_Traits of American Life. By Mrs. Sarah J. Hale, Editor of "The
American Ladies' Magazine," and Author of "Northwood," "Flora's
Interpreter," &c. &c. Philadelphia: E. L. Carey, and A. Hart._
This volume is beautifully printed--and we are happy in being able to
say, conscientiously, that its neat external appearance is its very
least recommendation. We are, however, at a loss to understand the
Preface--can it be that its ambiguity is intentional? "The Sketches
and Stories here offered to the public"--says Mrs. Hale--"have not
entirely the attraction of novelty to plead in their favor--but the
author trusts that the sentiments inculcated, and principles
illustrated, are such as will bear a reiteration." Does Mrs. H. mean
to say that these stories have been published in any form before? (if
so, she should have said it more explicitly)--or does she allude
merely to novelty of manner or of matter? We think that some of these
sketches are old acquaintances of ours.
The volume consists of fourteen different articles. The Lloyds--The
Catholic Convert--The Silver Mine--Political Parties--A New Year's
Story--Captain Glover's Daughter--The Fate of a Favorite--The Romance
of Travelling--The Thanksgiving of the Heart--The Lottery Ticket--An
Old Maid--Ladies' Fairs--The Mode--and The Mysterious Box. The Silver
Mine is, perhaps, the best of the whole--but they are all written with
grace and spirit, and form a volume of exceeding interest. Mrs. Hale
has already attained a high rank among the female writers of America,
and bids fair to attain a far higher.