Judged by its own pretensions as a tale of passion, this work has considerable merit, and is worthy of a more permanent form than the pamphlet in which it is published. The mode which the Harpers have adopted of issuing all novels in this uncouth shape, in order to reduce their price to twenty-five cents, is an unfortunate one for the success of a new novelist like the accomplished authoress of the present story. No man of taste, who has regard for his eyesight, is likely to read pamphlet novels, unless the author be celebrated; and the circulation of a book like the present, is therefore likely to be confined to persons who are not in the habit of discriminating very closely between one novelist and another, provided both be readable, and consume a certain portion of leisure time. Whenever an American author produces a work of fiction as meritorious in respect to literary execution as “Retribution,” it ought to be issued in a form which will enable it to take its appropriate place in American literature. * * * * * _History of the United States of America. By Richard Hildreth. New York: Harper & Brothers. Vol. 2. 8vo._ This volume ends at about the commencement of the Revolution. It is written in the same style, and on similar principles, as the first volume, which we noticed a short time ago. The work is, at least, worthy the praise of condensation, there being included in the present volume, a narrative of the events occurring in all “the Colonies during the period of a hundred years.” * * * * * _Letters from the Allegheny Mountains. By Charles Lanman. New York: Geo. P. Putnam. 1 vol. 12mo._ The author of this agreeable volume is well known as an essayist and tourist. The present work is mostly made up of letters originally contributed to the National Intelligencer, and, as a record of first impressions of scenery and manners, has a raciness and truth which a more elaborate treatment of the subject might have wanted. * * * * * [Illustration: Anaïs Toudouze LE FOLLET PARIS, Boulevart S^{t.} Martin, 61. _Robes de M^{me}._ Bara Bréjard, _r. Laffitte, 5_; _Chapeau et bonnet de M^{me}._ Baudry, _r. Richelieu, 87—Fleurs de_ Chagot ainé, _r. Richelieu, 81_. Graham’s Magazine] * * * * * WAKE, LADY, WAKE, A SERENADE. MUSIC COMPOSED AND ARRANGED FOR THE PIANO BY B. W. HELFENSTEIN, M. D. Presented to “Graham’s Magazine,” and respectfully dedicated to the readers thereof, by the Author. [Illustration] Wake, lady, wake, thy lover true On wings of love has flown to you; How sad each night, how dull each day, Since [Illustration]