_The Highland Smugglers. By the author of Adventures of a Kussilbush, &c. 3 vols. Carey, Hart and Co._ This book is very much praised and we think justly. It is full of exquisite descriptions of that region of romance the Scottish Highlands, and has _a manner of its own_. * * * * * Mr. Lockhart's excellent novel _Valerius_ is republished by the Harpers. The scene is in the time of Trajan, and the subject is managed in that masterly style which we look for in Lockhart. We have heard objections urged to the antique nature of his tale--ill-mannered sneers, and by men who should know better, at travelling back to Roman history for interest which could as well be found at home. _Procul--O procul este profani!_ Valerius is a book _to live_. * * * * * _An Account of Col. Crockett's Tour to the North and Down East, written by himself. Carey, Hart and Co._ We see no reason why Col. Crockett should not be permitted to expose himself if he pleases, and to be as much laughed at as he thinks proper--but works of this kind have had their day, and have fortunately lost their attractions. We think this work especially censurable for the frequent vulgarity of its language. * * * * * _Illorax de Courcy, an auto-biographical novel, by Josiah Templeton, Esq., 2 vols. Baltimore, William and Joseph Neal._ We have looked at this book attentively--for we confess it was impossible to read it. A glance over one or two pages will be sufficient to convince any reasonable person that it is a mere jumble of absurdities. The gentleman should not have thrust his name (if it be not a _nom de guerre_,) into the title page. * * * * * _A Winter in the West, by a New Yorker. New York, Harper and Brothers._ This is a work of great sprightliness, and is replete with instruction and amusement. The writer evinces much talent in producing an interesting narrative of a journey performed in the most unpropitious period of the year. His observations on life in the backwoods are sensible, and we should imagine correct, and his details in relation to Michigan particularly interest us. The adventures of the road are told with great vivacity, and although there are no thrilling scenes or surprising incidents in the book, it cannot be read with indifference. The traits of Indian character scattered through its pages are vivid and striking, and the reflections on the condition of that fast failing race mark the philanthropic spirit of the author. Mr. Hoffman, formerly connected with the New York American, and now Editor of a Monthly Magazine, is the reputed author of this spirited work. * * * * *