Ancient History.--We have seen a work just published in Boston, entitled "Blair's Outlines of Ancient History, on a new plan."--It has been favourably noticed in several of the papers, and seems to deserve attention.--It is constructed on a plan similar to that of Goodrich's History of the United States, which has gone through seventeen editions in four years--the whole number published being upwards of 50,000 copies. The present work is the third of a series of histories which are preparing for publication, all being formed on a similar plan. This plan is briefly as follows--In the first place, the subject is divided into periods, each period being characterised by some distinctive title. Thus from the creation to the deluge, is one period and it is denominated the Antedeluvian period &c. Having thus divided the whole history into periods, then each period is taken up, and the history of the same is detailed: the leading features being printed in large, and the more minute particulars, in small, type. Having gone through the several periods in this way, their General Views, of Geography, manners, arts, literature, society, &c. &c. are given.

The plan is unquestionably excellent, being more systematic and better adapted than any other yet devised, to teach history effectually. Every student has felt that Tytler, Whelpley, and other writers of Compends are sometimes confused and always dry--while the larger works are too mazy and complex--and extend over a space beyond the grasp of the juvenile memory.

The plan of these histories was originally derived from Henry's history of England, published many years ago, but which is esteemed by many persons, the best that has ever been written. We have seen a late abridgment of it, for schools in England, and understand that it is much esteemed. It is destitute however, like most English school books--of many improvements which appear in the series of Histories we have mentioned.

The work under review is called "Blair's Outlines,["] having some resemblance to the celebrated works for education of the Rev. David Blair. It is however wholly written by a clergyman of this state, whose name is well known in Europe as well as America, as the master of a very superior style of writing. On the whole we think this work a great step in education, and hope our teachers will not be slow to give their pupils the advantage of it.

Beauties of the waverley novels. S. G. Goodrich, Boston, 1828. Not a few critics have objected to selections of this kind, as injurious to literary taste in the community, by the facility which they afford for acquiring a smattering of belles lettres, instead of an intimate acquaintance with authors individually. Such objections are cmmonly made too much at random, and in a mistaken zeal for the interests of literature. Selections have their uses, as well as the larger

-----
p. 192

works from which they are taken. There are spare moments in the life and occupations of every person, when a book of extracts is very acceptable; and when a full work would be out of the question.

A pocket volume such as this, is invaluable as a companion for the vacant intervals of a journey; and there are but few persons, we believe, who have not in ths way relieved the tedium of a steam passage, or the monotony of a canal boat.

It is not so much with reference to these more common objects, however, that we now advert to this selection. We would mention it as one peculiarly adapted to circles formed for the purpose of spending an evening in the agreeable and improving entertainment of social reading. All who have experienced how difficult it is to find any volume which can furnish appropriate mater for such an object, will value a book which abounds in the happiest efforts of the most distinguished author of our times, whose style is so happily adapted, by its easy and natural expression, to form an animated and graceful manner of reading, and the interest of whose scenes winds up the mental sensibilities to the highest pitch of dramatic fascination. The habitual reading of these Beauties would do more to remove monotonous and suppressed tones of voice, unnatural infelctions, and artificial cadences, than the use of any book of rules on elocution, though ever so diligently studies.

Of the volume itself, to which we have now invited the attention of our readers, it would be unnecessary to say much; it presents in a portable shape the finest passages of the Waverly Novels; it possesses the attractions of beautiful typography; and comprises a large quantity of matter, without any deduction from the distinctness of the execution, or the fairness of the page.

Parents who are desirous of aiding their children in acquiring a lively and interesting style of reading, will find the volume a valuable assistant, if occasionally employed for the occupation of an evening hour in the family circle.

"The Village Choir." Boston, S. G. Goodrich & Co. This is a very interesting book, and certainly proves, that much merit may be contained in a small compass. It presents a vivid sketch of some of the peculiar traits in our New-England character; and the author has shown talents of no ordinary stamp, in thus investing, with the power and pathos of sentiment, what would seem to be so totally devoid of attraction, to persons of taste, as the bickerings among the performers, and changes in the style of sacred music, exhibited during ten years, in the choir of an humble country village.

-----
p. 198

We know, that many consider the favorable notice of a new work, synonymous with the puffing of an article, which has just been thrown into the market, and which, of course, owes its value mostly to the fashion of the moment. But the Village Choir has other merits besides the one of being new. It is worth reading for its pure and appropriate style alone, and there is real humor, (not punning) sound reasoning, elevated morality, and warm patriotism, combined in its pages; with little to offend the most fastidious criti. We give one extract as a specimen of the manner; the reflections of the author, after narrating that one of the leaders of the choir, Charles Williams, a shoemaker, and the son of a shoemaker, in his ambition to be something greater than the village of Waterfield offered, had concluded to leave his important office in the choir for the honors of a college.

The American Common Place Book of Poetry, with occasional Notes, by Geo. B. Cheever.

Mr. Cheever is already known as a gentleman of refined and moral taste, from his vlume of Amercan Prose. He has been induced by the success of the latter volume, to make the present compilation, and we have rarely seen so much true poetry, and never so pure a vein of true moral feeling in any one volume. He says in his Preface, "it is not pretended that every piece in the following selection is a stately and perfect song, inspired by the "vision and the faculty divine," and containing throughout the true power and spirit of harmony; but every lover of poetry will find much to delight a cultivated imagination, and much to set him on thinking; and every religious mind will be pleased that a volume of American poetry, so variously selected, presents so many pages imbued with the feelings of devotion. If all the extracts are not of sufficient excellence to excite vivid admiration, most of them are of the kind that meet us

          Like a pleasant thought
Where such are wanted."