infant mind, and unfit it for the reception of more wholesome nutriment, but also to increase the superstitious terrors of childhood, -the Editor has not less scrupulously excluded those novel-like stories of exaggerated sentiment, which may now almost be said to form the staple commodity of our nursery literature; and which, injurious as the improbable fictions already referred to must be pronounced, are infinitely more pernicious. There is abundance wherewith to stimulate the curiosity of young persons, without introducing to their notice and imitation, the false taste, and falser sentiment, which are but too frequently the concomitants of an artificial state of society. Avoiding alike both extremes, the Writers of the NEW YEAR'S GIFT have been induced to confine their narratives exclusively to the romance of history, and of real life: "Familiar matter of to-day; Some natural sorrow, joy, or pain, To render the work as attractive as possible, twelve Engravings on steel, with one or two exceptions from original designs either lent or purchased for the occasion, have been executed expressly for this work; of which, several may be compared advantageously with those usually given in the larger Annuals. In the selection of subjects, care has also been taken to choose such as appeared best calculated to interest the juvenile connoisseur. In conclusion, the Editor begs leave to acknowledge, with thanks, the politeness of several gentlemen who have favoured her with the loan of pictures; viz. To James Northcote, Esq., for the Marriage of the Infant Prince Richard Duke of York (son of Edward IV.) to the Lady Anne Mowbray. To J. Green, Esq., for the Boy and Dog. To T. Brown, Esq., for the Cottage Door; by Hamilton. To R. Farrier, Esq., for the Boy and Butterfly. To W. Behnes, Esq., for his Bust of Prince George of Cumberland*. To Frank Howard, Esq., for the Vignette Title Page. To the Rev. W. L. Bowles, for the Blind Grandfather. Convinced of the necessity of binding this little work in a manner calculated to endure the wear and tear of a host of little (and sometimes, not undestructive) fingers, a style has been adopted which combines elegance with durability; although considerably more costly than that of any other publication of the same class. 58, Torrington Square, October 1st, 1828. Z. M. W. * The uncertainty of being able to introduce this plate in the present volume, has prevented any allusion to it in the letter-press. ILLUSTRATIONS. 1. ROSALIE. By W. Greatbatch, from a painting by J. Wood, (to face the Title) PAGE II. New Year's Gifts. By F. Engleheart, from a design by F. Howard (Vignette Title) III. Marriage of Richard Duke of York (son of Edward IV. The Murder of Edward V. and Richard Duke of a painting by Miss Dagley, after a sketch by Miss 33 46 68 VI. The Dead Robin. By J. Baker, from a painting by W. Gill · 103 VII. Boy and Dog. By J. Baker, from a painting by IX. Prince George; son of His Royal Highness the Duke X. The Cottage Door. By F. Engleheart, from a painting by W. Hamilton, R. A. - 194 XI. Hubert and Arthur. By J. Baker, from a painting XII. Boy and Butterfly. By J. Baker, from a painting by R. Farrier - 238 CONTENTS. The Stolen Boy. A true Story. By Mrs. HOFLAND. The Child's First Grief. By Mrs. HEMANS. The Little Boy's Address to his Rocking-Horse. By Miss Rosalie. A French Story. By DERWENT CONWAY, author of "Solitary Walks through many Lands.” The Dead Robin. By the Author of "Solitary Hours." |