Like the first volume, this admirable second leads us through one of the most entertaining of _tutti frutti_ which we have ever met in the form of a biography. It is fortunate that IRVING--so generally imagined by 'those of the second after-generation' as a quiet recluse on the banks of the Hudson--was in reality, in his early time and full prime, a traveler, a man of the world, somewhat of a diplomat, and one who knew the leading minds of Europe and of his own country in the days when there were giants. It is really pleasant to travel in these pages over the _grande route_ as it was just before the incredible facilities of modern transit had worn away so many peculiarities--to get home-glimpses of people who generally turn only a formal great-reputation side to the world--and above all, to read IRVING as he was and while he grew to greatness. And the work is well done, as Irving knew it would be. We congratulate the world on having gained volumes so fully deserving place by the side of the writings of their subject. MEMOIRS OF THE REV. NICHOLAS MURRAY, D.D. (KIRWAN). By SAMUEL IBENAUS PRIME. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1862. A well compiled life of a Presbyterian divine, who worked long and faithfully in his calling, leaving marks of varied ability, and strove in all things great and small to attain his ideal of duty. Such a work, written in the spirit of truth toward the subject, indulging neither in highflown eulogy nor in abstract essaying, as we find this to be, is a rarity, and is none the less excellent because simply written and unpretentious. Its author is well known in literature, and experience has taught him how to write a biography in the right way. While the work in question is of course possessed of more peculiar interest to the members of a certain sect, it should be observed that it is of a kind which should be read with interest by all Christians, and indeed by all who respect earnestness, philanthropy, and sound goodness. THE POEMS OF OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. Boston: Ticknor & Fields. New York: G. P. Putnam. 1862. We have often wanted this book--the whole collection of the poems of our HOLMES in one volume--and welcome it as a most delightful gift. All of the racy, charming, naive lays of his younger song-days are here; and it is the highest praise we can award them to say that they are as charming as ever, and will never lose their beauty. Yet, the poet is too modest in his opening lay, for _all_ are beautiful: 'And some might say, 'Those ruder songs Had freshness which the new have lost; To spring the opening leaf belongs, The chestnut burs await the frost.' 'When those I wrote my locks were brown; When these I write--ah! well-a-day! The autumn thistle's silvery down Is not the purple bloom of May.'