"He (Dr. B.) has caught his tone and treatment from the ingenious and
industrious scholars of that part of the Continent. There is no
speculation too refined, no analogy too subtle and remote, for the
employment of their time and talents; and in much that Dr. Bell
advances on the same system to establish the intimate connexion between
the Northern mythology and some of the popular superstitions of these
islands, we concur.... At times, when we were most disposed to ridicule
his positions, his learning stepped forward to his aid; and if it did
not secure for him all our patience, at all events it commanded much of
our respect."--_Athenæum, Oct. 2._
"Dr. Bell, whose long residence in Germany, and intimate acquaintance
with the popular literature of that country, entitles him to speak with
great authority upon all questions relating to the Mythology of the
Teutonic race, has just published a little volume, which will be read
with interest by all who, to use the words of Mr. Keightly, 'have a
taste for the light kind of philosophy' to be found in this subject....
Dr. Bell has displayed in the work before us an amount of original
investigation so much beyond what is generally found among recent
writers upon Folk-lore, that he can well afford to have this slight
omission pointed out."--_Notes and Queries. Oct. 2._
"It is not too much to assert, that all that can be said, or has been
discovered about 'The little animal' (Puck), is gathered together in
Dr. Bell's most amusing and instructive volume, which not only
elucidates the mystery which hangs about it, but enters largely into
all illustrations of the folk-lore and the superstitions of all
nations, but especially of the earliest religious rites of Northern
Europe and the Wends. It has always been a marvel how Shakspeare could
have possessed the information which he made available in his plays.
Dr. Bell proves that he must have possessed far greater facilities than
we are aware of. The work, besides possessing these features, enters
into further antiquarian researches of a learned character: and is one
which cannot fail to be highly appreciated wherever it makes its way
into circulation."--_Bell's Weekly Messenger, Feb. 26, 1853._
_Copy of a Note, dated Royal Crescent, Cheltenham, Aug. 23, 1852._
"Accept my best thanks for the first vol. of your 'Puck.' It is a most
interesting work, and I am astonished at the vast quantity of matter
you have brought together on the subject: I say this on just hastily
running it over. I must read it carefully. Heartily wishing you success
in this volume, and the early appearance of the second, I am, &c.,
"J. B--S--TH, LL.D., F.S.A."
_From Lewes, dated Sept. 26, 1852._
"Through the kindness of our friend, C. R. S--th, I am favoured with a
loan of your very curious and interesting book--M. A. L----R."
* * * * *
Valuable Books, Kentish Topography, Manuscripts, &c.
PUTTICK AND SIMPSON, Auctioneers of Literary Property, will SELL by
AUCTION, at their Great Room, 191. Piccadilly, on Wednesday, March 9, and
Five following Days, Sunday excepted, a large Collection of interesting and
useful books in most departments of Literature, including the works of
standard Historians, Poets, Theologians, Greek and Latin Classics, &c.,
numerous works connected with the History of the County of Kent, large
collections of Kentish Deeds and Documents, &c. Catalogues will be sent on
application (if in the country on receipt of six stamps).
* * * * *
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