This is an original work, and the reader will at once perceive that the “Nominis umbra” of “An Antiquary” conceals a mind of no ordinary mould--the possessor of no common store of erudition. A velvet cushion has been the nucleus of the History of the Reformed Church--a library chair that of a history of literature. In this volume London Bridge is selected as the bond that is to bind, the avenue that is to lead from, ancient to modern London. Much valuable civic history and legend is here adorned with language, precise, classical, and nervous; while the illustrations, fifty-six in number, present more perfect reminiscences of society and manners in the olden time than the most technical and laboured descriptions. THE LIFE OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT. By the REV. JOHN WILLIAMS, M.A., _Head Master of the Edinburgh Academy. Map and Woodcuts._ This volume fills a blank in the Historical Library, and furnishes a capital school-manual. It is not confined to the mere exploits of the Macedonian hero, but contains a masterly view of the times in which he lived, and of the manners, customs, etc. of the Greeks, Persians, Egyptians, Arabs, and Indians, and other nations. The whole story is told in a manner calculated to stimulate the curiosity and rouse the reflection of the youthful reader. THE SKETCH BOOK OF GEOFFRY CRAYON, ESQ. _2 Vols._ Had Mr. Irving left no other memorial of his genius than the Sketch Book, it would be alone sufficient to a pedestal in the Palatine Library of the XIXth. century. Justly may he contend with the “Enchanter of the North” in the rare quality of story-telling, for never was a tale more pleasantly told than “_The Legend of the Sleepy Hollow_.” Neither is there a more exquisitely beautiful or sentimental fragment in all the heart-moving scenes drawn by that able and amiable writer than Irving’s sketch of “_The Broken Heart_.” VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES OF THE COMPANIONS OF COLUMBUS. By WASHINGTON IRVING. _With Illustrations._