PREFACE. In the commencement of the present year, we were induced to hope, that by renewed exertions and persevering endeavours to adapt our Magazine to the taste of the reading public, we should gain for it a more widely-extended circulation and a progressive degree of approval. In that hope we have not been disappointed. Our Magazine penetrates into the very best circles of society, and has gained for itself the approbation of some of the most fastidious critics of the press. We can look back, therefore, with much gratification to the result of our past labours, and are inspirited by it to more strenuous exertions for the future. Our object is to present to the public, at a very moderate price, a periodical containing the greatest possible amount of amusement and instruction. And for this purpose we have enlisted the support of some of the ablest and best. writers of the age. We shall, in the ensuing volume, endeavour to adapt our Magazine to a still wider class of readers, by combining in its pages the attractions of Romance, Poetry, Sketches, Articles upon the most stirring topics of the day, short Tales, and elegant Prose particles. To one new feature we must more especially beg to direct our readers' attention. With slight exceptions, we intend, as far as possible, to confine each contribution to one number; that is to say, we shall endeavour to dispense with those numberless continuations from month to month, which constitute a sort of annoyance to new subscribers. The principal exception we shall make to this rule is a new novel, to commence with the July number, entitled PAUL PEVENSEY; OR, THE MAN FROM BELOW. This work is from the pen of one of the first writers of the day, who has made fiction in some sort his studywho, from many published works, has given evidence of the greatest capability of producing what constitutes the principal merit of a book of this kind-a most powerful interest in the fate and fortunes of the dramatis personæ. The story is one of great mystery, varied interest, and exciting narrative, love, adventure, romantic events, and escapes and perils. It would, of course, have been much more for our interest could we have announced the name of the author of the above novel, since it is one which would of itself have created a deep interest in whatever proceeded from his pen. But we must, in compliance with the expressed wish of the writer, waive this consideration, and be satisfied to let the novel rest upon its own merits, which, since we are not speaking of our own productions, we may, without egotism, pronounce quite sufficient to ensure its success. The style will, perhaps, betray its authorship to many who are acquainted intimately with this writer's productions, and, speaking for ourselves, we trust it may. We have also succeeded in making arrangements with a gentleman now resident in Paris, to supply us monthly with a letter, containing accounts of its amusements, places of public resort, inns, hotels, prices of provisions, fares, &c. This will, we trust, be invaluable to travellers about to proceed to the French capital, since, by consulting the letter of our correspondent, they may be made acquainted with particulars respecting it, which they would otherwise find difficulty in obtaining. In conclusion, while expressing our sincere gratification at the manner in which our Magazine. has.ach month been received with increased encouragement, we can only promise, in return, that our most earnest endeavours: shall be exerted to render our pages as amusing and instructive as possible to our readers. Regent's Park, June 1847. LITERATURE, OF AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. No. 6.] JANUARY. The Miser's Will; or, Love and Avarice. [1847. H NO. 1351. ACKNEY cab 7777 had been called off half a dozen different stands, and all the drivers in London were in a commotion. There was no such number. The man who called accordingly shook his head, and walked moodily away. 1 VOL. XLIX. |