Isis unveiled, Volume 2 (of 2), Theology

English scholars who wish to become acquainted with the “Bible of the Parsees,” now for the first time published in English, should secure this copy. To thinkers the “Avesta” will be a most valuable work; they will now have an opportunity to compare its Truths with those of the Bible, the Koran, and the Vedas.

“Mr. Champneys is an architect who takes the liberty to think for himself—a man of much original genius and sincere culture, young, and with an enthusiastic contempt for conventionality, which I hope he may never outgrow.”—New York Tribune, Letter from London Correspondent.

The Confessions of William Henry Ireland, containing the Particulars of his Fabrication of the Shakspeare Manuscripts; together with Anecdotes and Opinions of many distinguished Persons in the Literary, Political, and Theatrical World. A new edition, with additional Fac-similes, and an Introduction by Richard Grant White. 1 volume, 12mo, vellum cloth, uncut edges, $2.00; or, on Large and Thick paper, 8vo, $3.50. Edition limited to 300 copies.

Enthusiasts are easily duped, and of all enthusiasts, excepting the religious, those who give themselves up to the worship of some great poet or artist are the easiest prey of the impostor. To them, a book, a letter, the least scrap or relic which is connected directly, or it would seem indirectly, with their idol, is an inestimable treasure, and they are uneasy until it is in their possession, or removed hopelessly beyond their reach. Of all these enthusiasts the “Shakspearians” are, and for a hundred years have been, at once the most numerous, and the most easily, because the most willingly, deceived. To their craving and their greed we owe the “Ireland Forgeries,” which were merely an impudent attempt to supply a demand—an attempt made by a clever, ignorant young scamp, who succeeded in deluding the whole body of them in England two generations ago. His “Confessions” are the simply told story of this stupendous imposture: and the book—long out of print and scarce—is one the most naïf and amusing of its kind in the whole history of literature. His exhibition of the “gulls,” whom he made his victims, is equally delightful and instructive; and chiefly so, because of his simplicity and frankness. He conceals nothing, palliates nothing; tells the whole story of his ridiculous iniquity, and leaves a lasting lesson to the whole tribe of credulous collectors, Shakspearian and others.

“It has frequently afforded me a matter of astonishment to think how this literary fraud could have so long duped the world, and involved in its deceptious vortex such personages as Parr, Wharton, and Sheridan, not omitting Jemmy Boswell, of Johnsonian renown; nor can I ever refrain from smiling whensoever the volumes of Malone and Chalmers, together with the pamphlets of Boaden, Waldron, Wyatt, and Philalethes, otherwise, —— Webb, Esq., chance to fall in my way.”—W. H. IRELAND’S “Chalcographimania.”

This work is something more than a drawing-room ornament. It is an elaborate and careful summary of all that one of our most learned antiquaries, after years of pleasant labor on a very pleasant subject, has been able to learn as to the condition of women from the earliest times.

Life and Newly-Discovered Writings of Daniel DeFoe. Comprising Several Hundred Important Essays, Pamphlets, and other Writings, now first brought to light, after many years’ diligent search. By William Lee, Esq. With Facsimiles and Illustrations. 3 vols. 8vo, cloth, $6.00. Or in tree calf, extra, $15.00.

For many years it has been well known in literary circles that the gentleman to whom the public is indebted for this valuable addition to the knowledge of DeFoe’s Life and Works has been an indefatigable collector of everything relating to the subject, and that such collection had reference to a more full and correct Memoir than had yet been given to the world.

Containing Name, Number, Location, and Time of Meeting of every Masonic Lodge in the World, etc., also every Chapter, Council, and Commandery in the United States and Canada, Date of Organization, etc., and Statistics of each Masonic Jurisdiction, etc. By Leon Hyneman. Portrait, thick 8vo, pp. 566, cloth, $2.00.

Their Rites and Mysteries. With chapters on the Ancient Fire and Serpent-Worshippers, and Explanations of the Mystic Symbols represented in the Monuments and Talismans of the primeval Philosophers. By Hargrave Jennings. Crown 8vo, 316 wood engravings, $3.

Printed by Alvord, on a hand-press, and on tinted paper of extra weight and finish, prepared expressly for the work. For the convenience of persons desirous of illustrating the work, for which purpose it is admirably adapted, it has been issued in five parts, with separate rubricated titles, each of the two original volumes being divided into two parts, of about three hundred and fifty pages each, and the new Supplement forming the fifth. A finely engraved portrait printed on India paper is given with each part. The subjects of these portraits are Benjamin Franklin, James Fenimore Cooper, Washington Irving, William Hickling Prescott, and, with the Supplement, a portrait of the late George L. Duyckinck, newly engraved in line, by Burt, after an original painting by Duggan. 5 vols. 4to, uncut, $25.00. Half morocco, gilt top, $50.00.

A discourse on the Worship of Priapus, and its connection with the Mystic Theology of the Ancients. By Richard Payne Knight, Esq. A new edition. To which is added an essay on the worship of the generative powers during the middle ages of Western Europe. Illustrated with 138 engravings (many of which are full-page), from Ancient Gems, Coins, Medals, Bronzes, Sculpture, Egyptian Figures, Ornaments, Monuments, etc. Printed on heavy toned paper, at the Chiswick Press, 1 vol. 4to, half Roxburghe morocco, gilt top, $35.00.

“R. P. Knight, the writer of the first ‘Essay,’ was a Fellow of the Royal Society, a member of the British Parliament, and one of the most learned antiquaries of his time. His museum of Phallic objects is now most carefully preserved in the London British Museum. The second ‘Essay,’ bringing our knowledge of the worship of Priapus down to the present time, so as to include the more recent discoveries throwing any light upon the matter, is said to be by one of the most distinguished English antiquaries—the author of numerous works which are held in high esteem. He was assisted it is understood, by two prominent Fellows of the Royal Society, one of whom has recently presented a wonderful collection of Phallic objects to the British Museum authorities.”