LITERATURE AND ART.
Reading edition
History of the Civil War in America.[H] The deep and widespread interest which is being felt in this country in all that relates to the late war is likely to receive increased stimulus from the appearance of recent instalments of the translation of the "History" of the Comte de Paris. The fact that the narrative is written by a foreigner, not so much for the information of American as of European readers, will in no way interfere with the profound interest Americans themselves must feel in what, when finished, will probably be, if not the most impartial yet the most accurate, comprehensive, complete, and reliable record of that long, lamentable and costly struggle. The interest in American affairs which has culminated in the production of this history had been a long-cherished feeling with the author before he conceived the purpose which he has so far executed so admirably. For years materials of all kinds that promised to shed light upon his subject and assist him in his undertaking had been industriously collected. He enjoyed, besides, the great advantage of having personally served on the staff of General McClellan, in this way attaching to himself many friends, who, after his return to Europe, continued to keep him posted up in all that related to the movements of the belligerents, and the incidents and aspects of the conflict. These advantages, together with the count's very thorough knowledge of military science, justified his attempting a task which, as it approaches completion, promises to be a splendid success, and which, so far as it has been carried out, has already received high commendation from distinguished soldiers and statesmen both in Europe and America. The work, though voluminous, is sure to find, as it deserves, many readers. No American professing to be proud of his country's struggles and achievements can well afford to be ignorant of its contents. It may be as well to note that the Count fully confides in the translator's ability to perform his task with care and accuracy.