"An exquisite metrical conceit, sparkling with wit and humour, in the true spirit of Aristophanes, in which Democritus guides his brilliant and merry muse through every fantastic measure, evincing grace in the most grotesque attitudes. As a relief to his cutting sarcasm and fun, the laughing philosopher has introduced some fine descriptive scenes, and passages of deep pathos, eloquence, and beauty. Not the least remarkable feature in this very remarkable book are the recondite and curious notes, at once so critical and philosophical, so varied and so amusing, so full of interesting anecdote and racy reminiscences. They form a rich mine of classical learning and antiquarian knowledge. To genius and virtue Democritus will prove a delightful companion and friend, but a well-pickled rod to vice and folly--a scourge to make wince hollow pretenders of every kind--even down to the critical impostor and the stage-struck buffoon."--See _Athenæum_, _Critic_, &c. WILLIAM PICKERING, 177. Piccadilly. * * * * * SPANISH CATALOGUE.--Just issued, B. QUARITCH'S Catalogue of Rare and Valuable Spanish and Portuguese Books, gratis on application. BERNARD QUARITCH, 16. Castle Street, Leicester Square. * * * * * ITALIAN LITERATURE.--Just issued, B. QUARITCH'S Catalogue of Cheap, Valuable, and Curious Italian Books, gratis on application. BERNARD QUARITCH, 16. Castle Street, Leicester Square. * * * * * {31} Now ready, small 4to., handsomely bound in cloth 2l. 2s.; morocco, 2l. 12s. 6d. POETRY OF THE YEAR, PASSAGES FROM THE POETS DESCRIPTIVE OF THE SEASONS. WITH TWENTY-TWO COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS FROM DRAWINGS BY THE FOLLOWING EMINENT ARTISTS. T. CRESWICK, R.A. C. DAVIDSON. W. LEE. J. MULLER. E. DUNCAN. BIRKET FOSTER. D. COX. H. LE JEUNE. W. HEMSLEY. C. BRANWHITE. J. WOLF. C. WEIGALL. HARRISON WEIR. R. R. E. V. B. LUCETTE E. BARKER. "Bids fair to be the most beautiful and attractive of the 'Gift Books' of the present season. The designs, which are for the most part exceedingly good, have been lithographed, and printed in colours, so as to present the appearance of exquisite and really well-finished drawings, and the letter-press is compiled from the works of our most standard writers. This, in our opinion, is by far the best plan for illustrated works. The words should be worthy of the pictures, and then those who go to the expense of such works have the satisfaction of knowing that they have got the best of their kind, in both the text and the illustrations, instead of having, as is too often the case, capital pictures and second or third-rate prose or poetry. The book before us is, in every way, worthy to be placed upon the drawing-room table of her most gracious Majesty, and we doubt not that it will shortly be found there."--_English Churchman._