_The Hand Book of Needlework: With Numerous Engravings. By Miss Lambert. One vol. 8vo. New York, Wiley & Putnam._ One of the most beautiful books of the season. It embraces ample instructions for drawing patterns, framing and properly finishing needlework, and a curious history of its progress from the days of Moses to the accession of Queen Victoria! The American edition is superior in its execution to that published in London. It will doubtless be among the most popular gift works of the approaching holiday season. * * * * * _Hope Leslie: or Early Times in the Massachusetts. By the Author of “The Linwoods,” “The Poor Rich Man,” “Redwood,” “Live and Let Live,” “Letters from Abroad,” etc. Two vols. New York, Harper & Brothers._ We are pleased to see a new edition of this popular novel—the first, and in some respects the best, of Miss Sedgwick’s productions. * * * * * _The Rose of Sharon: a Religious Souvenir; for 1843. Boston, Abel Tompkins._ A very elegant volume, in which the sentiments of the Universalist denomination are inculcated. * * * * * EDITOR’S TABLE. THE MINSTRELSY OF THE REVOLUTION. _Permettez que je faisse les chansons d’un peuple, et il fera les lois qui le veut_, remarked, in substance, some shrewd Frenchman; and that he rated not too high the power of song is shown by numerous instances in both ancient and modern history. It has been lamented that we have in America no martial lyrics comparable to those of the older nations. Holmes exclaims in one of his admirable poems— When Gallia’s flag its triple fold displays, Her marshaled legions peal the Marseillaise; When round the German close the war-clouds dim, Far through their shadows floats his battle hymn; When, crowned with joy the camps of England ring, A thousand voices shout “God save the King!” When Victory follows with our eagle’s glance, Our nation’s anthem is a _country dance_.[7] ----- [7] The popular air of “Yankee Doodle,” like the dagger of Hudibras, serves a pacific as well as a martial purpose. * * * * * But the martial song belongs to more warlike countries. France, Germany and England are vast fortified districts, echoing forever the din of conflict or the notes of military preparation; while America is the resting-place of Peace, whence her influence is to irradiate the world. Or, if a different destiny awaits her, there is little danger but that— When the roused nation bids her armies form, And screams her eagle through the gathering storm, When from our ports the bannered frigate rides, Her black bows scowling to the crested tides, Some proud muse