by a small and carefully drawn plan.  There are also several elaborate essays on the early relations of England with the Continent, besides papers on “The Parliament in the Fourteenth Century,” “Two Poets, Gower and Chaucer,” “John Wiclif,” (as Dr. Pauli spells the name,) and some other topics.  All the papers show an adequate familiarity with the original sources of information, and are marked by the same candor and impartiality which have hitherto characterized Dr. Pauli’s labors.  The translation, without being distinguished by any special graces of style, is free from the admixture of foreign idioms, and, so far as one may judge from the internal evidence, appears to be faithfully executed.  As a collection of popular essays, the volume is worthy of much praise.

The Correspondence of Leigh Hunt.  Edited by his Eldest Son.  London:  Smith, Elder, & Co. 1862. 2 vols. 12mo.

In Lamb’s famous controversy with Southey in 1823, (the only controversy “Elia” ever indulged in,) he says of the author of “Rimini,” “He is one of the most cordial-minded men I ever knew, and matchless as a fireside companion.”

Few authors have had warmer admirers of their writings, or more sincere personal friends, than Leigh Hunt.  He seemed always to inspire earnestly and lovingly every one who came into friendly relations with him.  When Shelley inscribed his “Cenci” to him in 1819, he expressed in this sentence of the Dedication what all have felt who have known Leigh Hunt intimately:—­

“Had I known a person more highly endowed than yourself with all that it becomes a man to possess, I had solicited for this work the ornament of his name.  One more gentle, honorable, innocent, and brave,—­one of more exalted toleration for all who do and think evil, and yet himself more free from evil,—­one who knows better how to receive and how to confer a benefit, though he must ever confer far more than he can receive,—­one of simpler, and, in the highest sense of the word, of purer life and manners, I never knew; and I had already been fortunate in friendship when your name was added to the list.”

With this immortal record of his excellence made by Shelley’s hand, Leigh Hunt cannot be forgotten.  Counting among his friends the best men and women of his time, his name and fame are embalmed in their books as they were in their hearts.  Charles Lamb, Keats, Shelley, and Mrs. Browning knew his worth, and prized it far above praising him; and there are those still living who held him very dear, and loved the sound of his voice like the tones of a father or a son.

A man’s letters betray his heart,—­both those he sends and those he receives.  Leigh Hunt’s correspondence, as here collected by his son, is full of the wine of life in the best sense of spirit.

The Works of Charles Dickens.  Household Edition. Martin Chuzzlewit.  New York:  Sheldon & Company.