be found convenient for reference, and, we think, reasonably accurate. The statement on page 14, that the colonies, prior to the Revolution, "were bound together by common interests and sympathies," is not wholly true. The records of the Continental Congress sufficiently evidence the recognition of vital issues between the several sections of the country. The statement on the same page, that the colonies held that they were not bound by the authority of the King and Parliament, is also open to criticism. Up to the outbreak of war, allegiance to the King was openly avowed by perhaps a majority of the colonists; the general opposition was to the authority of Parliament, not to that of the King. [Roberts Brothers.] - Loring has sent us two pamphlet novels, "A Star and A Heart," by Florence Marryat, and Leslie Tyrrell," by Georgiana M. Craik. We find ourselves unable to praise either of them. The first is a story of an actress who "stars it" in the provincial theatres,-a pretty, vain, mercenary girl; not vicious, but unscrupulous. She meets a poor young tenor singer, and learns to love him; but self-interest pleads the cause of a lord who admires her. So she receives the adoration of each, loving the tenor as much as is prudent, and professing boundless affection for the lord. The latter grows warmer in his devotion, and she confidently expects a declaration from him. But he is a wicked old roué, and, having taken her to Richmond to dine, gets inebriated, and exposes her to injurious suspicions. She reminds him of his promise to marry, and receives in reply a confession of his real purpose in addressing her. So she marries the tenor after all. There is nothing attractive in the story, it is a mere waste of ink and paper. Leslie Tyrrell" is a graver and far more meritorious composition, well-written, and deserving praise for the portraiture of Leslie, who is an original character. But the action is slow and tame, and some of the dialogues are tedious. The book is quite unworthy of the author's reputation. Hon. Lilley Eaton has written a "Genealogical History of the Town of Reading, Mass., including the present towns of Wakefield, Reading, and North Reading, with Chronological and Historical Sketches from 1639 to 1874." Mr. Eaton died before finishing his work, which was consummated by a committee appointed by the town. The genealogical lists are very full; the extracts from town records are interesting; and the biographical sketches have much historical value. The work is, of course, of specially local interest; but is an important addition to New England history. [Lockwood, Brooks, & Co.] kindred subjects, law, morality, religion, &c. analogy between this phenomenon and cer- As in the woods 'mid winter's chill puts forth the mis- did sow, And with his fellow-children hath the wounded tree in So in the dusky holm-oak seemed that bough of leafy gold. went by: 66 A very neat and handy volume is “The Official Guide to Philadelphia," compiled by Thompson Westcott. Its contents are full and well-arranged, and it seems to furnish satisfactory information on almost every topic touching which the stranger in the Quaker City would demand enlightenment. A concise history of the city is preceded by tabular lists of The Sights of Philadelphia," places of Amusement, and other statistical matter, and followed by full particulars as to railroads, steamers, hotels, &c. There are chapters on Fairmount Park, historical mansions, public buildings, &c., and a sort of itinerary, entitled Six Days in Philadelphia," which abounds in useful suggestions to the visitor. The volume contains many illustrations, and, altogether, is an excellent guide-book. [Porter & Coates; Lee & Shepard.] 66 Achsah," by Rev. Peter Pennott, is a story which presents some peculiar phases of New England character, -not faithfully, but with considerable power. Its plot is not very original or strong, and its most notable characteristic is the force and bitterness which the author has put into two or three portraits. Deacon Sterne is an exaggerated impression Mr. Hamerton makes no record of a captured from the worst type of the New England golden bough in the annals of his forest resi-zealot, too bare-faced a hypocrite ever to dence; but he saw there such scenes as stand have successfully imposed himself on a reaout in the foregoing lines, and he found there sonably intelligent community; yet his chartreasures quite as precious in health and cheer acter is sketched with no little skill, and must and the gratification of his love of Nature. be called a powerful portraiture. He is a blaWith his son, he or perhaps more accu- tant pietist, obtruding his cant on all occarately, the gentleman whom he chooses to per- sions; outwardly a saint, but in secret a despot sonate spent a year on a tract of four and a villain. His daughter Achsah, inheritThe purpose of Mr. R. J. Wright, in his hundred acres of woodland between the vine- ing her mother's tender nature, is his very op"Principia; or, Basis of Social Science," a new lands of Burgundy and the river Loire. They posite. She falls in love with Owen Rood, a edition of which has just been published, is lived in true sylvan style, and were attended bold young man of independent spirit, and certainly praiseworthy. It is "to contribute by a native forester of marvellous accomplish- openly defiant of the religion that vaunts ithis mite to the Christianization of politics, the ments. Their occupations were mainly the self. Owen's aunt, -a most disagreeable promotion of real freedom and progress, and study of Nature, especially dendrology and person, by means of prying, discovers Achthe improvement of society." Book I. is de- hunting. A true artist and a practised writer, sah's secret, and, hating the loving pair, takes voted to the theory of social science, and to Mr. Hamerton draws charming sketches of measures to blight their hopes. She sends an an exposition of some of the fundamental this woodland life, and so deftly describes the anonymous letter to the Deacon, informing powers and principles of society itself. Social different trees that the reader almost enjoys him of his daughter's attachment, well knowscience the author defines as the philosophy of their personal acquaintance. His records ing his hatred of Rood, who sees through his politics, and affirms that it is doing for society abound in evidences of close observation. pious pretensions. The Deacon at once takes what Christianity is doing for the individual. He notices a clump of huge chestnuts shorn his daughter to the city, and leaves her in In Book II. he discusses precincts, organiza- of foliage, except on two or three branches. charge of an aunt, who sympathizes with and tions of the neighborhood principle in civil He wonders at this exception, but finds that helps her. Then follows a net of plots woven government. This discussion covers a wide a branch which retains its leaves has always by the Deacon and the aunt, who contrive to field, and displays a remarkable knowledge of been virtually severed from the stem by fract- drive Owen to Europe. In his absence, a new the principles of government and of many ure before the fall of the leaf. He traces an clergyman, young, handsome, and evidently modelled on a popular Boston preacher, comes -" Water Waif," by Elizabeth S. Bladen, she is present when the verdict of manslaughter to town, and speedily falls in love with Achsah, is a pretty and well-told story of Revolutionary is rendered against her lover, and he receives the Deacon favoring his design. The pious times. A wild, reckless soldier rescues a child the sentence of five years' imprisonment. old man intercepts a letter from Achsah re- from a building borne along a flooded river, Again she sees him in his cell, ere he enters on fusing the clergyman's offers, and saying that and, failing to find her friends, keeps her with his long seclusion. Burnaby's conduct is she cannot love him; and, skilfully changing himself in camp. Overpowered by sleep while noble. Though loving her with all his great its address, sends it to Owen abroad. This doing sentry duty, he is discovered by his heart, he persists that their parting must be missive seems to settle his relations with the colonel, tried, and sentenced to be shot. final, declaring that his crime has placed an girl he loved, and he comes home to meet her Georgie, the little girl, saves his life, as Poca- enduring barrier between them. In her love, only as an acquaintance. A murder case hontas saved John Smith's; the bullet that however, is no pride, and in the agony of their rather unnecessarily complicates the situation, pierced her arm being stayed by a pencil-case farewell, she sobs out the assurance that she is but finally leads to a full explanation of all that Washington had given her. Colonel his for ever. A little episode, wherein one mysteries, and to the marriage of the constant Stewart learns that she is his own child; but Winwick, an early suitor, whom she had reand suffering pair. The Deacon, having killed the soldier refuses to part with her, and the pulsed with a rudeness quite inconsistent with his first wife by his cruelty, takes Miss Iphi-child herself clings to her rough protector. her tender nature, renders a service of chivalgenia Lake for his second, and by her is put Stewart tries to kidnap her, is hurt in the rous delicacy between the woman he still through a course of discipline which almost melée, is nursed by the soldier, and the three loved, and the man who had supplanted him, softens his iron nature. The effect of the make a happy home together. We have is told with exceeding grace and pathos. The story is not pleasant, and some parts of it are rarely read a story so fresh and pleasant. It five years come to an end; Molly hunts out really repulsive. Achsah is a sweet, negative gives some sketches of life in Pennsylvania a her released lover in the seclusion he had little thing, whose steadfastness one cannot century ago, and is an appropriate contribu- sought; he is still obdurate, though his love is but admire, though she barely escapes the tion to centennial literature. [Claxton, Rem- as strong as ever; but adamant could not reclutch of the fascinating clergyman who drives sen, & Haffelfinger.] sist the overwhelming tenderness of the unfalfast horses. Owen is a sterling youth, who tering Molly, and the twain are reunited to thinks for himself, and is strong in manly inseek happiness in a foreign land. The other dependence. The other personages are of personages in the story-except Arthur Bursinall account. The book gives few glimpses naby, the captain's brother, who is the indiof New England life, the author having aprect cause of all the troubles are all parently bestowed his best efforts on the deamiable and commonplace. The novel is lineation of the Deacon. He goes out of his refined in tone and style, and is full of promise. way to denounce the sombreness, pretentious[Holt & Co.] ness, and hypocrisy of New England piety, and thus increases the doleful effect of his story. But the latter bears many marks of genius, and is worth reading. [Lee & Shepard.] 66 'Foot-Notes," by Alfred Barrow, is a collection of essays of a rather peculiar character; the author seems to have read Thoreau, and to have tried, if not to put himself in his place, to see how near he could come to that consummation. He writes of homely themes in a homely style, showing occasionally a dry humor which is pleasant. He has a sharp eye for the small details of Nature; the great ones The volume of Essays, by the late Hon. do not seem to attract him. Possessed of a Wm. B. Reed, published in 1871, under the good stock of rural lore about trees and weeds, title, Among my Books," and noti ed in he walks about a small corner of Connecticut, this paper at the time, has been reprinted with weaving together his little facts, and some- a new title, Memories of Familiar Books," times slipping in an odd conceit or two. We and a memoir of the author by Manton Marlike him best when he talks about houses; the ble. There are some pleasant papers in the chapter on Old Houses is very good. There volume; but the author's prejudices are often are no evidences of culture in his composition; very evident. Mr. Marble, accustomed evihe writes like a self-taught man. He uses dently to the license of newspaper statement, calmly affirms that Mr. Reed opposed Mr. Bancroft in a controversy as to Joseph Reed's Revolutionary conduct, and was successful in his vindication." Such bold and unsupported allegations may do very well for the columns of the World, but it is an excess of bravado to set them down in a volume in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Donop's diary furnishes unimpeachable evidence that Joseph Reed, deserting his post at a critical moment before the attack on Trenton, rode within the enemy's lines and obtained a protection from the British general. [E. J. Hale & Son.] -"An Odd Couple," by Mrs. Oliphant, is odd in design, but not very successful in development. Not one of its personages inspires interest in the intelligent reader, who will be likely to bundle husband, wife, son, and daughter, governess, maid, and sighing swain in one promiscuous parcel, and consign them" don't" with a singular verb, “I don't know to the limbo of forgotten novels. It was too as," instead of that, &c. The essay on bad in the author to spoil what promised to be Tramps" is quite readable. "When I see a good story. Mr. and Mrs. Tremenheere, one of these men, foot-sore and weary, dehaving lived together about ten years in a parting in a dissipated, hobbling gait, I always state of storm, reach a pitch of electrification hope, notwithstanding the curious benevolence wherein a separation is proposed by him, and I may feel, that his cold victuals may so nourish presently accepted by her. Neither desires it; him that he may go a long way." [Wallingbut each is too proud to recant. She takes ford Printing Company; A. Williams & Co.] the boy, Edward, and goes to a home of her own, for they have money enough; he re- "Miss Molly" is a novel by a new mains in the old house, keeping the little writer, Miss B. M. Butt. It bas some positive daughter, Vera. Then follows an account of merits, but is evidently the work of an inextheir troubles with their respective charges. perienced hand. Its range is very narrow, Edward, approaching manhood, does not like and its plot too uneventful. Indeed, in the his books, and longs to go to Africa with one first half it seems to be a mild little pastoral, Mr. Brass; Vera, though watched by a Scotch full of flowers and love-making. The heroine, duenna, contrives to receive the clandestine Miss Molly, is one of twin sisters, daughters attentions of a callow young lover, who finally of a country baronet. The almost invariable persuades her to elope. There is a misunder- use of " Miss" in connection with her name rtanding as to the date of Vera's evasion, and is in bad taste; and to hear her lover, in the shat young lady, attended by her maid and most impassioned scenes in the book, address tbettor, Mary, finds herself adrift in London, her as Miss Molly," is really laughable. aepentant and recourseless. Mary urges the Molly is a born flirt in an innocent way, loved discovery of the missing groom, and the im- by all her female friends, and adored by all mediate consummation of the marriage; but gentlemen who see her. A more naif, winning Vera, seized by a sudden inspiration, hastens young girl one rarely meets in fiction. At first to the father's house. Meantime, Mr. Tre- she seems volatile and shallow; but under the menheere, in agony at the disappearance of his pressure of affliction, her character develops daughter, had sought his wife's home for ti- into the grandest womanly strength. She is dings of the fugitive. But the mother, noti- betrothed, after a very brief and unconvenfied of Vera's escapade, had begun to hunt tional courtship, to Capt. Burnaby, a man well for her, and in due time discovers her in the worthy of her love. He goes to Hounslow to house where she the girl was born. Of make ready for embarkation for the Crimea, course the husband soon drops in, and the and presently the Times brings dreadful news long-sundered pair are reunited; also, of of him. Involved in a controversy with a course, the young things were ultimately mar- brother officer, he strikes the latter, who in ried; and if Vera found happiness as the falling receives a fatal wound. The anguish bride of the fragile sweetmeat called Oswald, of Molly must be left to the reader's imaginawe hope she appreciated it. [Porter & Coates.]tion. Overcoming the resistance of her friends, The American edition of Thomas Arnold's Manual of English Literature, historical and critical, contains some pages from the author's "From Chaucer to Wordsworth," substituted for the chapter on the Anglo-Saxon, French, and early English writers, which is an important feature of the English edition. The plan of this work comprises a historical sketch of the growth of English literature, and critical notices of the principal authors. Mr. Arnold devotes special attention to poetry, of which his criticism is marked by originality and vigor. His estimate of Milton differs widely from that of most authorities, but he sustains it by able reasoning. In its critical character the book is most remarkable; though the author neglects many writers who are generally assigned to high places in the ranks of English authors. He gives Boswell's Johnson the first place among biographies, and Lockhart's Life of Scott, the second. Pope's letters to Swift and others, he thinks, illustrate the perfection of letter-writing." Compared with the majority of similar works, this manual must claim great superiority. [Ginn Brothers.] "The Elements of Geometry," by A. Schuyler, LL.D., President of Baldwin University, seems to be a first-class text-book, excelling in simplicity of arrangement, clearness of definition, and natural sequence of processes. It is divided into eight books, which are preceded by a helpful introduction. In the latter, the student is thoroughly instructed as to geometrical objects, points, lines, surfaces, solids, angles, &c.; as to certain logical facts and laws, with definitions of the different kinds of propositions, &c.; the relations of propositions, &c. Of axioms, corollaries, postulates, &c., a full account is given. By this introductory matter, the student is well prepared to assail the propositions which follow through seven books, covering the entire field of elementary geometry. Book VIII. is devoted to modern geometry, treating of Transversals, Harmonic Proportion, Anharmonic Ratio, &c. [Wilson, Hinkle, & Co.] - In looking over one of the two beautiful volumes of Lord Houghton's Poetical Works, our eyes fell on some stanzas called "Columbus and the May-flower.'" We found in them a tribute to the Pilgrim pioneers so just and sincere, and in the last of them a thought so comforting in these troubled times, that it seems a duty to place them before our readers: "O little fleet! that, on thy quest divine, Saliedst from Palos one bright autumn morn, - A freight of Faith and Hope to match with thine? "Thus to men cast in that heroic mould Came empire such as Spaniard never knew, Such empire as beseems the just and true; And at the last, almost unsought, came Gold. state of the labor question. His report of to any one concerned with book-making; that least, we have not degenerated from earlier standards. Allowance must, of course, be “Outlines of the Art of Expression," by made for the porcupinish temper of Mr. AdProf. J. H. Gilmore, of which a second edi- ams, and his disposition to malign every one tion is ready, is intended for the use of learn who did not agree with him; but the most ers who possess a considerable knowledge of charitable construction of his sketches of grammar, and at least the rudiments of Latin Congressional action must bring a blush to the and Greek. The author begins by discussing cheek of the patriot. For almost every one the structure of sentences, and then explains of his colleagues Mr. Adams devises some number, gender, case, and the different parts contemptuous epithet; his inventive power in of speech. His definitions seem to us occa- this specialty being remarkable. Here is a sionally defective, and his illustration of the graceful colloquy between two members of the statement that there are three elements in ev-twenty-sixth Congress: Said Bynum [of ery act of thought has a very limited applica- North Carolina], If the gentleman is not an tion, and fails to make clear the reason and abolitionist according to my definition of the operation of a general rule. Another instance term '- Bynum to Peck Did you mean of inaccuracy appears in his treatment of to charge me with saying an untruth?' Peck collective nouns. He says that this noun, un-I said that what had been said was not like the class-noun, cannot be predicated of true.' Bynum You are a scoundrel, and a each individual of the class it represents; that puppy.' Of two members of the twentyJohn is included in the meaning of the class-fifth Congress, Mr. Adams says: "Petriken "But He who rules both calm and stormy days Can guard that people's heart, that nation's health, noun, “soldier," and also in that of the col- is crusted with rabblement filth, and Beatty Safe on the perilous heights of power and wealth, lective noun, " that we army; may say, speaks the vernacular of the Emerald Isle." As in the straitness of the ancient ways." John is a soldier," but not that John is an Of a bill for the relief of the widow of Gen. The first volume is filled with the author's ear- army." He thus fails to cover the whole Jacob Brown, he says it was "most vehemently lier poems, most of them inspired by experi- ground of the subject. There are some nouns contested by the spigot-sparing, bung-outences of travel along the Mediterranean and which are either singular or collective, pouring economists of both parties, and by in the East. They are marked by a restrained guard, for instance. This word may indicate the Kinderhook ochlocracy, mainly because I enthusiasm, and are rich in elevated and re-numbers or an individual; and we may say, favored it." Much is said of petitions against fined thought. Of the few narrative poems," John is a guard." Such important qualifi-slavery, from the North. The first name on The Death of Sarsfield" is one of the best. cations of the author's general proposition one from New York was William Cullen BryIn many hearts, the words of that tender ought surely to have mention. We are glad ant. Describing an exhibition at Cambridge, song, The Brook-side," will arouse pleasant to find in this book confirmation of our opinion Adams ejaculates, "Paley's Moral memories of youth; and the sweet gravity of that, in speaking of two unmarried ladies, we Philosophy! I wished they would burn it by "Song of Thoughts" will soothe many a rest- should use the form, 'Misses." In com- the hands of the common hangman." Public less spirit. Whatever rank among poets may pound nouns," the author says, "and in officers in 1840 seem to have had their little be ultimately assigned to Lord Houghton, the phrases where we have nouns in apposition, weaknesses as well as their successors of tomoral beauty of his verse is sure to win ad- the more prominent object of thought takes the day. We read about the investigation into mirers. In contrast with the extravagances sign of the plural." As a whole. we must com- "a dirty transaction of the Postmaster-Genof some, and the unreadable mysticism of mend the book as rich in information very skil-eral;" and, four pages farther on, of an inother modern poets, his simplicity and strength fully adapted to the use of the advanced vestigation "into a dirty bargain by the Clerk are refreshing. [Roberts Brothers.] learner. Some of the author's opinions we of the House." Turney, M. C., is made to cannot accept, · his preference for "had hail, sometimes from Tennessee, sometimes rather" to would rather," for instance. from Pennsylvania. Some characterizations [Ginn Brothers.] of eminent men we should like to quote, but our limits forbid. This volume adds little to the value of the series. [J. B. Lippincott & Co.; Nichols & Hall.] Mr. - Mr. Albert S. Bolles, editor of the Norwich, Conn., Bulletin, has written a book on "The Conflict of Labor and Capital," which seems worthy of warm commendation. Dur- "The Stationers' Hand-book," edited by ing a recent visit to Europe, he made a H. D. Monachesi and Albert D. Yohn, must special study of the industrial interests of prove very useful to members of the stationery several nations; and, utilizing the facts thus trade. It contains articles on almost every - Miss Rossetti cannot be reckoned among gained with the fruits of observation at home, topic that can be classed under the head of the popular poets; but of them all, we are he gathered ample materials for an intelligent stationery, by competent representatives of sure, none have more ardent and devoted adand reasonably full account of the present the trade. Some of these are very instructive mirers. The characteristics of her verse are sweetness and simplicity, a close kinship with and reflection of Nature, a devout and humble piety that suffuses her every thought. Her lines are, for the most part, easy and musical, and her figures are singularly arch and effective. In the new edition of her poems, some gems of rare beauty have been added. What can be sweeter than these simple lines on A Green Cornfield "? poems. 66 "The earth was green, the sky was blue; A skylark hang between the two, "A stage below, in gay accord, While butterflies danced on the wing, "The cornfield stretched a tender green While swift the sunny moments slid, 66 Of Lossing, is continued, this instalment includ- Lady Byron, Mrs. Norton, and other famous 66 number. 66 Modern Dwellings, 46 - 64 66 by H. Hudson Holly, informs us that the LIPPINCOTT'S. — This number is quite readQueen Anne style is the correct thing in archi-able, containing much good prose and one or tecture, and offers several plans of cottage two good poems. The Centennial paper is houses, with illustrative diagrams, cost, &c. illustrated by representations of the buildings Naoman" is an Indian ballad, to whose dra- erected by different nations on the grounds at matic possibilities the author has not done full Fairmount, Japanese, Swedish, German, justice. "Rats" is a specimen of very small &c. The first paper of "Glimpses of ConOther new gems are, A Bird Song," "A deer," by Mrs. Spofford. Rev. E. E. Hale stantinople," by Shiela Hale, is very readable, Simile and a Sigh," "Bird Raptures," &c.; tells in a charming manner how Scheherezade -the work of a bright, observant woman, but not one of them can overbear the charm invented the serial. He counts this service as who writes very well. Her description of the that haunts us in the memory of "The deserving the gratitude of mankind, -an toilets of two Turkish ladies embodies a hint Maiden-Song," one of the most delicious little opinion with which we cannot agree. Serial- which their American sisters might profitably lyrics in the language. There is no living ism (if we may coin a word) has tended to heed. These ladies, unable to attach more poet, we think, who so truthfully and impres- make literature superficial; it is the enemy of than one pair of ear-rings to their ears, affix sively gives voice to the elements of tender- profound thought and the fosterer of sensa- others to their braids, which hang over their ness and pathos; no female poet, surely, in tionalism. shoulders in wavy magnificence. If it is bewhose verse grace and strength are more hapcoming or proper to mutilate the body for orpily combined. One needs a peculiar mental THE ATLANTIC. Mr. Howells's story, namental purposes, why shouldn't our belles temperament in order fully to appreciate her "Private Theatricals," is concluded in this festoon themselves with many ear-rings, like [Roberts Brothers.] Charles Hale contributes the open- the old woman who can have music wherever ing paper on "The Khedive and his Court." she goes"? One thing makes largely in favor "The Antiquities of Israel," by Heinrich The situation, as described by him, dates back of Turkish ladies, they know how to shop. Ewald, was intended by its author to serve as several years, and of course lacks the fresh-"A Turkish woman never rushes round, as an Appendix to the second volume of his ness of a chronicle of to-day; but it is very we did, from shop to shop." Berlin and History of Israel." It is, in effect, a trea- readable, and gives a view of some phases of Vienna" is an interesting historical paper, in tise on the contents of the Pentateuch, as we Egyptian high society. The judgment of a which the two great German cities are skilfully learn from the preface of the translator. The practical critic on the story, For the Last contrasted. An Old House and Its Story work is so badly translated that it is impossi-Time," would probably be that it forcibly il- is, in effect, a glimpse of Benedict Arnold's ble to pronounce a fair judgment upon it, and lustrates the value of "cheek" and persist- life in Philadelphia, just prior to his assignwe shall undertake only to give an idea of its ence: it tells how one Jack Desmond, in the ment to the command of West Point. The character. The first section treats of human short space of one day, subdues Miss Hardy author seems inclined to pity Arnold in his efforts and action towards God, prayers, to bis mighty will, and, though she is on the disgrace; and goes so far as to say that she is vows, sacrifices, gifts, fastings, the Sabbath, eve of marriage with another man, constrains glad that he died with the Continental coat on &c.; the second, of the Divine demands for her to let him take that unfortunate's place. his shoulders, a confession which is not holiness and righteousness, covering the All this happens in Rome, where surroundings creditable to her. The Watch" is one of sanctity inherent in Nature, the laws of integ- of art and romance render effectual assistance Tourgenieff's characteristic stories, rity and property, the sanctity of home, and to the imaginative novelist. The story is odd and readable. Lady Barker's Letter that inherent in Jahveh and his kingdom; rather pleasant; but we do not like to hear so from South Africa is interesting. T. S. Perry the third, of the nation, the sacerdotal office, elegant a young lady as Miss Hardy say, "I've contributes a rather bald outline of George &c.; the fourth, of the division of time, festi- that much honesty left; or, in supreme in- Ticknor's Life." He indulges in no critivals, &c. The volume contains an Index and difference of a cat." A careful editor ought cism, unless some may be found in this proa plan of the Tabernacle. There is a great to have corrected these errors. "The Mad-found piece of jingle: It [Mr. T.'s intellect] deal of useful information in this book, but it ness of George III." contains little that is had more of rigor than of vigor." Mrs. Presis made difficult of attainment by the reader new, and the author's indirect plea for that ton's "Ballad of the Bell-Tower" is a fine, by the inferiority of the translation. [Lock- obstinate, inhuman old sovereign is quite in- vigorous piece of verse. wood, Brooks, & Co.] effectual. Under the title, A Visit to a Certain Old Gentleman," Mr. Aldrich tells how he went to see the Pope. His account is sprightly, often witty; but a more promiscuous distribution of his humor would have made the article more uniformly agreeable. HARPER'S. This is an excellent number, · Medical Fashions " is a savage raid on drugs Messrs. J. H. Coates & Co., of Philathe historical and descriptive matter being and their administrators, though at the end delphia, have begun the publication of "Miexceptionally good. Mr. Rideing's sketch of the author timidly qualifies what he has said cro-Photographs in Histology, Normal and the Wheeler Expedition in Southern Colorado against the doctors. He is sceptical as to Pathological," -a series prepared by Carl is not so lively as it might be; but it contains the healing virtues of medicine generally; Seiler, M.D. These photographs are intended some noteworthy testimony as to the climate and some of his doubts are well-founded. especially for the use of physicians who cannot of that territory, quite contradictory of the We had hoped that the day of hospital-liter- personally make microscopic observations. evidence of Mrs. Hunt and other writers. ature had passed; but Rachel Rollins makes Dr. Seiler has means of securing for these "The air is crisp and the wind is strong and an addition to it, thus illustrating the state-photographs a fidelity never before attained in bleak," says Mr. Rideing "the climate ment that on horror's head horrors accumu- similar illustrations. Text, furnished by Drs. is a perpetuation of March." "Cardinal Me- late." In the bitter days of the war, there J. Gibbons Hunt and Joseph G. Richardson, phisto "is a commonplace record of Cæsar was a certain fascination in these reports of his coadjutors, will accompany each photoBorgia's crimes, neither entertaining nor prof-pain and suffering; to-day they are distasteful. graph. The plan of this work is quite novel, itable. The Romance of the Hudson," by Mrs. Kemble chats pleasantly of Lord and and is likely at once to command the attention ness. - A leading publisher of New York writes entific subjects are fully reported. As the to us as follows: "I take this opportunity of work of a lady, and as dealing in a candid, thanking you for the discriminating reviews of intelligent manner with themes of paramount our books that have appeared from time to interest, we cannot doubt that the book will time in your paper, which I always feel to be meet a cordial reception. one of those (unfortunately not too common in America) which do not judge of the merits of a book by its publisher's advertising patronage." 66 66 -The catalogue of Bowdoin College for 1875-6 would seem to indicate that the institution had entered on a new career of pros- Messrs. W. F. Gill & Co. will enter on perity. The classes are large, and the faculty the summer publishing campaign with three of instruction is well filled with gentlemen attractive books. These are a new edition of eminent in their specialties of knowledge. Starr King's White Hills," which will be isThe college now has over twenty scholarships We have received from the Boston Pub- sued in anticipation of summer travel; ** Heavy of $1000 and upwards, besides several funds lic Library a copy of "Catalogue Notes on Yokes," a novel by Mrs. Douglass Walworth of larger amounts, for the benefit of deserving English History," which strikes us as an ex-(née Haderman), the popular author of "Forstudents. Massachusetts is represented in the ceedingly useful publication, and as supplying given at Last," &c.; A Narrow Escape," a undergraduate classes by twelve students; and a general want. It comprises brief references society novel by the admired English writer, a Jun or, named Gürdsian Serope Armenag. to the standard works on the periods of Eng- Annie Thomas. hails from Cæsarea, Asia Minor. We are lish history, preceded by some suggestions as glad to know that Bowdoin College, which has to that history in general, and well-considered - The real name of "Kamba Thorpe,” aucontributed largely, in its career of seventy information as to the characteristics of sev-thor of "The Little Joanna," a Southern years, to the learning and piety of the land, is eral historians. "Knight's Popular History" renewing its youth and extending its useful-is pronounced novel, recently published by Messrs. Appleton, the best for the general is Mrs. E. W. Bellamy. reader who wishes to cover the entire period from the Roman conquest to the present age." The historical periods under which authors are The gaudy and belauded magazine, called classified are as follows: Briton and Roman the St. Nicholas, was recently the victim of an period, to A.D. 418: Britons and Saxons, expensive accident. Its editor bought of Mr. 418-827; Anglo-Saxons, 827-1066; Normans, T. B. Aldrich his translation of a French 1066-1154; Plantagenets, 1154-1399; Houses story, Mère Michel," paying him $150 for of Lancaster and York, 1399-1461, and 1461-it. In order to make it presentable in the 1498; House of Tudor, 1485-1603; House select pages of the magazine, the editor emof Stuart, 1603-1714; House of Hanover, ployed an artist to make several hundred sil1714-1875. There are also brief lists of houette drawings which were to accompany it works on Constitutional and Ecclesiastical through four monthly numbers. Just before History. Though this catalogue is evidently designed for the exclusive use of patrons of the Public Library, its usefulness is so great that it seems almost a wrong to the public to withhold it from general circulation. A more positively helpful literary manual we never have seen. 66 - George L. Austin has recently compiled a History of Massachusetts," whose contents are largely borrowed from Bancroft. His characterization of Cotton Mather is unique: "With all his scholarship and his intellectual ability," says Mr. Austin," he was, by his whole life, a bane to Massachusetts and New England, and a dupe of his own stupidity." How a man can become the "dupe of his own stupidity," is a Mather-matical problem not easily solved. Mr. Austin's History" is not likely to become standard. We are pleased to find our judgment of Julian Hawthorne's "Saxon Studies confirmed by so high an authority as the London Saturday Review. That paper says: "We need not describe his treatment of the subjects, or rather victims, of his merciless vivi- Mr. James Parton isn't married, after section; it is enough to say that the book all, - in Massachusetts. The Legislature of might be more fitly entitled, Follies, Vices, this State passed an act legalizing his anomaand Meannesses of the Saxon Character.' The lous nuptials; but Gov. Rice cruelly but wisely entire volume is one long tirade against a peo- vetoed it. Now, we suppose, Mr. Parton will ple who are probably fair average representa- write his ex-wife's biography. tives of the German nation, whose love of flowers and appreciation of scenery prove - The second volume of the biography of them by no means inferior in æsthetic sensi-Macaulay reaches us just before we go to bility to Mr. Hawthorne's own countrymen; press. It will be noticed in our June number. and whose military prowess is a strong proof that neither beer, nor the habit of throwing much hard work on women, has impaired their manhood." Miss Alcott has written a new juvenile, - In the Countess of Caithness's recent - book, "Old Truths in a New Light," she The library of the Jacksonville (Ill.) Library Association, of which Mr. John H. Woods is librarian, was incorporated in 1871, and now contains six hundred volumes. This number is not large, but the quality of the books, we learn from an examination of the catalogue, is exceptionally high. Not one novel is found among them; the list being made up of standard works in history, biog. raphy, travels, philosophy, political and social science, &c. It is a fact worth noting, and especially worth the attention of the managers We have examined briefly, but with of public libraries, that an institution so great interest, a volume called Old Truths purely in two senses literary can be sus- in a New Light," written by the Countess of tained in a comparatively small Western com- Caithness, published by Chapman & Hall, and munity. We have reason to believe that Mr. for sale here by Messrs. Little, Brown, & Co. Woods has been greatly instrumental in ele- It comprises a series of essays upon Spiritism, vating the public sentiment of Jacksonville to the Conflict of Science and Religion, Revelathis high point. tion, The Forces in the Universe, The Resurrection in the Flesh, Transmigration, &c., with critical examinations of the doctrines of Profs. Darwin, Tyndall, Huxley, and Wallace. One essay specially appeals to American readers, -an account of the author's interview with the late Prof. Agassiz, in which his views of the Darwinian theory and other religio-sci 66 the issue of the first instalment, Mr. Aldrich discovered that he had been anticipated in his undertaking by Miss Fanny Fuller, whose translation of the story was published about a dozen years ago. The same story had also been translated in England. Whether the publishers of St. Nicholas will carry out their original intention, regardless of vested rights, remains an interesting question. A few years ago, a leading publisher of this city, having bought a translation of a French book, and put it partly in type, on discovering that an earlier translation had been issued, though now long out of print, at once stopped the work and pocketed his loss. - Our recent criticism of Mrs. Bloomfield On Dangerous Ground," has excited the ire of the author, and led her into large expenditure for printing puffs of her book. We are glad to find our judgment of the latter confirmed by so high an authority as the Philadelphia Times, which says: "It is unfortunate, we think, that the book should have required any justification, or that it should have been necessary to inform the reader that the story was told for a warning. In choosing such a field, the author herself ventured on dangerous ground,' where only a master of fiction, such as Thackeray himself, would be entirely safe; and she should not feel aggrieved because her work has excited criticism. Every one who knows any thing of our fashionable society knows that her picture is not greatly exaggerated. The perilous laxity of moral principles with which our young people are allowed to grow up, and the half contempt for purity and modesty and for the sanctity of marriage which they carry with them into mature life, are dreadful realities, which it were worse than idle to ignore, and which every man and every woman who believes in God or in humanity is bound to boldly meet and fight against. There is no reason why the powerful weapons accessible to a writer of fiction should not be employed in this battle, but they must be employed with the utmost care and skill." |