Part 110

"MR. GRIMSHAW'S 'History of the United States,' &c. was some time ago put into my hands by Mr. B----, who requested me to give you my opinion as to the merits of the work. The history of the late war is well managed by your author: it has more of detail and interest than the former part; and I consider it much superior to any of the many compilations on that subject, with which the public has been favoured. It may be said of the entire performance, that it is decidedly the best chronological series, and the chastest historical narrative, suited to the capacity of the juvenile mind, that has yet appeared. Its arrangement is judicious; its style neat, always perspicuous, and often elegant; and its principles sound.

"American writings on men and things connected with America, have been long needed for the young; and I am happy to find, that Mr. Grimshaw has not only undertaken to supply this want, but also to Americanise foreign history for the use of our schools. In a word, sir, I am so fond of American fabrics, and so anxious to show myself humbly instrumental in giving our youth American feeling and character whilst at school; that I shall without hesitation recommend Mr. Grimshaw's works to my young pupils, as introductory to more extensive historical reading. In fine, the work is so unobjectionable, and puts so great a mass of necessary information within the reach of school-boys, at so cheap a rate, that I feel the highest pleasure in recommending it to the public, and wish you extensive sales.

"Yours respectfully, "WILLIAM BRANCH, JR.

"MR. BENJAMIN WARNER, "Philadelphia."

* * * * *

"History of the United States, from their first settlement as Colonies, to the Peace of Ghent, &c. By William Grimshaw, pp. 312, 12mo.

"This is the third time, within the space of two years, that we have had occasion to review a volume from the hand of Mr. Grimshaw. He writes with great rapidity; and improves as he advances. This is the most correctly written of all his productions. We could wish that a person so well formed for close, and persevering study, as he must be, might find encouragement to devote himself to the interests of literature."

"Mr. G. has our thanks for the best concise and comprehensive history of the United States which we have seen."

Theological Review, October, 1819.

* * * * *

"History of England, from the first Invasion by Julius Caesar, to the Peace of Ghent, &c. For the use of Schools. By William Grimshaw. Philadelphia, 1819. Benjamin Warner. 12mo. pp. 300.

"We have copied so much of the title of this work, barely to express our decided approbation of the book, and to recommend its general introduction into schools. It is one of the best books of the kind to be found, and is instructive even to an adult reader. We should be pleased that teachers would rank it among their class-books; for it is well calculated to give correct impressions, to its readers, of the gradual progress of science, religion, government, and many other institutions, a knowledge of which is beneficial in the present age. Among the many striking merits of this book, are, the perspicuity of the narrative, and chasteness of the style. It is with no little pleasure we have learned, that the author has prepared a similar history of the United States; a work long wanted, to fill up a deplorable chasm in the education of American youth."

Analectic Magazine, October, 1819.

* * * * *

"Philadelphia, 28 June, 1819.

"SIR--I have read with pleasure and profit your History of England. I think it is written with perspicuity, chasteness, and impartiality. Well written history is the best political instructor, and under a government in which it is the blessing of the country that the people govern, its pages should be constantly in the hands of our youth, and lie open to the humblest citizen in our wide-spread territories. Your book is eminently calculated thus to diffuse this important knowledge, and therefore entitled to extensive circulation; which I most cordially wish. With much respect,

"Your obedient servant, "LANGDON CHEVES.

"WILLIAM GRIMSHAW, ESQ."

GRIMSHAW'S IMPROVED EDITION OF GOLDSMITH'S GREECE.--Among the numerous recommendations to this valuable School Book, are the following:--

Although there are many worthless School Books, there are but few which are equally impure and inaccurate with the original editions of Goldsmith's Histories, for the use of Schools. I congratulate both teachers and pupils upon the appearance of Mr. Grimshaw's edition of the "History of Greece," which has been so completely expurgated, and otherwise corrected, as to give it the character of a new work, admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is intended.

THOS. P. JONES, Professor of Mechanics in the Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania, and late Principal of the North Carolina Female Academy.

Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1826.

* * * * *

MR. JOHN GRIGG.

DEAR SIR--Agreeably to your request I have examined, with attention, "Goldsmith's Greece, revised and corrected, and a vocabulary of proper names appended, with prosodial marks, to assist in their pronunciation, by William Grimshaw;" and I feel a perfect freedom to say, that the correction of numerous grammatical and other errors, by Mr. Grimshaw, together with the rejection of many obscene and indelicate passages improper for the perusal of youth, gives this edition, in my opinion, a decided preference over the editions of that work heretofore in use.

The Questions and Key, likewise supplied by Mr. Grimshaw to accompany this edition, afford a facility for communicating instruction, which will be duly appreciated by every judicious teacher.

I am, Sir, Yours truly, THOS. T. SMILEY.

Philadelphia, Sept. 8, 1826.