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was the lion of at least one season. On his return to America, Mr. Irving received, in 1830, one of the two gold retired to his beautiful residence on the medals of the Royal Society of Literature, Hudson, and renewed his literary avocathe other being given to Mr. Hallam, and tions; his first employment being the the University of Oxford bestowed on him publication of a carefully revised edition the degree of LL.D. It was not till 1832, of his complete works. But he had for "after an absence of seventeen years," some years been pondering a work on the that he "saw again the blue line of his rise and progress of Mohammedanism, native land." His reception in New-York, and it eventually took the form of a bioas indeed in every part of America which graphy of the prophet, with sketches of his he subsequently visited, was of the most immediate successors: it appeared in enthusiastic kind. But he did not stay 1849-50, under the title of Mohammed long in his native city; an opportunity of and his Successors. He also about this fering, he, the same autumn, accompanied time published a pleasantly written bioMr. Ellsworthy, the Indian commissioner, graphy of Oliver Goldsmith. He did not and Mr. Latrobe, the author of Rambles again appear before the world, as an auin North America, in a journey to the thor, till 1855, when he published a volfar west, and, as of yore, "writing of what ume of sketches, some of which had apwas suggested by objects before him," his peared in the New York magazines, enjourney produced a Tour on the Prai- titled Chronicles of Woolfert's Roost and ries. This work was not, however, pub- other Papers, which were marked by all lished till 1835. He had, meanwhile, pur- the old polish and elegance, and very chased an estate by the spot he had much of the humor and vigor which had described as Sleepy Hollow, and the fit- rendered the Sketch-Book so general a ting up after his own fancy the old man- favorite. But his countrymen were watchsion of the Van Tassels, which he had ing for a more important work. It was named Woolfert's Roost, bad occupied no well known that he had been engaged small amount of time. The Tour was even before his mission to Spain, in colfollowed in the same year by his recollec- lecting materials for a new biography of tions of Abbotsford and Newstead Ab- the great founder of American indepenbey, and by his Legends of the Con- dence, and that it was the task he had quest of Spain. To these, in 1836, suc- selected as his crowning literary labor. ceeded Astoria, or Enterprise beyond | It was accordingly looked forward to with the Rocky Mountains; and in the next much eagerness, and the first volume of year the Adventures of Captain Bonne- the Life of Washington (1855) met with ville; or, Scenes beyond the Rocky Moun- a warm welcome. A second, third, and tains of the Far West. In 1841, he re-fourth have since appeared, and are to be ceived the appointment of Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Spain. The appointment was a popular one in Madrid, where his previous residence, and his Life of Columbus, had gained him numerous friends. He remained there above four years, having only been recalled, at his own request, on Mr. Polk's election to the presidency, in 1846.

followed by others. Like Mr. Irving's other historical works, it is marked by an excellent style of narrative, while it displays a just appreciation of the moral and mental character and conduct of the hero, and a warm sympathy with his grand enterprise: and above all, it has the great merit of being a thoroughly readable book.

WE quote a few of the many commendations which we have received from gentlemen of eminent character and intelligence, and add kiud uotices from the press.

From Er-President Fillmore, Buffalo, Dec. 24, 1857.

"I have taken the ECLECTIC from its commencement as the best selection of foreign periodical literature which I have been able to obtain. I think the selections are judiciously made, and the work is very valuable. "MILLARD FILLMORE."

From Rev. Chauncey A. Goodrich D.D., for many years an eminent Professor in Yale College. "I have taken the ECLECTIC MAGAZINE since the year 1845, and regard it as by all means the best of our current periodicals. It contains substantial matter for scholars and thinking men, and choice articles of information for all minds, without ever becoming dry on the one hand, or flashy and frivolous on the other. Its worth does not, like that of much popular literature, decline with time, and the forty bound volumes now in my library, I regard as of the most permanent value, and often refer to them."

From the Evening Dispatch, Augusta, Ga.

"The ECLECTIC, with the rich, varied and instructive character of its contents, commends itself_to all who desire to enrich their libraries with the useful as well as the ornamental."

From the Rev. Dr. Davis, Augusta, Ga.

"I consider the ECLECTIC MAGAZINE unsurpassed, both in its literary and moral character, by any other periodical."

From Prof. Wm. J. Hard, Principal of Augusta Female Institute.

"Under the care of its judicious and tasteful editor, the ECLECTIC is the best literary periodical of the country. It is adapted to the wants of every cultivated miud, and ought to command a very large patronage."

From the Rev. Dr. Wilson, Augusta, Ga.

"I cheerfully offer my testimony to the value of the ECLECTIC. Its selections are eminently judicious, and gathered from a wide range of the best and purest literature of the world."

From the Rev. II. Mills, Prof. of Languages in the University of Georgia, Athens, June, 1858.

"But few who are able to take the more important British Reviews can find time to read them all. In the ECLECTIC, are found all their best articles, selected with judgment and taste. I have been long acquainted with it, and know no periodical its superior."

From Henry Hull, Jr., Esq., Athens, Ga.

"I have been a subscriber for, and constant reader of, the ECLECTIO for some twelve years, and I take pleasure in saying that I regard it as the best publication of the kind that I have known. It gives the best selections from the Foreign Reviews, and certainly furnishes more valuable matter, for the mouey paid, than can be had elsewhere."

From the Rev. Dr. Пumphrey, Pittsfield, Mass.

"There is nothing like the same amount of interesting matter between the covers of any monthly with which I am acquainted. HEMAN HUMPHREY."

From the Boston Journal, Dec., 1857.

"The selections of the ECLECTIO, from the British Reviews and Magazines, are always excellent. It is one of the best periodicals of the day. The January, 1858, is a splendid numbor."

From the New York Observer, Nov. 17.

"The merits of the ECLECTIC need only to be known in order to be appreciated. The January plate of 13 portraits, Sir Walter Scott and his friends at Abbotsford, is a treasure in itself. The number contains a long list of admirably selected articles from the foreign Quarterlies and Magazines. The ECLECTIC is worth many times its cost, and we heartily commend it to all who have any taste for choice reading, both solid and entertaining.”

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The January Number for 1858 is embellished with fourteen fine portraits of eminent persons, and twenty-five portraits or beautiful engravings in the year, surpassing all the other magazines. There is no mistake here. It should be on the parlor table of every intelligent family, and in their library, to enlighten the mind, cultivate the literary taste, and invigorate the intellect of young and old. Try it-you will like it.

TERMS.

The ECLECTIC is issued on the first of every month. Each number has 144 large octavo pages, on fine Daper, neatly stitched in green covers. Twelve numbers, three volumes, with titles aud indexes. Twelve or more embellishments, and nearly 1800 pages in a year. Price, $5.

The ECLECTIC will be promptly sent by mail to any address, as ordered. The postage is only THREE CENTS a number, pre-paid, at the office of delivery.

The May number, as a specimen, with teu portraits, will be sent, post-paid, for 50 cents remitted in postage stamps, or two copies for $1.

Current and back numbers for sale by the booksellers, to whom is made the usual discount. Orders received at the office of publication. Address

W. H. BIDWELL,

No. 5 BEEKMAN ST., NEW-YORK,

Jan. 1, 1858.

General Agents, DEXTER & BRO., ROSS & TOUSEY.

FOR USE IN COLLEGES, ACADEMIES, HIGH SCHOOLS, COMMON SCHOOLS, MONTHLY CONCERTS, BIBLE CLASSES, AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS.

BY REV. O. B. BIDWELL.

THE Series of large Maps, published by W. H. BIDWELL, have been favorably received by the Christian and literary public, and met with a rapid sale. They are full and complete, presenting the grand features of the earth's surface in land and water, in bold and distinct outline, well suited to strike the eye and impress the mind in respect to geographical boundaries and limits, and so distinct as to be clearly seen by an audience over a large lecture-room. They are printed on fine heavy paper, with muslin backs, mounted on rollers, neatly varnished, and richly colored.

TESTIMONIALS.

From HON. THEODORE FRELINGHUYSEN, President of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.

I take pleasure in commending Mr. Bidwell's Maps of China and Africa to the Christian community, and his whole series of Maps deserves a general patronage, and would usefully guide the youth of our country in their geographical studies. The influence of American philanthropy is destined to be felt at the ends of the earth, and it well becomes all ages, and especially our youth, to understand the condition of the nations, as these excellent Maps present the subject. THEO. FRELINGHUYSEN.

From the Secretaries of the American Board.

The large and beautiful Hemispherical Maps published by Mr. Bidwell, and designed for Missionary meetings, and general reference, are admirably adapted for this purpose. Money will be well expended in placing them where they can be constantly referred to at the Monthly Concert, and in Sabbath-schools. They are indeed invaluable, as a means of extending our acquaintance with the condition of the world.

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From the HON. WALTER LOWRIE, Secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. The Missionary and other maps of the Rev. O. B. Bidwell possess great merit, both as the medium of conveying general geographical knowledge, and also in bringing all the Missionary Stations of the Evangelical Churches distinctly and plainly to view. The information they afford is not to be found elsewhere. The price is low, and as I consider them of great value, I can cordially unite with others in their recommendation. WALTER LOWRIE.

From REV. EDWARD ROBINSON, D.D., Professor in Union Theological Seminary, New-York. The following testimonial is from Dr. Robinson, whose travels and researches in Palestine, as well as his eminent talents and learning, give to his opinions great value on a subject like this:

DEAR SIR: I concur entirely with the Secretaries of the American Board, in their estimate of the great value of your Missionary Maps. What is wanted in such delineations, is general accuracy presented in bold outline, so as to be distinguished at a distance; and this your Maps seem to me to possess in a high degree. E. ROBINSON.

From REV. ALBERT BARNES.

I have in my possession the Missionary Maps prepared by Rev. O. B. Bidwell, and regard them as admirably adapted to the purposes contemplated in their publication. They possess, in an eminent degree, the characteristics which are desirable in lecturing, at the monthly concert, and in Sabbath-schools.

From the New-York Observer.

ALBERT BARNES.

LARGE MAPS.-The Missionary Maps prepared by O. B. Bidwell are worthy of public attention, and introduction into all our Sabbath-schools and lecture-rooms, for use at the monthly concert and at all. Missionary meetings. They are seven in number, elegantly fitted, highly colored, and embrace the latest discoveries and the Missionary Stations recently established. No pastor can perfectly estimate, until he makes the experiment, the advantage to be derived from such works as these, in imparting an intelligible idea of the Missionary work to a promiscuous assembly.

From the Christian Review.

We regard these Missionary Maps among the grandest issues of the American press.

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For sale by W. H. BIDWELL, at the office of the Eclectic Magazine, 5 Beekman St., N. Y.

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