The Corvey Novels Project at the University of Nebraska
— Studies in British Literature of the Romantic Period —
George P. James. The String of Pearls
London: Bentley, 1832.
Contemporary Reviews
The Philadelphia Album and Ladies' Literary Portfolio (1830-1834);
Jan 4, 1834; 8, 1; APS Online pg. 5
THE STRING OF PEARLS
This is the title of a neatly printed volume that has just been issued from
the press of the Messrs. Harpers of New York. It is comprised in little
more than two hundred pages, and contains no less than six stories from
the pen of Mr. James, the author of Darnley, and probably the best living
historical novelist. These stories are the first productions of this author,
and will no doubt be read with as much eagerness as was Falkland, after
it was discovered to be from the pen of Bulwer.
Ladies' Magazine and Literary Gazette (1830-1833); Dec 1833;
6, 12; APS Online pg. 576
MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES
String of Pearls
The Literary Journal, and Weekly Register of Science and the Arts
(1833-1834); Dec 14, 1833; 1, 28; APS Online pg. 223
Works Announced As In The Press
The Literary Journal, and Weekly Register of Science and the Arts
(1833-1834); Jan 4, 1834; 1, 31; APS Online pg. 247.
LITERARY NOTICES
THE STRING OF PEARLS; by the Author of "Darnley," &c.
New-York, Harper and Brothers. -This volume deserves attention, from the
fact, that it is the earliest work of an author who in the departments both
of historical and fictitious writing, has acquired an enviable rank. Having
been written, as we are informed by Mr James, in the Introduction, before
he had attained his seventeenth year, it will not, of course, bear a comparison
with the later works which he has sent forth in the full maturity of his
intellect. But every one who has been delighted with the pages of his fine
historical fictions, will be pleased with the opportunity of perusing the
first efforts of such a mind. The "String of Pearls," when considered
as a production of one so young, is certainly a remarkable book. It is a
series of Oriental Tales, filled with all the strange magnificence and wild
adventure, which gives fascination to the scenes of Eastern romance. It
is precisely one of those volumes which we desire, in an hour when the mind
seeks a respite from the realities of life, and delights to give uncontrolled
range to the imagination; - to "see visions, and to dream dreams."
The Western Monthly Magazine, and Literary Journal (1833-1837);
Mar 1834; 3, 15; APS Online pg. 166
THE STRING OF PEARLS. By the author of 'Darnley,' etc. New York:
Harper and Brothers. 1833.
The appetite for novelty has produced many imitations of the oriental fictions,
but we do not know of one, unless it be the successful tale of the Hadgi
Baba, which has not been a failure. The String of Pearls is one of the bet
attempts of this kind. The author has carefully studied the lore of the
east, and draws its scenes with fidelity. The book may be recommended as
one which will afford an agreeable and innocent recreation for a leisure
hour.
New York Literary Gazette and Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Science,
&c. ...Nov 15, 1834; 6; APS Online
VALUABLE WORKS, Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.
The String of Pearls
-- Prepared by Whitney Helms, University of Nebraska, Spring 2006
© Whitney Helms, 2006.