The English Gentleman's Library Manual; Or, a Guide to the Formation of a Library of Select Literature (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827 Excerpt: ...he is made of mortal mould, and subject to human failings, is one of the best and most pleasing pictures ever designed. We read the Vicar of Wakefield in youth and in age. We return to it again and again, and bless the memory of an author who contrives so well to reconcile us to human nature. Sir Waller Scotl. Le Sage. Diable Boiteux. There is no book in existence in which so much of the human character, under all its various shades and phrases, is described in so few words as in the Diable Boiteux. Every page, every line beard marks of that sure tact and accurate developement of human weakness and folly, which tempt us to think we are actually listening to a superior intelligence. Sir Walter Scott. Le Sage. Gil Blas, translated from the French of Le Sage, with engravings from the designs of Smirke, 4 vols. royal octavo, 6/6s. Few have ever read this charming book without remembering as one of the must delightful occupations of their life, the time which they employed in the perusal; and there are few also who do not occasionally turn back to its pages with all the vivacity which attends the recollection of early love. It signifies nothing at what time we have encountered the fascination, whether in boyhood, when we were chiefly captivated by the cavern of the robbers and other scenes of romance, whether in more advanced youth, but while our ignorance of the world yet concealed from us the subtle and poignant satire which lurks in so many passages of the work; whether we even learned enough to apprehend the various allusions to history and public matters with which it abounds, or ignorant enough to rest contented with the more direct course of the narrative. The power of the enchanter over us, is alike absolute under all these circumstances. If there be any...