Text: C. F. Briggs (?), Literary, Broadway Journal (New York), January 25, 1845, vol. 1, no. 4, p. ??

[page 62, continued:]

THE WAIF — A Collection of Poems.

POEMS by James R. Lowell.

VOICES OF THE NIGHT, by Longfellow. Cambridge: Published by James Owen. 1545.

To catch the eye is as desirable and almost as indispensable in bookselling as in other branches of trade. Nor do we object to successful experiment of the kind where the fair promise thus volunteered is kept “to the hope.” Such is the case with the three volumes mentioned above. The are bound in illuminated paper covers, and have altogether more tempting exteriors than any specimens of American book-making we have seen. Something at once cheeerful and mysterious, radiates from the bright arabesque designs that glow like the missals of old. A more dainty and appropriate style for works of elegant literature can scarcely be imagined, and we hope Mr. Owen will persevere in furnishing readers of taste with volumes equally delightful. One advantage of this kind of binding is, that it is easily replaced by more substantial when defaced; an especial convenience to those who adopt uniform covers in arranging their libraries. As regards the contents of the volumes, it is almost superfluous to speak. “The Waif” is a collection of fugitive pieces, most of which are familiar to the lovers of poetry — such as the “Lament of the Irish Emigrant,” Horace Smith's “Ode to the Flowers,” and other gems by Shelley, Hood, and some of the old poets. Longfellow, the compiler, has annexed a beautiful poem of his own. This author's “Voices of the Night” will be very acceptable to his admirers in its new and elegant dress, and Mr. Lowell's volume not less so to those who sympathize with his muse.