TALES

FOR

THE PEOPLE AND THEIR CHILDREN.

First Series.

THE first collection of these popular narratives, comprising thirty-five volumes, being now com. pleted, a brief analytical notice of the works is desirable; thereby to unfold the claims which the "Tales for the People" have upon the attention of that immense multitude of readers, especially among youth, who are desirous to blend the instructive and the useful with that which attracts and excites the purest emotions of active benevolence.

Of the volumes which are included in the first series of "Tales for the People," whether for diversity or usefulness of subjects, or for their literary excellence, or for the beneficial results of them, or for the character of their authors, as qualified moralists, probably the selection is not surpassed in value by any similar domestic library. Hannah More has furnished two of them; Mary Howitt has supplied thirteen; Mrs. Ellis has contributed four; Harriet Martineau has given two; Mrs. Guizot has presented three; Mrs. Copley has imparted two; Mrs. Cameron and Mrs. Sandham each have bestowed one; Captain Marryatt has supplied five; Mr. Arthur has furnished one; to

which is added the justly-admired volume for juvenile readers the "Looking-glass for the Mind." In noticing these thirty different works of which the first series of "Tales for the People" is composed, they may be taken in the order thus given, according to the names of the writers; whence all readers may decide upon the adaptation of this household library for their own use.

MORE HANNAH.-The works of that highly valued moralist were searched, and two volumes of her very instructive biographical and social sketches were selected, under the titles of Domestic Tales and Rural Tales. Those contain some of her pictures of real life, which never before were issued separate from the entire series of her writings. Those narratives originally were published in monthly numbers; and the beneficial effects of them in inculcating decorum, industry, and sobriety, and in promoting frugality and subordination amid the exciting turbulence of the earlier period after the commencement of the French Revolution, it is impossible duly to estimate. The salutary information which they impart is, like "the moral fitness of things," unchangeable; consequently her characteristic delineations of the "Shepherd of Salisbury Plain," of "Parley the Porter," of "Mr. Fantom the Philosopher,' and of the "Two Wealthy Farmers," with her other graphic portraits, and landscape scenery, will retain all their freshness and attraction as long as the beauties of nature and art retain their capacity to delight us, and domestic enjoyment in moral array combines "things which are pure, and lovely, and of good report.

HOWITT MARY.-The simple-hearted, truthful FRIEND is the authoress of thirteen volumes in this

series; and whether we consider the variety of their contents, or the felicity of their execution, or their practical instructions, or their beneficial tendency, they are equally valuable.

Where all of them are so excellently adapted to promote the welfare of those who peruse her descriptions of English scenery and life, it is difficult to discriminate between their comparative merit, especially as they are so diversely applicable. This general remark will be clearly perceived in its suitability, if we advert to the grand design of some of them as inscribed on the titles.

The Two APPRENTICES are genuine portraits of Anglican society in that relation. In fact, we have no doubt that Mary Howitt's personages in her tales are just as real as her depicted scenery is true;—and we would also in general remark, that so faithful are her displays of the landscapes, and of the social condition, and of the persons, embodied in her tales, that a more lucid and correct estimate of the peculiar classes of the people to whom her narratives chiefly refer can be obtained from her illustrations, than from any other modern works. Exclusive of all their other claims upon perusal, this alone, in our present international relations with Britain, renders them a very desirable source of instruction for all our people and their children. Of the "Two Apprentices," however, it may be remarked, that it is a clearly reflecting mirror, in which youth learning business may behold themselves, in their inexperience, thoughtlessness, danger, and only security from being "cast-away.

MY UNCLE THE CLOCKMAKER.-The changes in human life, the evils of unthinking profusion, the advantages of patient submission to trials which

are unavoidable, and the infallible certainty implied in the oracular adage-"A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth"-all are portrayed in a very encouraging aspect, which speaks at once to the judgment and sensibilities of the reader-and the mind spontaneously acquiesces in the general impression, however masked by name and place, that the events were as real as they are natural.

MY OWN STORY.-This is Mary Howitt's autobiography of her childhood, until she first was sent away from parental supervision to a boardingschool. We know not which most to admire in it, the feminine delicacy or the infantine simplicity. It is the very book for girls from ten to fourteen years of age. We cannot comprehend how such a book ever was written by a matron who has heard and seen so much of earthly vanity. Like as was said of WATTS, we are not surprised at his metaphysical and theological disquisitions, but how the renowned philosopher could write his " Songs for Children" is almost incomprehensible-so, we are not perplexed in accounting for Mary Howitt's higher intellectual exhibitions, but how she could have grouped together the associations in "My own Story," playful childhood, or herself alone can unravel.

There are ten other tales in this series by the same authoress; all manifestly designed to cultivate the noblest domestic and social virtues-thrift and fidelity in employment; exemption from needless worldly anxiety; assiduity in the path of duty; trustfulness and hope; the connection between the work and the reward, the advantages of uprightness, simplicity, and a straightforward estimate of worldly things; and the encourage.

ment to persevere in well-doing. The titles, except the story of Alice Franklin, aptly develop the prominent theme, which is explained and enforced by apposite examples and admonitions and facts-"Hope on, Hope ever-Work and Wages -Strive and Thrive Love and Money-Sowing and Reaping-Little Coin Much Care No Sense like Common Sense-Which is the Wiser ?-and Who shall be Greatest?"

ELLIS SARAH STICKNEY.-The authoress of the "Women, Wives, Mothers, and Daughters of England," has contributed four of the tales in the first series; and they are marked with all the moral impressiveness and solicitude to elevate the female character and influence, which distinguish and render so acceptable her repeated literary efforts to meliorate the condition of her sex and thereby of mankind.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS.-This gallery of portraits teaches the necessity of decorum, the value of a favorable decision on the minds of others in early acquaintance, the liability to deception, and caution against being led astray.

THE MINISTER'S FAMILY and SOMERVILLE HALL; -these are intended to exhibit the advantages of a prudent and well-ordered domestic establishment; and beautifully indeed does the delineator of "Home" exemplify the peaceful domicils of purity, devotion, and peace.

DANGERS OF DINING OUT.This is a narrative written to promote moderation in eating, and in reference to drinking toasts, with other appended usages of feudal barbarism, to impress the authoritative mandate" TOUCH NOT-TASTE NOT-HANDLE NOT."

MARTINEAU HARRIET.-The two Narratives