It is a source of no inconsiderable gratification to find the
anticipations with which the FAMILY LIBRARY was commenced exceeded by
its success, and the liberal patronage bestowed on it.
The best proof of this is the fact that of many of the volumes more
than 40,000 copies have been sold in this country alone. It has been
warmly commended in the journals of Great Britain, in those of France,
Germany, Italy, and other parts of Europe.
Its general estimation is also proved by its having been reprinted in
America, and translated into most of the Continental Languages.
Upon the copyright alone of the Works of the Series, upwards of
£12,000 has been expended, and the list of Contributors embraces the
distinguished names of
SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.
MR. SOUTHEY.
MR. LOCKHART.
REV. H. H. MILMAN.
WASHINGTON IRVING.
ALLAN CUNNINGHAM.
MR. TYTLER.
REV. J. WILLIAMS.
MR. BARROW (of the Admiralty).
REV. J. J. BLUNT.
REV. E. SMEDLEY.
REV. G. R. GLEIG.
SIR DAVID BREWSTER.
MR. COLERIDGE.
MAJOR SIR F. B. HEAD.
MR. DAVENPORT.
MR. CROFTON CROKER.
MR. LANDER.
CYRUS EDMONDS.
MR. BUCKE.
W. E. AYTOUN.
REV. T. CHETWODE EUSTACE.
MR. ROSCOE.
SIR FRANCIS PALGRAVE.
With the assistance of persons of such eminent talent was commenced the
design of supplying the deficiencies of English Literature, by a series
of Standard Works, which, with excellence of execution, should combine
the advantages of lowness of price, convenience of size and form, and
elegance of illustration.
While the moderate cost has placed the Work within the reach of all
classes of Readers, the interesting nature of the subjects, and the
popular mode of treating them, render it well suited for the perusal
of Young Persons, and calculated to stimulate in them a taste for
Literature and Science. In the beauty of its Embellishments, the FAMILY
LIBRARY has surpassed all its Contemporaries; and no pains or cost have
been spared to render each Volume as attractive externally, as it will
prove entertaining and useful on perusal. With these recommendations,
this Publication will be found to deserve a conspicuous place in every
well-selected Library; and as it may be purchased in its complete
state, or separate, _each work being complete in itself_, it will
furnish valuable Literary Presents, adapted to the means and tastes of
all classes of Purchasers.
The Volumes of which the FAMILY LIBRARY consists, may be classed under
the following heads:--
Biography.
LIFE OF NAPOLEON.
THE COURT AND CAMP OF BUONAPARTE.
LIVES OF BRITISH PAINTERS, SCULPTORS, AND ARCHITECTS.
LIFE OF COLUMBUS.
LIVES AND ADVENTURES OF THE COMPANIONS OF COLUMBUS.
LIFE OF NELSON.
LIVES OF BRITISH PHYSICIANS.
LIFE OF BRUCE.
LIVES OF SCOTTISH WORTHIES.
LIFE OF SIR ISAAC NEWTON.
LIFE OF PETER THE GREAT.
LIFE AND TIMES OF WASHINGTON.
LIFE OF ALI PASHA.
LIFE OF DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH.
LIFE OF CERVANTES.
LIFE OF CICERO.
LIFE OF RICHARD CŒUR DE LION.
LIFE OF MAHOMET.
LIVES OF ENTERPRISING MEN.
History.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
HISTORY OF INDIA.
HISTORY OF VENICE.
HISTORY OF THE ANGLO-SAXONS.
REFORMATION IN ENGLAND.
TYTLER’S GENERAL HISTORY.
DE FOE’S HISTORY OF THE PLAGUE YEAR.
NARRATIVE OF NAPOLEON’S EXPEDITION TO RUSSIA.
THE RUINS OF ANCIENT CITIES.
THE MUTINY AT THE NORE.
Voyages and Travels.
LANDER’S DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA.
FAMILY TOUR IN HOLLAND.
NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY.
SIX MONTHS IN THE WEST INDIES.
EUSTACE’S CLASSICAL TOUR IN ITALY.
State Trials.