The extraordinary actions and adventures of these men may be said to unite romance and truth. Chivalry had left the land, and launched upon the deep in the ships of these Spanish discoverers. Contempt of danger, and fortitude of suffering, a passion for vain-glorious exploit, and a bigoted zeal for the propagation of their faith, are the characteristics of these marine heroes. The extravagant career of the daring Ojeda, particularly his adventures along the coast of Terra Firma, and the wild shores of Cuba--the sad story of Nicuessa--the singular cruise of Juan Ponce de Leon, who fell upon the coast of Florida, in his search after an imaginary fountain of youth--and above all, the chequered fortunes of Vasco Nunez de Balboa, whose discovery of the Pacific Ocean forms one of the most beautiful and striking incidents in the history of the New World,--are so many examples of knight-errantry upon the high seas. The charm of Mr. Irving’s style has never been displayed more strikingly than in this little manual of true romance. THE UNIVERSAL HISTORY FROM THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. By ALEXANDER FRASER TYTLER, LORD WOODHOUSELEE. _6 Vols._ Perhaps few works in general literature were ever produced more synthetically, or with more vigilant caution than “The Universal History.” Mr. Gilpin requested his most learned and judicious friends to criticize his MSS., and for many years they were submitted to this wholesome ordeal. The Universal History at first appeared in the form of Lectures, and was received with the most entire approbation of the students. The sketch thus carefully made for oral delivery was gradually filled up, and the picture completed in every part. The Author’s style is terse, lucid, and nervous, and his plan not only moral, but more instructive than any hitherto pursued in treating of general history. THE LIFE OF SIR ISAAC NEWTON. By SIR DAVID BREWSTER, LL.D., F.R.S. _Portrait and Woodcuts._ This is the only extended life of the greatest of English philosophers. In attempting to fill up this gap in our philosophic and scientific literature, Sir David Brewster has not only sought out, from resources hitherto unknown, every fresh and novel particular regarding his life, but has given the most lucid explanation of Newton’s great discoveries--and has endeavoured to render these intelligible to all classes of readers. A JOURNAL OF THE PLAGUE YEAR. By DANIEL DE FOE. _A New Edition, with Historical Notes by_ E. W. BRAYLEY, F.S.A.