This volume contains the lives of Mary of Lorraine, the second queen of James V., and Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lenox. These biographies are quite able and interesting, giving vivid pictures of Scottish feuds, life, and manners in the sixteenth century, and exhibiting considerable research into the interior history of the time. The next volume will, we presume, be devoted to Mary, Queen of Scots. * * * * * _Sir Roger de Coverley. By the Spectator. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields. 1 vol. 16mo._ Addison’s Sir Roger is as universally known and appreciated as any creation of the comic genius of England; but the papers in the Spectator which refer to him have never before been collected in a volume by themselves. This is done in the present delightful work, and we commend it to our readers as a gem both of typography and genius. * * * * * _Sketches in Ireland. By W. M. Thackeray. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson._ This work abounds with the finest touches of the author’s satirical pencil, and for close observation of life, is worthy of the fame of the author of “Vanity Fair.” The accompanying illustrations are from drawings made upon the spot by the author, and are, some of them, ludicrous enough. * * * * * _Crosby and Nichols, of Boston_, have sent us some eight or ten delightful little story-books for children, to which we call the attention of parents in these holyday times. * * * * *