“The typography of this series is all that could be desired. Nothing
superior to it has issued from the American press. Irving will be
among American classics what Goldsmith is among those of the
Fatherland. His works have not been crowded from our shelves by the
hosts of new claimants for public favor, who have appeared since the
Sketch Book was in every body’s hands. We have often wondered in
common with other readers, why there was no good American edition of
his writings; but his place in our literary affections remains as
high as ever. The desideratum of which we speak, is now to be
supplied by Mr. Putnam; and we are now to have an elegant uniform
edition of the works of our foremost writer in the _belles-lettres_
department of literature.”—_Boston Evening Transcript._
“The announcement that a new edition of the works of this admired
author was in progress, has led us to revert with pleasure to the
delight we enjoyed in our first acquaintance with him through his
charming books. He was the first of American writers in the
department of elegant literature who obtained a wide name and fame
in the old world. Great Britain, France, Northern and Southern
Europe, are alike familiar with his delightful and most healthful
writings, and doubtless his own good standing abroad has done more
than any other single cause to introduce the names and works of
others of our countrymen. There is a charm about his writings to
which old and young, the educated and the simple, bear cheerful
witness. * * * Several new works have not yet seen the light. Among
these is announced a Life of Mohammed, and a Life of Washington. As
to the latter subject for a volume, we can only say, that if another
Life of Washington needs be written—which we doubt—we should prefer,
of all men, to have Washington Irving undertake it. The other
promised biography, the Life of Mohammed, is a grand, an
unexhausted, and a most inviting theme. It has never yet been well
treated, nor is it probable that there is a man on this Continent
better qualified to treat it with discrimination and power, and with
faithfulness to the truth, than Washington Irving. If our country
can be covered with a large issue of his writings, it will make some
amends for the flood of trumpery which the Press has poured over
it.”—_Christian Register._
“The most tasteful and elegant books which have ever issued from the
American Press.”—_Trib._
Belles Letters—New Works.
1849-50.
Fenimore Cooper’s Early Works.
THE AUTHOR’S REVISED EDITION.
_The Spy: A Tale of the Neutral Ground._
New Edition. Revised, &c., with Introduction and Notes, handsomely
printed, uniform with the Sketch-Book, &c. 12mo, cloth, $1 25.
_The Pilot: A Tale of the Sea._
12mo. $1 25. In September. To be followed by other vols. at
intervals.