But we must draw our notice of Mr. MATHEWS'S 'writings' to a close. We cannot do so, however, without again inviting the attention of our readers to the 'works' themselves, if they are desirous to partake in a yet larger degree of the kindling effect of his unique wit and humor, and to render _full_ justice to 'the American Boz!'
THE POETS OF CONNECTICUT; WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Edited by Rev. CHARLES W. EVEREST. In one volume, pp. 468. Hartford: CASE, TIFFANY, AND BURNHAM. New-York: KNICKERBOCKER Publication Office.
HONOR to Connecticut for the 'bright names in song' to which she has given birth; and honor to Mr. EVEREST for the faithfulness and good judgment with which he has discharged his editorial function, in the large and exceedingly beautiful volume before us. Few of our readers can be aware of the number and high character of the poets of America who first drew breath in the 'Land of Steady Habits.' The catalogue 'deflours us of our chiefest treasures' in poetry; numbering as it does, HALLECK, BRAINARD, PERCIVAL, PIERPONT, PRENTICE, HILLHOUSE, HILL, SIGOURNEY, ROCKWELL, and others scarcely less known to fame, and whose effusions are endenizen'd in the national heart. The volume presents a brief historical account of the poetical literature of Connecticut, from its commencement to the present period. The writers are arranged in the order of birth, as being less invidious, and as better comporting with the design of the editor. In the department of biography, the sketches have been made as complete as possible, in the case of deceased writers, while in those of the living, the principal facts of personal history are carefully preserved. The editor has judiciously confined his critical duties to the mere pointing out of a few characteristic traits of each author's verse, refraining from especial eulogy or censure. The volume is in all respects a valuable contribution to our national literature, and deserves, what we cannot doubt it will receive, a circulation commensurate with its merits. It is beautifully printed, upon large, clear types, and embellished with a fine vignette-engraving of the city of Hartford and Connecticut river.
ABBOTTSFORD EDITION OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS. Edinburgh: ROBERT CADELL. London: HOULSTON AND STONEMAN. New-York: WILEY AND PUTNAM.