Isis Unveiled;

The recent revival of interest in Philology and Archæology, resulting from the labors of Bunsen, Layard, Higgins, Müller, Dr. Schliemann, and others, has created a great demand for works upon Eastern topics.

To the scholar and the specialist, to the philologist and the archæologist, this work will be a most valuable acquisition, aiding them in their labors and giving to them the only clue to the labyrinth of confusion in which they are involved. To the general reader it will be especially attractive because of its fascinating style and pleasing arrangement, presenting a constant variety of racy anecdote, pithy thought, sound scholarship, and vivid description. Mme. Blavatsky possesses the happy gift of versatility in an eminent degree, and her style is varied to suit her theme with a graceful ease refreshing to the reader, who is led without weariness from page to page. The author has accomplished her task with ability, and has conferred upon all a precious boon, whose benefit the scientist as well as the religionist, the specialist as well as the general reader, will not be slow to recognize.

Bible of Humanity;

“His Bible of Humanity is a large epic in prose. The artist-historian, in the manner of inspired men and prophets, sings the evolution of mankind. There is no doubt that he throws brilliant glimpses of light on the long course of events and works which he unfolds; but at the same time he carries away the reader with such rapid flight of imagination as almost to make him giddy.”—Larousse’s Universal Dictionary.

NEW EDITION OF HIGGINS’ GREAT WORK.

The Anacalypsis;

The extreme rarity, and consequent high price of the “Anacalypsis” has hitherto placed it beyond the reach of many scholars and students. The new edition is issued in a much more convenient form, and sold at less than one-sixth of the price of the original.

The powerful though rather dogmatic logic, and the profound learning of the author, give the work a singular importance; and in a thinking age, when many things formerly considered truths are passing away into the shadows of tradition, the student of comparative mythology and the origin of religion and languages will look upon Higgins’ Anacalypsis as his guide and luminary through the darkness of dawning science.

Serpent and Siva Worship

“Serpent lore is the literature of the earliest times, and every discovery in ethnical science is adding to our knowledge of this feature of the race. These two eminent anthropologists suggest some very interesting speculations, which seem confirmed by modern research, and will be examined with avidity by scholars.”

SPLENDID NEW VOLUME OF ETCHINGS.

Examples of Contemporary Art.

“Apart from its value as a graphic account of the two great foreign Exhibitions of Art, this elegant volume deserves special attention from the value of its text, furnishing as it does a general record of the artistic achievements of the past year. They are, in fact, careful reviews of the representative Exhibitions from which subjects of the illustrations have been chosen, and their purpose is to supply, within moderate limits, a coherent account of the recent progress of the Arts in England and France.”

INTERESTING NEW WORK ON BLAKE.

William Blake.

“Such is the plan and moral part of the author’s invention; the technical part and the execution of the artist, though to be examined by other principles and addressed to a narrower circle, equally claim approbation, sometimes excite our wonder, and not seldom our fears, when we see him play on the very verge of legitimate invention; but wildness so picturesque in itself, so often redeemed by taste, simplicity, and elegance, what child of fancy—what artist—would wish to discharge? The groups and single figures on their own basis, abstracted from the general composition and considered without attention to the plan, frequently exhibit those genuine and unaffected attitudes—those simple graces—which nature and the heart alone can dictate, and only an eye inspired by both discover. Every class of artists, in every stage of their progress or attainments, from the student to the finished master, and from the contriver of ornament to the painter of history, will find here materials of art and hints of improvement.”—Cromek.

NEW VOLUME BY PAUL LACROIX.

XVIIIᵐᵉ Siècle.

The School of Shakspere.

Schnorr’s Bible Illustrations:

Musical Instruments, Sound, &c.

An entirely new work, in which the subject is treated in a most exhaustive manner. The book is divided into four general heads, the first devoted to the History of Music, and its influence on Physique and Morals, the Influence of Music on Intelligence, on the Sentiments, Locomotion, etc. The second, Acoustics, or production and propagation of sound, including the most recent discoveries in this branch. The third, on the History of Musical Instruments. The fourth, on the Voice, etc.

The Apophthegms of Erasmus.

“This is a pleasant gossipy book, full of wise saws, if not of modern instances. It may be considered one of the earliest English jest books. The wit in it is not as startling as fireworks, but there is a good deal of grave, pleasant humor, and many of those touches of nature which make the whole world kin. When Nicholas Udall undertook to translate this work he was the right man in the right place. Probably no old English book so abounds with colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions. It is very valuable on that account. This reprint has been made from the second edition, that of 1562. The reprint is literal; the only difference being that, to make it easier for the general reader, the contractions have been filled in, and the Greek quotations, which were exceedingly incorrect, have been, in most cases, put right.”

CAXTON COMMEMORATION VOLUME.

The Dictes and Sayings of the Philosophers.

The printing of this unique work has been executed by a photographic process which reproduces infallibly all the characteristics of the original work, and the binding is a careful reproduction of that of Caxton’s day.

This memorial volume is rendered still more interesting, and to the connoisseur more valuable, by an Introduction by William Blades, Esq., author of the Life and Typography of William Caxton, giving a short, historical account of the book, the circumstances that led to its publication, and its position among the works printed by Caxton. It is believed that the publication of this work will, apart from its value to collectors, be generally acceptable as representing the first work issued from the press in England, and as illustrating the state of the art of printing in its infancy.

To form Six Volumes, demy 8vo (Vols. I.-III. Poetry; IV.-VI. Prose Works).

Complete Works of Robert Burns.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

“We heartily congratulate the admirers of Burns, and of poetry, in the prospect of having in their hands ... such a labor of love and of knowledge.”—W. M. Rossetti in The Academy.

“Promises to outshine all former editions in completeness, accuracy, and interest.”—Aberdeen Journal.

“The edition will be unquestionably the best which has yet appeared.”—Birmingham Gazette.

“Will doubtless supersede all others as library edition of Burns.”—Daily Review.

“Really an ‘exhaustive effort’ to collect the whole of the poems.”—Edinburgh Courant.

“May challenge comparison with any previous product of the Scottish press.”—Inverness Courier.

“A gratifying addition to general literature. Is of the highest order of merit.”—London Scottish Journal.

“A fine library edition of Scotland’s greatest poet.”—Pall Mall Gazette.

The Plays and Poems of Cyril Tourneur.

“So much of the dramatic fire and vigor which form the special characteristics of the Elizabethan dramatists is discernable in Cyril Tourneur, that it is satisfactory to see his works collected.... If on the one hand he may claim to have enriched the drama with characters that may compare with the best in Chapman or Marston, he has also in realism gone beyond Webster.... Mr. Collins has discharged completely his editorial duties, and his notes display a considerable amount of reading.”—Athenæum.

OFFERED AT A GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICE.

An Analysis of Religious Belief.

“Let them (the readers) remember that while he assails much which they reckon unassailable, he does so in what to him is the cause of goodness, nobleness, love, truth, and of the mental progress of mankind.”—Extract front Lady Russell’s Preface.

“He has bequeathed to the world a collection of interesting facts for others to make use of. It is a museum of antiquities, relics, and curiosities. All of the religions of the world are here jostling one another in picturesque confusion, like the figures in a masquerade.”—Times.

“This work has more than one claim on the reader’s attention. Its intrinsic interest is considerable.”—Spectator.

“No one will fail during its perusal to be deeply interested, and, what is more, powerfully stimulated to independent thought.”—Examiner.

Polychromatic Ornament.

Monsieur Racinet is well known, both in France and in this country, as the author of the principal designs in those magnificent works, “Le Moyen Age et la Renaissance” and “Les Arts Somptuaires.” He is therefore peculiarly well fitted to grapple with the difficulties of so intricate a subject, and it will be found that he has discharged his task in a manner to deserve general approval and admiration. His happy choice of subjects, all of them taken from originals, his ingenious grouping of them in harmonious forms, his wonderful accuracy in drawing, and his perfect fidelity of color are only equalled by the profound knowledge which has enabled him to combine so vast a collection in historical order, and yet in a classical form.

Keramic Art of Japan.

No one who has examined the Art productions of Japan can have failed to observe the great beauty of the Keramic Wares of the country, and the refined and educated feeling everywhere displayed in their decoration. Their general artistic excellence, and the skilful rendering of natural objects they usually present, have long commended them to the attention of the artists of Europe—long, indeed, before they were sought after by collectors; and it is not too much to say that many of our well-known artists have shown by their works their appreciation of Japanese drawing and coloring.

The Royal Masonic Cyclopædia

The most complete and valuable work of reference that has ever been presented to the Craft.

“The task of the Editor has been admirably performed, and there can be no question the work will be a valuable addition to every Masonic library.”—Freemason’s Chronicle.

“The Editor has lavished much reading and labor on his subject.”—Sunday Times.

“A deeply-learned work for the benefit of Freemasons.”—Publishers’ Circular.

“Your new work is excellent.”—Bro. W. R. Woodman, M.D., G.S.B.

“Evidences a considerable amount of hard work, alike in research and study, ... and we can honestly and sincerely say we wish fraternally all success to the Royal Masonic Cyclopædia.”—Freemason.

Wilson’s American Ornithology:

One of the cheapest books ever offered to the American public. The old edition, not nearly so complete as the present, has always readily brought from $50.00 to $60.00 per copy.

“The History of American Birds, by Alexander Wilson, is equal in elegance to the most distinguished of our own splendid works on Ornithology.”—Cuvier.

“With an enthusiasm never excelled, this extraordinary man penetrated through the vast territories of the United States, undeterred by forests or swamps, for the sole purpose of describing the native birds.”—Lord Brougham.

“By the mere force of native genius, and of delight in nature, he became, without knowing it a good, a great writer.”—Blackwood’s Magazine.

“All his pencil or pen has touched is established incontestably; by the plate, description, and history he has always determined his bird so obviously as to defy criticism, and prevent future mistake.... We may add, without hesitation, that such a work as he has published is still a desideratum in Europe.”—Charles Lucian Bonaparte.

COMPLETION OF PLANCHÉ’S GREAT WORK.

Cyclopædia of Costume;

“There is no subject connected with dress with which ‘Somerset Herald’ is not as familiar as ordinary men are with the ordinary themes of everyday life. The gathered knowledge of many years is placed before the world in this his latest work, and there will exist no other work on the subject half so valuable. The numerous illustrations are all effective—for their accuracy the author is responsible: they are well drawn and well engraved, and, while indispensable to a proper comprehension of the text, are satisfactory as works of art.”—Art Journal.

“These numbers of a Cyclopædia of Ancient and Modern Costume give promise that the work will be one of the most perfect works ever published upon the subject. The illustrations are numerous and excellent, and would, even without the letter-press, render the work an invaluable book of reference for information as to costumes for fancy balls and character quadrilles.... Beautifully printed and superbly illustrated.”—Standard.

“Those who know how useful is Fairholt’s brief and necessarily imperfect glossary will be able to appreciate the much greater advantages promised by Mr. Planché’s book.”—Athenæum.

UNIFORM IN STYLE WITH LÜBKE’S AND MRS. JAMESON’S ART WORKS.

Monumental Christianity;

This is a presentation of the facts and verities of Christianity from the earliest monuments and contemporary literature. These include the paintings, sculptures, sarcophagi, glasses, lamps, seal-rings, and inscriptions of the Christian Catacombs and elsewhere, as well as the mosaics of the earliest Christian churches. Many of these monuments are evidently of Pagan origin, as are also the symbols; and the author has drawn largely from the ancient religions of India, Chaldea, Persia, Egypt, Etruria, Greece, and Rome, believing that they all contained germs of religious truths which it is the province of Christianity to preserve, develop, and embody in a purer system. The Apostles’ Creed is exhibited, with its parallel or counterpart, article by article, in the different systems thus brought under review.

The book is profusely illustrated, and many of the monuments presented in facsimile were studied on the spot by the author, and several are specimens obtained in foreign travel. This is one of the most valuable contributions to ecclesiastical and archæological literature. The revival of Oriental learning, both in Europe and America, has created a demand for such publications, but no one has occupied the field which Dr. Lundy has chosen. The Expositions which he has made of the symbols and mysteries are thorough without being exhaustive; and he has carefully excluded a world of collateral matter, that the attention might not be diverted from the main object of the work. Those who may not altogether adopt his conclusions will nevertheless find the information which he has imparted most valuable and interesting.

“As a contribution to Church and general history, the exhaustive and learned work of Dr. Lundy will be welcome to students and will take a high place.”—Church Journal.

“When, indeed, we say that from beginning to end this book will certainly be found to possess a powerful interest to the careful student, and that its influence for good cannot fail to be considerable, we in nowise exaggerate its intrinsic merits. It is one of the most valuable additions to our literature which the season has produced.”—New York Times.

The Epicurean;

“Our sense of the beauties of this tale may be appreciated by the acknowledgment that for insight into human nature, for poetical thought, for grace, refinement, intellect, pathos, and sublimity, we prize the Epicurean even above any other of the author’s works. Indeed, although written in prose, this is a masterly poem, and will forever rank as one of the most exquisite productions in English literature.”—Literary Gazette.

The Turner Gallery,

From the London Art Journal.

“A series of engravings from Turner’s finest pictures, and of a size and equality commensurate with their importance, has not till now been offered to the public.

“In selecting the subjects, the publisher has chosen judiciously. Many of his grandest productions are in this series of Engravings, and the ablest landscape engravers of the day have been employed on the plates, among which are some that, we feel assured, Turner himself would have been delighted to see. These proof impressions constitute a volume of exceeding beauty, which deserves to find a place in the library of every man of taste. The number of copies printed is too limited for a wide circulation, but, on that account, the rarity of the publication makes it the more valuable.

“It is not too much to affirm, that a more beautiful and worthy tribute to the genius of the great painter does not exist, and is not likely to exist at any future time.”

The attention of Collectors and Connoisseurs is particularly invited to the above exceedingly choice volume; they should speedily avail themselves of the opportunity of securing a copy at the low price at which it is now offered.

AN ENTIRELY NEW WORK ON COSTUME BY M. RACINET, AUTHOR OF “POLYCHROMATIC ORNAMENT,” ETC.

Le Costume Historique.

NO ORDERS RECEIVED EXCEPT FOR THE COMPLETE WORK.

Each part will contain 25 plates, 15 in colors and 10 in tinted Lithography. Parts 1, 2, and 3 are now ready for delivery. Upon completion of the work, the price will be raised 25 per cent.

“The Messrs. Firmin Didot & Co., of Paris, a firm that disputes with the house of Hachette & Co. the honor of supplying France and the world with the most beautiful books at the cheapest rates compatible with the greatest excellence in editing and ‘making,’ have recently published the beginning of a work which, by making its appeal chiefly to the eye, is sure of a welcome in this picture-loving age of ours. This is the History of Costume, by A. Racinet, well-known already to that portion of our public which is interested in the decorative art by his illustrated work on ornament. L’Ornement Polychrome.—Racinet gives the word ‘costume’ almost as wide a sweep of meaning as Viollet-le-Duc gives to furniture in his now famous Dictionnaire du Mobilier. * * * * The field surveyed consists not only of costumes proper, but of arms, armor, drinking vessels, objects used in the service of the church, modes of transport, harness, head-gear and modes of dressing the hair, domestic interiors, and furniture in the ordinary acceptation of the term. Each plate is to be accompanied with an explanatory text, and there will be added an historical study, so that little will be wanting to make this one of the completest encyclopædias of the sort that has ever appeared. * * * * A charming taste has presided over the selection of the subject, and the abundant learning that has been brought to bear in the collection of illustrations, from so wide a field of human action, is made to seem like play, so lightly is it handled. * * * * No scientific arrangement is observed in the order in which the subjects are presented. We have ancient Egypt, Assyria, Rome, Greece, India, Europe in the middle ages, and from the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries, Japan, Turkey, Syria, Russia, and Poland, mixed up for the present, as if the work were an illustrated report of a fancy ball; and, to most of us, the gay parade as it rolls along is none the less pleasant for this want of order.”—Scribner’s Monthly.

“The name of Firmin Didot & Co., of Paris, is such a guarantee of mechanical execution in a book, that it is sufficient to state that Le Costume Historique is fully on a par with any of the former publications of this distinguished house. In addition to its other features, this work has numerous illustrations, giving restorations of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian interiors. In fact the work is conceived on a large plan, and will be found most useful to the artist. With such a book as a reference, some of the glaring inconsistencies we still see from time to time on the stage, where periods as to costume, some hundreds of years apart, are terribly mixed up, might be prevented, and the unities saved. The publishers have had the excellent idea of reducing the size of the illustrations, so as to bring the price of this picture-cyclopædia of the costume of the world within the means of the most prudent book-buyer.”—N. Y. Daily Times.

“A new work on costume, most expensive to the publishers and cheap to the subscribers. Parts I., II., and III., with twenty-five pictures in each, are ready. We have minutely examined them, and find them worthy of great praise, both for general excellences of execution and for the recondite and curious sources drawn upon—the latter characteristic making the collector master of a great many pictorial facts and illustrations whose original sources are hard even to see and impossible to become possessed of.”—Nation.

“This work is unquestionably the best work on its subject ever offered to the public, and it will engage very general attention. In shapeliness and convenience, too, it leaves nothing to be desired, which cannot be said often of cyclopædias of costume. One can enjoy the colors and contents of these ‘parts’ while lounging in a veranda or rocking in a boudoir. It is not necessary to adjourn to a public library and to an immovable chair.”—Evening Post.

NEW SERIES.

Examples of Modern Etching.

Among the contents of this choice volume, may be mentioned “The Laughing Portrait of Rembrandt,” by Flameng; Twickenham Church, by Seymour Haden; Aged Spaniard, by Legros; The Hare—A Misty Morning, by Bracquemond; The Thames at Richmond, by Lalanne; The Ferryboat, by Veyrassat, etc.

∵ A set of proofs of the plates in the above volume alone are worth in the London market £10 10s. 0d., or seventy dollars currency.

Etchings from the National Gallery.

To admirers of Etchings, the present volume offers several of the most notable of recently executed plates, among others the Portrait of Rembrandt, by Waltner; The Parish Clerk, after Gainsborough, by the same etcher; The Burial of Wilkie, after Turner, by Brunet-Debaines; Portrait of a Youth, after Masaccio, by Léopold Flameng, etc.

French Artists of the Present Day.

Chapters on Painting.

Ancient Art and Mythology.

“Not only do these explanations afford a key to the religion and mythology of the ancients, but they also enable a more thorough understanding of the canons and principles of art. It is well known that the latter was closely allied to the other; so that the symbolism of which the religious emblems and furniture consisted likewise constituted the essentials of architectural style and decoration, textile embellishments, as well as the arts of sculpture, painting, and engraving. Mr. Knight has treated the subject with rare erudition and ingenuity, and with such success that the labor of those who come after him rather add to the results of his investigations than replace them in important particulars. The labors of Champollion, Bunsen, Layard, Bonomi, the Rawlinsons, and others, comprise his deductions so remarkably as to dissipate whatever of his assertions that appeared fanciful. Not only are the writings of Greek and Roman authors now more easy to comprehend, but additional light has been afforded to a correct understanding of the canon of the Holy Scripture.”—Extract from Editor’s Preface.

A SUPPLEMENTARY VOLUME TO “ANCIENT FAITHS.”

Ancient Faiths and Modern.