Roraima and British Guiana, With a Glance at Bermuda, the West Indies, and the Spanish Main

“In two handsome volumes Mr. Dixon here gives us the first instalment of a new historical work on a most attractive subject. The book is in many respects a favourable specimen of Mr. Dixon’s powers. It is the most painstaking and elaborate that he has yet written.... On the whole, we may say that the book is one which will sustain the reputation of its author as a writer of great power and versatility, that it gives a new aspect to many an old subject, and presents in a very striking light some of the most recent discoveries in English history.”—Athenæum.

“In these volumes the author exhibits in a signal manner his special powers and finest endowments. It is obvious that the historian has been at especial pains to justify his reputation, to strengthen his hold upon the learned, and also to extend his sway over the many who prize an attractive style and interesting narrative more highly than laborious research and philosophic insight.”—Morning Post.

“The thanks of all students of English history are due to Mr. Hepworth Dixon for his clever and original work, ‘History of two Queens.’ The book is a valuable contribution to English history. The author has consulted a number of original sources of information—in particular the archives at Simancas, Alcala, and Venice. Mr. Dixon is a skilful writer. His style, singularly vivid, graphic, and dramatic—is alive with human and artistic interest. Some of the incidental descriptions reach a very high level of picturesque power.”—Daily News.

“These concluding volumes of Mr. Dixon’s ‘History of two Queens’ will be perused with keen interest by thousands of readers. Whilst no less valuable to the student, they will be far more enthralling to the general reader than the earlier half of the history. Every page of what may be termed Anne Boleyn’s story affords a happy illustration of the author’s vivid and picturesque style. The work should be found in every library.”—Post.

“Mr. Dixon has pre-eminently the art of interesting his readers. He has produced a narrative of considerable value, conceived in a spirit of fairness, and written with power and picturesque effect.”—Daily News.

“Mr. Dixon’s ‘William Penn’ is, perhaps, the best of his books. He has now revised and issued it with the addition of much fresh matter. It is now offered in a sumptuous volume, matching with Mr. Dixon’s recent books, to a new generation of readers, who will thank Mr. Dixon for his interesting and instructive memoir of one of the worthies of England.”—Examiner.

“Mr. Dixon’s book will be certain not only to interest but to please its readers and it deserves to do so. It contains a great deal that is worthy of attention, and is likely to produce a very useful effect.”—Saturday Review.

“A lively, interesting, and altogether novel book on Switzerland. It is full of valuable information on social, political, and ecclesiastical questions, and, like all Mr. Dixon’s books, is eminently readable.”—Daily News.

Among other persons mentioned in this work are Lords Lansdowne, Brougham, Macaulay, Lytton, Houghton; Messrs. Wilberforce, Wordsworth, Hallam, Rogers, Moore, Sydney Smith, Landor, Lockhart, Fonblanque, Warburton, Harness, Chantrey; Count Montalembert, Dr. Ullathorne, Dr. Newman, Joanna Baillie, Lady Gifford, Lady Cork, Mrs. Somerville, Mrs. Norton, &c.

“Lady Chatterton’s Diary gives a sketch of society during a well known but ever-interesting period. Mr. Dering may be congratulated on having furnished a graceful epilogue to the story of an interesting life.”—Athenæum.

“In this work we have the pleasant picture of a literary artist and an amiable lady, and some interesting anecdotes which give value to the volume.”—John Bull.

“In this agreeable volume Mr. Dering has succeeded in bringing before us in vivid colours the portrait of a very remarkable, talented, and excellent lady. Her Diary is full of charming reminiscences.”—The Tablet.

“A very interesting volume.”—Times.

“A lively and agreeable book, full of action and colour.”—Athenæum.

“This book is bright, pleasant reading.”—British Quarterly Review.

“A most valuable addition to the historical works of the time. It is full of life and colour.”—Morning Post.

“A well executed book by a polished and vigorous writer.”—The World.

“Mr. St. John has given us in these pages a record of all that was seen and done in a very successful visit. His book is instructive, and it should be interesting to the general reader.”—Times.

“Mr. St. John is a shrewd and lively writer. The reader will find ample variety in his book, which is well worth perusal.”—Pall Mall Gazette.

“These volumes are amusing, interesting, and even valuable. They give us a very clear idea of the great quarrel between British Columbia and the Dominion of Canada; and they contain a full report of Lord Dufferin’s great speech at Victoria. Then there are some graphic sketches of social life and scenery, and some entertaining stories.”—Spectator.

“The ‘man of former times’ whose biography is now introduced to our notice, will be remembered by all who have read the correspondence of Count Joseph de Maistre. A Savoyard by birth, M. Costa de Beauregard lived long enough to see the last years of the Monarchy, the Revolution, and the early promise of General Bonaparte. The opening chapters of the work introduce us to Paris society at the time when it was perhaps the most brilliant; and it is amusing to accompany our hero to Mme. Geoffrin’s salon, where Marmontel, Rochefoucauld, Greuze, Diderot, Cochin, and many others, discourse literature, art, and philosophy. Sent off to Paris for the purpose of finishing his education by mixing with all the choice spirits of the day, young Costa writes home brilliant descriptions of the sights he has seen and the company to which he has been introduced. The variety of scenes described in these pleasant memoirs, the historical personages crowded on the canvas, and the account of the noble struggle of Savoy against the French Republic, give to the whole work a dramatic interest which derives additional charm from the character of the Marquis himself—a character in which high principle, genuine wit, and patriotism are happily blended together.”—Saturday Review.

From the Times:—“All the civilized world—English, Continental, and American—takes an interest in the Tower of London. The Tower is the stage upon which has been enacted some of the grandest dramas and saddest tragedies in our national annals. If, in imagination, we take our stand on those time-worn walls, and let century after century flit past us, we shall see in due succession the majority of the most famous men and lovely women of England in the olden time. We shall see them jesting, jousting, love-making, plotting, and then anon, perhaps, commending their souls to God in the presence of a hideous masked figure, bearing an axe in his hands. It is such pictures as these that Mr. Dixon, with considerable skill as an historical limner, has set before us in these volumes. Mr. Dixon dashes off the scenes of Tower history with great spirit. His descriptions are given with such terseness and vigour that we should spoil them by any attempt at condensation. In conclusion, we may congratulate the author on this work. Both volumes are decidedly attractive, and throw much light on our national history.”

“These volumes are two galleries of richly painted portraits of the noblest men and most brilliant women, besides others, commemorated by English history. The grand old Royal Keep, palace and prison by turns, is revivified in these volumes, which close the narrative, extending from the era of Sir John Eliot, who saw Raleigh die in Palace Yard, to that of Thistlewood, the last prisoner immured in the Tower. Few works are given to us, in these days, so abundant in originality and research as Mr. Dixon’s.”—Standard.

“This very interesting memoir brings us within the presence of Napoleon I., and some of the chiefs who upheld the fortunes of the First Empire, and its anecdotes about that extraordinary man are evidently genuine and very characteristic. It introduces us to the inner life and real state of the Grand Army, and lays bare the causes of its strength and weakness. The work discloses a variety of details of interest connected with Napoleon’s escape from Elba, the Hundred Days, the Bourbon Restoration, and the Revolution of July, 1830. We have dwelt at length on this instructive record of the experiences of a memorable age, and can commend it cordially to our readers.”—The Times.

“It was a happy thought that impelled Major Loftus to give us these reminiscences of ‘the old war,’ which still retains so strong a hold on our sympathies. Every word from an intelligent actor in these stirring scenes is now valuable. Major Loftus played the part allotted to him with honour and ability, and he relates the story of his sea life with spirit and vigour. Some of his sea stories are as laughable as anything in ‘Peter Simple,’ while many of his adventures on shore remind us of Charles Lever in his freshest days. During his sea life Major Loftus became acquainted with many distinguished persons. Besides the Duke of Wellington, the Prince Regent, and William IV., he was brought into personal relation with the allied Sovereigns, the Duc D’Angoulême, Lord William Bentinck, and Sir Hudson Lowe. A more genial, pleasant, wholesome book we have not often read.”—Standard.

Among other persons mentioned in the Second Series of this work are—The Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold; the Dukes of Wellington and Beaufort; the Earls of Durham and Carlisle; Lords Byron, Clyde, Adolphus Fitzclarence, and Cockburn; Sirs Walter Scott, G. Wombwell, A. Barnard, John Elley, Sidney, Harry, and C. F. Smith; Count D’Orsay; Dr. Dodd; Messrs. Thomas Moore, Theodore Hook, Leigh Hunt, Jordan, James, Horace, and Albert Smith, Beazley, Tattersall, Hudson, Ude, George Colman, The Kembles, G. F. Cooke, Charles Young, Edmund and Charles Kean, Yates, Harley; Miss Foote; Mrs. Nisbet; Mesdames Catalani, Grassini, Rachel, &c.

“This new series of Lord William Lennox’s reminiscences is fully as entertaining as the preceding one. Lord William makes good use of an excellent memory, and he writes easily and pleasantly.”—Pall Mall Gazette.

“One of the best books of the season. Pleasant anecdotes, exciting episodes, smart sayings, witticisms, and repartees are to be found on every page.”—Court Journal.

“Lord William’s book is genial, discursive, and gossipy. We are indebted to the author’s personal recollections for some lively stories, and pleasant sketches of some of the more famous dragsmen. Nor does Lord William by any means limit himself to the English roads, and English coaches. Bianconi’s Irish cars, the continental diligences, with anecdotes of His Grace of Wellington, when Lord William was acting as his aide-de-camp during the occupation of Paris, with many other matters more or less germane to his subject, are all brought in more or less naturally. Altogether his volume, with the variety of its contents, will be found pleasant reading.”—Pall Mall Gazette.

“This life of Moscheles will be a valuable book of reference for the musical historian, for the contents extend over a period of threescore years, commencing with 1794, and ending at 1870. We need scarcely state that all the portions of Moscheles’ diary which refer to his intercourse with Beethoven, Hummel, Weber, Czerny, Spontini, Rossini, Auber, Halévy, Schumann, Cherubini, Spohr, Mendelssohn, F. David, Chopin, J. B. Cramer, Clementi, John Field, Habeneck, Hauptmann, Kalkbrenner, Kiesewetter, C. Klingemann, Lablache, Dragonetti, Sontag, Persiani, Malibran, Paganini, Rachel, Ronzi de Begnis, De Beriot, Ernst, Donzelli, Cinti-Damoreau, Chelard, Bochsa, Laporte, Charles Kemble, Paton (Mrs. Wood), Schröder-Devrient, Mrs. Siddons, Sir H. Bishop, Sir G. Smart, Staudigl, Thalberg, Berlioz, Velluti, C. Young, Balfe, Braham, and many other artists of note in their time, will recall a flood of recollections. It was a delicate task for Madame Moscheles to select from the diaries in reference to living persons, but her extracts have been judiciously made. Moscheles writes fairly of what is called the ‘Music of the Future’ and its disciples, and his judgments on Herr Wagner, Dr. Liszt, Rubenstein, Dr. von Bülow, Litolff, &c., whether as composers or executants, are in a liberal spirit. He recognizes cheerfully the talents of our native artists, Sir Sterndale Bennett, Mr. Macfarren, Madame Arabella Goddard, Mr. John Barnett, Mr. Hullah, Mrs. Shaw, Mr. A. Sullivan, &c. The celebrities with whom Moscheles came in contact include Sir Walter Scott, Sir Robert Peel, the late Duke of Cambridge, the Bunsens, Louis Philippe, Napoleon the Third, Humboldt, Henry Heine, Thomas More, Count Nesselrode, the Duchess of Orleans, Prof. Wolf, &c. Indeed, the two volumes are full of amusing anecdotes.”—Athenæum.

“These letters, the work of a pure and devout spirit, deserve to find many readers. They are greatly superior to the average of what is called religious literature.”—Athenæum.

“The writer of the tenderly-conceived letters in this volume was Mrs. Julius Hare, a sister of Mr. Maurice. They are instinct with the devout submissiveness and fine sympathy which we associate with the name of Maurice; but in her there is added a winningness of tact, and sometimes, too, a directness of language, which we hardly find even in the brother. The letters were privately printed and circulated, and were found to be the source of much comfort, which they cannot fail to afford now to a wide circle. A sweetly-conceived memorial poem, bearing the well-known initials, ‘E. H. P.’, gives a very faithful outline of the life.”—British Quarterly Review.

“This touching and most comforting work is dedicated to The Queen, who took a gracious interest in its first appearance, when printed for private circulation, and found comfort in its pages, and has now commanded its publication, that the world in general may profit by it. A more practical and heart-stirring appeal to the afflicted we have never examined.”—Standard.

“These letters are exceptionally graceful and touching, and may be read with profit”—Graphic.

“This work is good in conception and cleverly executed, and as thoroughly honest and earnest as it is interesting and able. The style is original, the thought vigorous, the information wide, and the portrait-painting artistic.”—John Bull.

“Mr. Walpole’s work reflects credit not only on his industry in compiling an important biography from authentic material, but also on his eloquence, power of interpreting political change, and general literary address. The biography will take rank in our literature, both as a faithful reflection of the statesman and his period, as also for its philosophic, logical, and dramatic completeness.”—Morning Post.

“Written with intelligence and ability.”—Pall Mall Gazette.

“A pleasantly written book. Mrs. Guthrie appears to have enjoyed her visit to the Fort of Belgaum, in the Deccan, immensely. Those who know India, and those who do not, may read her work with pleasure and profit.”—Standard.

“Mrs. Guthrie’s charming book affords a truthful and agreeable picture of an English lady’s life in India.”—Globe.

“Mr. Boddam-Whetham writes easily and agreeably.”—Pall Mall Gazette.

“Mr. Whetham’s new volume contains the story of his journey by land and river from San José de Guatemala to Carmen on the Mexican Gulf. This journey is so interesting in many ways, that Mr. Whetham’s sprightly work may fairly rank as one of those rarer books of travel which tell us something that is really new and quite worth telling. It has enabled him to present us with some charming pictures of a curious country.”—Graphic.

“A bright and lively account of interesting travel. We have not met anywhere a truer picture of Central American scenery and surroundings.”—Globe.

“This book is pleasantly written, the descriptions of the scenery and objects of interest are fresh and lively, and are interspersed with entertaining anecdote. Mr. Moens gives very valuable information to his yachting readers.”—Sporting Gazette.

“This book is readable and amusing from first to last. No one ought to be without it. Racy anecdotes coruscate on every page.”—Morning Post.

“The literary merits of Mr. Whetham’s work are of a very high order. His descriptions are vivid, the comments upon what he saw judicious, and there is an occasional dash of humour and of pathos which stirs our sympathies.”—Athenæum.

“A biography of the beautiful and unhappy Queen, more satisfactory than any we have yet met with.”—Daily News.

“Two charming volumes, full of the most interesting matter.”—Post.

“A powerful story. It is impossible to do justice to its lofty purpose and its rare merits in the limits of a review.”—John Bull.

“In ‘Paul Faber’ Dr. Mac Donald adds to his high reputation. The plot is deeply interesting, the characters are life-like, and the incidents remarkably striking.”—Court Journal.

“Lord Desart’s book is agreeable and amusing. It is a spirited novel, pleasantly written, and full of clever pictures of the society of to-day, evidently sketched from life.”—Morning Post.

“Lord Desart lays bare the impostures of the various classes of society with unsparing directness and with a good deal of humour.”—Athenæum.

“We hail with pleasure another novel from the pen of Mrs. Forrester. Her book has all the natural interest and tact which distinguish a work of a clever woman.”—Court Journal.

“These volumes are brightly written, and are of varied interest.”—John Bull.

“An exceedingly interesting story, of considerable power. Miss Hardy is to be congratulated on having added to her reputation by this fascinating and clever novel.”—Morning Post.

“A well-written story, with occasional touches of effective humour. The plot is well imagined and well worked out.”—Academy.

“These stories are masterpieces. The stamp of genius is apparent in every page.”—Examiner.

“Far above the average of novels in literary merit, greatly above in moral tone and purpose, and equal in interest to any novel of the season, is the volume which contains the tales of Michelle and Little Jack.”—John Bull.

“A thoroughly pleasant and satisfactory book. It is a genuine story of human concerns and interests such as are met with in the world of every-day experience, rather than in the world of fancy or of fiction.”—Athenæum.

“A very pleasant and clever novel.”—Post.

“An extremely clever story, remarkably well told.”—Morning Post.

“A satisfactory, amusing, and attractive book.”—Examiner.

“Mrs. Oliphant’s last novel has merits which will recommend it to the general public, and it should be hailed with something like enthusiasm by all who happen to have, like Sir Ludovic Leslie, ‘a warm heart for Fife.’ A prettier Scotch story it would be hard to find, and the refinement of its humour and picturesqueness of its descriptive setting cannot fail to be appreciated. There is not a character without individuality from one end of the book to the other.”—Athenæum.

“A genuine story, of well sustained interest”—Spectator.

“We have seldom seen a more taking novel, or one that better commands the attention and interest of its reader.”—Post.

“A charming novel. The characters are natural and life-like. It is written in Mrs. Randolph’s very best manner.”—John Bull.

“An excellent novel: fresh, interesting, and entertaining.”—Sunday Times.

“Miss King is favourably known as the author of several novels of a more or less military character. ‘The Bubble Reputation’ is quite equal to its predecessors. The plot is ingenious, and the interest sustained to the last.”—Athenæum.

“We have read ‘Hathercourt Rectory’ with not a little pleasure. The tone of the book is healthy throughout.”—Saturday Review.

“This novel is one which everyone fond of an exciting story, with a good deal of human interest in it, should read, and upon which it is pleasant to congratulate the author.”—Morning Post.

“An extremely interesting story, written in a style much above the average of contemporary works of fiction. An excellent novel, abounding throughout with striking episodes. It is well worth reading.”—Morning Post.

“This book may be read with pleasure. It is carefully written, and contains very pleasant sketches of character.”—Academy.

“This book is written with power and is a capital story, which we found it difficult to lay down.”—Spectator.

LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTENTS.

Historical View of the Peerage.

Parliamentary Roll of the House of Lords.

English, Scotch, and Irish Peers, in their orders of Precedence.

Alphabetical List of Peers of Great Britain and the United Kingdom, holding superior rank in the Scotch or Irish Peerage.

Alphabetical list of Scotch and Irish Peers, holding superior titles in the Peerage of Great Britain and the United Kingdom.

A Collective list of Peers, in their order of Precedence.

Table of Precedency among Men.

Table of Precedency among Women.

The Queen and the Royal Family.

Peers of the Blood Royal.

The Peerage, alphabetically arranged.

Families of such Extinct Peers as have left Widows or Issue.

Alphabetical List of the Surnames of all the Peers.

The Archbishops and Bishops of England, Ireland, and the Colonies.

The Baronetage alphabetically arranged.

Alphabetical List of Surnames assumed by members of Noble Families.

Alphabetical List of the Second Titles of Peers, usually borne by their Eldest Sons.

Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of Dukes, Marquises, and Earls, who, having married Commoners, retain the title of Lady before their own Christian and their Husband’s Surnames.

Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of Viscounts and Barons, who, having married Commoners, are styled Honourable Mrs.; and, in case of the husband being a Baronet or Knight, Honourable Lady.

Mottoes alphabetically arranged and translated.

“This work is the most perfect and elaborate record of the living and recently deceased members of the Peerage of the Three Kingdoms as it stands at this day. It is a most useful publication. We are happy to bear testimony to the fact that scrupulous accuracy is a distinguishing feature of this book.”—Times.

“Lodge’s Peerage must supersede all other works of the kind, for two reasons: first, it is on a better plan; and secondly, it is better executed. We can safely pronounce it to be the readiest, the most useful, and exactest of modern works on the subject.”—Spectator.

“A work of great value. It is the most faithful record we possess of the aristocracy of the day.”—Post.

“The best existing, and, we believe, the best possible Peerage. It is the standard authority on the subject.”—Standard.