To such of our readers, and we believe they form neither the least numerous
nor the least intelligent portion of our friends, who consider the columns
which we devote to _Folk Lore_ among the most interesting parts of our
paper, we recommend an attentive perusal of a little work, which has just
reached a second edition, and which is calculated to invest with fresh
interest that very curious subject. We allude to Dr. Herbert Mayo's volume
_On the Truths contained in Popular Superstitions, with an Account of
Mesmerism_. Dr. Mayo's object is "to exhibit in their true light the
singular natural phenomena by which old superstition and modern
charlatanism have in turn profited,--to indicate their laws, and to
develope their theory"--and he does this in a way to excite the reader's
deepest attention, and to convince him that there are more things in heaven
and earth than are dreamt of in his philosophy.
_Daily Steps towards Heaven, or Practical Thoughts on the Gospel History,
and especially on the Life and Teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. For every
Day in the Year, according to the Christian Seasons, with Titles and
Characters of Christ, and a Harmony of the Four Gospels_, is the ample and
descriptive title of a small devotional volume, which has been received
with such favour by all classes of churchmen as to have passed through two
large editions in little more than a twelve-month; which is better
testimony to its merits than any we could give.
Messrs. Sotheby and Wilkinson will sell on Monday next, and the five
following days, a valuable collection of Books, from the library of a
gentleman in the country, among which will be found some curious early
English Tracts relating to the Church, and some scarce poetical pieces.
Messrs. Puttick and Simpson, of 191. Piccadilly, will sell on Monday, and
five following days, the valuable library of the late Rev. George Innes,
Head Master of the King's School, Warwick; together with the library of a
clergyman.
BOOKS RECEIVED.--_Dr. Pusey's Letter to the Lord Bishop of London, in
explanation of some Statements contained in a Letter by the Rev. W.
Dodsworth._
_Directions for the Preservation of English Antiquities, especially those
of the First Three Periods._ By J. Y. Akerman. This little tract, which is
illustrated with numerous woodcuts, has been prepared by the Secretary of
the Society of Antiquaries, in a cheap form (it is sold {174} for a
penny!), that by its wide circulation, especially among agricultural
labourers, it may be the means of preserving many remains of interest. Is
it too much to ask those who approve of Mr. Akerman's object to assist in
its circulation; and to further that object by depositing any articles
which it may be the means of rescuing from destruction either in the
British Museum, or the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries.
CATALOGUES RECEIVED.--B. Quaritch's (16. Castle Street, Leicester Square)
Cheap Book Circular, and Catalogue of Books in all Languages; J. Russell
Smith's (4. Old Compton Street, Soho) Catalogue of Ancient Manuscripts on
Vellum and Paper; Deeds, Charters, and other Documents relating to English
Families and Counties; Hebrew Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, &c.
* * * * *