d to any other object than affairs of state, and his position is
such as requires the exertion of every power of thought and mind to
sustain, against its numerous and indefatigable assailants.

M. Thiers owes his success in life to his literary productions, and his
talents as an author are universally admitted; his History of the French
Revolution is as well known in England as in France, and generally
allowed to be the best work upon the subject, but he is also so totally
engaged in political affairs, that the public cannot derive much
advantage from the effusions of his pen, as it is impossible that they
can be very voluminous, when his time and abilities are so exclusively
appropriated to a still more important object; but it is understood that
it is his intention to afford the world the benefit of other works which
are now in embryo. The same remarks may in a degree be applied to M.
Villemain, who has written upon literature, in which he has displayed
considerable ability, but having become an active Minister of
Instruction, of his publications there is at present a complete
cessation. Nearly a similar instance may be cited in M. Cousin, who has
written very ably upon philosophy and metaphysics, but as a peer of
France, literature has been forced to succumb to politics, his talents
also being directed into the latter channel. Amidst this general languor
which seems to have come over France, with regard to the exertions of
her most eminent authors, there are a few who occupy themselves with
history, which now appears to be the most favourite study with those who
devote their minds to reading; the very delightful work on the Norman
Conquest, by M. Thierri, I trust is well known to many of my readers, or
if not, I wish it may be so, as it cannot do otherwise than give them
pleasure; he has written several other things, and amongst the rest
Recit des Temps Merovingiens, which is highly interesting. A work of
considerable merit, is l'Histoire des Ducs de Bourgogne, by Monsieur de
Barante. M. Capefigue has published many historical productions, and
amongst the rest a Life of Napoleon, which is perhaps one of the most
impartial extant, and very interesting, as containing a sort of
recapitulation of facts, without any endeavour to palliate such of his
actions as stern justice must condemn. M. Mignet has also chosen the
path of history, and has not followed it unsuccessfully; the foundation
of his present prosperity consistin