We must not omit mentioning a work published in Germany on the “Literature of the Second Empire since the Coup d’Etat of the Second of December, 1852."[K] The nature of this sketch could almost be predicated with certainty from the state of feeling towards France in the capital in which it was issued, and the encomiums it received from the Prussian political press.  The author, William Reymond, who has proved himself no mean critic in some of his former essays upon the modern productions of France, addresses himself almost exclusively to a German public.  His work, as he himself seemed to fear, is not calculated for the taste of Paris, even if it were considered unobjectionable there on the score of the political strictures that are introduced, whether in the discussion of the last play or in the analysis of the last volume of poems.

[Footnote K:  Etudes sur la Litterature du Second Empire Francais, depuis le Coup d’Etat du deux Decembre. Par William Reymond.  Berlin:  A. Charisius. 12mo. pp. 227.]

The truth is, M. Reymond, with much apparent praise, very nearly comes to the conclusion that the second Empire has no literature, and very little philosophy is granted to it in the chapter, “What remains of Philosophy in France.”  The Novel and the Theatre fare little better at his hands.  He has literally made a police investigation of what is most objectionable in French letters, citing now and then some great name, but dwelling with complacency on what is deserving of censure.  The influence of France, and of Paris in particular, on the tastes of the Continent, irritates him.  He seeks to impress upon his readers the venality of letters and the general debasement of character and of talent that are prevalent in that capital.  Such is the spirit of these “Etudes.”  The author has, unfortunately, not to seek far for a practical corroboration of his theory, though it is but justice to say that the verses he quotes as characteristic are far from being so.  It is to be feared that M. Reymond has rather sought out the blemishes.  He has found many, we admit.  His readers will thank him for his clever exposition of them, satisfied in many cases to accept the results he presents, without feeling inclined to make such a personal investigation into the lower regions of letters.

* * * * *

“The Political and Literary History of the Press in France,"[L] by Eugene Hatin, is now concluded.  As early as 1846, this author published a small work, “Histoire du Journal en France.”  Since that time he has devoted himself exclusively to the study of French journalism.  Though liberal in his views, he is not in favor of unlimited liberty of the press.  He believes it to be the interest of society that a curb should be put on its excesses.  “What we must hope for is a liberty that may have full power for good, but not for evil.”

[Footnote L:  Histoire Politique et Litteraire de la Presse en France. Avec une Introduction Historique sur les Origines du Journal et la Bibliographie Generale des Journaux, depuis leur Origine.  Par Eugene Hatin.  Paris:  Poulet-Malassis et De Boise. 8 vols. 12mo.]