Ivison & Phinney, New York. A book of 452 pages, embracing a discussion of the various principles of mechanical and physical science, including electricity and its kindred sciences. It is well written and the topics are well arranged. We like the plan of questions in the margin of the page. The practical questions at the end of each chapter are valuable. The book is beautifully illustrated and well printed on excellent paper. NEWMAN'S PRACTICAL RHETORIC. By Prof. Samuel P. Newman of Bowdoin College. Iv.son & Phinney, New York.. This is the sixtieth edition of the above-named work. It was republished in England many years ago, and still continues in extensive use in this country. It discusses the principles and rules of style, and has a valuable "Historical Dissertation on English Style." It is a valuable book. 1 |