The Daily Dispatch: December 16, 1861., [Electronic resource]

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Will be Published this Week, 10,000 Copies

Cause and Contrast: An Essay on the American Crisis of 1861. By T. W. MacMahon.

The Publishers feel constrained to offer a word of apology and explanation to the public relative to the delay in the publication of this work. When first put to press, but 2,500 copies of it were ordered to be printed; the demand for it caused the order to be increased to 5,000; and now, before the close of this week, there will be 10,000 copies of it in the market — illustrating this gratifying fact, that the South is willing and capable to encourage and maintain a literature of its own.

We do not hesitate to aver — for it has been so pronounced by competent and distinguished critics — that this is among the most comprehensive, brilliant, scholarly, charming, able, and conclusive books that have yet appeared in exposition of Southern political philosophy. Its matter is erudite and profound, and the style in which it is composed is rarely rivalled. While blending the earliest transactions of men with those of the present, it is as fascinating as any novel — a work truly suitable for both sexes; for the student and the people. In amplitude of illustration it is rich, classical, and elegant; and its logic is invincible.

The following are commendations by gentlemen who read portions of the manuscript

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From the Richmond Whig.

‘"It discusses, with rare ability and learning, the institution of slavery in all its aspects, as well as the social and political distinctions between the people of the Confederate States and those of the U. S. The style is ornate, glowing, and eloquent. We predict that it will produce a sensation; take its place among standard literature; and have the effect of banishing from our midst the hurtful offspring of the morbid and prolific press of the North. "’

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From the Dispatch.

‘"We have read portions of the Mss., and we pronounce it beautiful, excellent, and conclusive. We hope that it will obtain the circulation that it merits, not only in America, but in Europe."’

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From the Examiner.

‘"It is impossible for us to convey to the reader any correct idea of this splendid essay. To form a correct idea of so genial and complete a production, it must be perused; and it's perusal will repay the reader, as much as one of Macaulay's papers, for the Edingburg were bout to charm the English public. Its style is lofty; its logic irrefutable; its illustrations pure and elegant; and its treatment of the theme complete from Alpha to Omega. It will be one of the first--if not really the first--publication of a miscellaneous character issued in our new Confederacy. The publishers will bring it out in excellent style, and we bespeak for it a warm reception, such as should encourage every enterprise calculated to add to the lustre of the South."’

We might continue similar extracts from the Charleston Mercury, and other journals, if space permitted. The work will be ready in a few days; one octave volume, pica type, thick paper cover, and published at One Dollar, with the usual discount to the trade.

Orders, to receive prompt attention, should be addressed to

West & Johnston,

Publishers and