APELET.
Their united version appeared in 1825, in four octavo volumes, of which the
small paper was but indifferently well printed.[8] The preface to the first
two volumes is by M. Licquet: and it is not divested of point and merit. It
begins by attacking the _Quarterly Review_, (June 1821, p. 147.) for its
severity of animadversion on the supposed listlessness and want of
curiosity of the French in exploring the architectural antiquities of their
country; and that, in consequence of such supineness, the English,
considering them as their own property, have described them accordingly.
"The decision (says the French translator) is severe; happily it is without
foundation." After having devoted several pages to observations by way of
reply to that critical Journal, M. Licquet continues thus:--unless I have
unintentionally misrepresented him.

The Englishman who travels in Normandy, meets, at every step, with
reminiscences of his kings, his ancestors, his institutions, and his
customs. Churches yet standing, after the lapse of seven centuries;
majestic ruins; tombs--even to the very sound of the clock--all unite
in affecting, here, the heart of a British subject: every thing seems
to tell him that, in former times, HERE was his country; here the
residence of his sovereigns; and here the cradle of his manners. This
was more than sufficient to enflame the lively imagination of Mr. D.
and to decide him to visit, in person, a country already explored by a
great number of his countrymen; but he conceived that his narrative
should embody other topics than those which ordinarily appeared in the
text of his predecessors.

"His work then is not only a description of castles, towns, churches,
public monuments of every kind:--it is not only a representation of
the general aspect of the country, as to its picturesque
appearances--but it is an extended, minute, though occasionally
inexact, account of public and private libraries; with reflections
upon certain customs of the country, and upon the character of those
who inhabit it. It is in short the personal history of the author,
throughout the whole length of his journey. Not the smallest incident,
however indifferent, but what has a place in the letters of the
Bibliographer. Thus, he mentions every Inn where he stops: recommends
or scolds the landlord--according to his civility or exaction. Ha