The earliest paintings of the greatest masters sometimes differ considerably from those of their maturer years, and not unfrequently surpass them in brilliancy and freshness. If the Salmagundi Papers be compared with the subsequent works of the same author, they will not be found inferior in originality, vivacity, or virtuous tendency. While satire is the adopted weapon of chastisement, it wounds the vicious only. “We have,” say the authors, “no fear of the censures of the wise, good, or fair, for they will ever be sacred from our attacks. We reverence the wise, love the good, and adore the fair: we declare ourselves champions in their cause--in the cause of morality--and we throw our gauntlet to all the world besides.” THE LIFE OF PETER THE GREAT. _By_ JOHN BARROW, Esq., F.R.S., _Author of the “Eventful History of the Mutiny of the Bounty.” With Portrait._ The author of this Biographical Memoir has arranged the scattered fragments of Histories, Lives, Anecdotes, and Notices, manuscript or print, of one of the most extraordinary characters that ever appeared in the world, in any age or country;--being full of contradictions, yet consistent; a promoter of literature, arts, and sciences, yet without education; “he gave a polish,” says Voltaire, “to his nation, and was himself a savage;” he taught his people the art of war, of which he was himself ignorant; from the first glance of a cock-boat, five hundred miles from the sea, he became an expert ship-builder, created a fleet, partly constructed with his own hands, made himself an expert sailor, a skilful pilot, a great captain: in short, he changed the manners, the habits, the laws of the people, and the very face of the country. SKETCHES OF IMPOSTURE, DECEPTION, AND CREDULITY. Credulity is so comprehensive a term, that greater difficulties are encountered in selecting than multiplying examples. These “Sketches” take an extensive range over the Pagan superstitions--tell of pretended Messiahs, false prophets, and mock miracles--describe Hindoo and other Oriental deceptions in religious worship--relate of royal impostors, military stratagems, literary cheats, and commercial bubbles--unfold the mysteries of thefts and forgeries, and conclude with an interesting account of the delusions of alchemy and medical frauds. The work may be considered as a supplement to Scott’s “Letters on Demonology,” and Brewster’s on “Natural Magic.” THE CHRONICLES OF LONDON BRIDGE. By AN ANTIQUARY. _Illustrated._