Among the Books
Among the Books
ABREATHof warm summer air seems to dispel for a moment the cold rawness of the winter day, as one turns over the pages of that most exquisitely executed volume of French drawings--“Plages de Bretagne et Jersey,” by “Mars,” (Paris: E. Plon, Nourrit et Cie.). Intensely Gallic are these drawings, and just as dainty and attractive as one would expect from the clever artist whose work they are. The bathing-dresses of Trouville are no longer strangers to these shores; but it seems as if the book fairly teems with suggestions for the amphibious maiden preparing for a summer campaign by the sea.
AREALLYremarkable novel, with a purpose, and that purpose strongly defined, is “Dr. Ben,” by Orlando Witherspoon (Boston: Ticknor & Co. 1888). The existence of the purpose, instead of decreasing the interest of the book by dwarfing the other incidents, in this case only heightens and increases its power. The plot is strengthened by its existence, and the story fairly abounds in incident, thrilling enough to satisfy the most insatiate novel-reader. It is extremely sensational, but the character-sketching, humor and pleasing style suffice to relieve the book of the brand of morbid sensationalism. The utmost sympathy is evoked by Ben’s character, his misfortunes, and his ultimate recovery, and the fascination exercised is so intense that scarcely one reader will lay the book down without finishing it, and what is more, carrying off an impression vivid enough to last for years.
NOTHINGmarks the increased popularity and importance of the cycle more than the rapid growth of its literature. “Rhymes of the Road and River,” by Chris. Wheeler (Philadelphia: E. Stanley Hart & Co.), is a volume to meet with a ready acceptance from every lover of the wheel and oar. The author shows his genuine ardor for these sports in every page, and imbues the products of his pen with this spirit. The comic poems strike us as particularly good, even though in some the author prove untrue to his first love, as, in “The Lay of a Recreant,”
“Two within a buggy, boys, behind a trotting mare,The devil take the bicycle that can with that compare!”
“Two within a buggy, boys, behind a trotting mare,The devil take the bicycle that can with that compare!”
“Two within a buggy, boys, behind a trotting mare,The devil take the bicycle that can with that compare!”
“Two within a buggy, boys, behind a trotting mare,
The devil take the bicycle that can with that compare!”
TOcyclists the modest, unpretentious account of a really noteworthy cycling trip, which is contained in “Pedal and Path,” by George B. Thayer (Hartford: Evening Post Association), must have proved of considerable value, while to the outside public it cannot fail to be interesting. The distance actually traveled by wheel was 4,239 miles, and the work and fatigue undergone were extreme. Mr. Thayer tells his story in a pleasant, chatty style, well adapted to the original form his writings took--newspaper letters--and furnishing pleasant light literature in book-form. There is rather an undue amount of personalities, as regards appearance of people encountered, etc., and some few passages savor of anaïvetéwhich might prove somewhat embarrassing to a young lady reader, but these are minor faults.
TOthe jaded palate of the habitual novel-reader, anything new and sensational is acceptable, however wild in its conception. We should imagine, therefore, that “The Heart of Don Vega,” by Alfred Allen (Westerly, R. I.: George G. Champlin, 1888), will meet with considerable appreciation among a certain class. Novelty, sensationalism, horrors and tragedies abound in the little volume, and are withal strung into a very readable story.
AMONGthe best books for the benefit of the younger members of society are the following published by Messrs. Lee & Shepard, Boston: “Up the North Branch” forms the fourth volume of the Lake and Forest Series, by Capt. Charles A. J. Farrar, and is an exciting narrative of sport and adventure in the wilds of Maine. It is bound to hit the fancy of every boy. “Biding His Time,” by J. T. Trowbridge, is a story of the adventures and subsequent good fortune of a poor Ohio lad. “Mother Goose’s Melodies” and “Songs of Our Darlings” are cheap and well printed collections of old familiar nursery rhymes. “The Readings from the Waverley Novels”--edited by Albert F. Blaisdell, A.M., are a capital selection of just such passages as will catch the youthful fancy.
ADAY-BOOKof pretty thoughts, strengthened by scriptural quotations, is to be found in “Pansies for Thoughts,” from the writings of “Pansy”--Mrs. G. R. Alden--compiled by Grace Livingston. (Boston: D. Lothrop & Co.). The selections are apt and happy, while the appearance of the little volume is most charming.
THEholiday number of “Sun and Shade” (Brooklyn: The Photo-Gravure Co.) is extremely handsome. The reproductions are a marvel of art, that of Raphael’s “Madonna della Sedia” being particularly striking, while “See-Saw,” by John Morgan, makes a most charming picture.
PITHYand appropriate sentiments are found in the little pamphlet, “Stray Notes from Famous Musicians,” compiled by G. H. C. (Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co.). No page can be opened without some tersely worded truth impressing itself on the mind.
THEvolume of music, entitled “Classic Tenor Songs” (Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co.), is one which fully justifies its title. It will prove a valuable addition to the existing collections of songs for male voices.
ACAPITALspecimen of what can be done in compiling a university record is afforded by “The Yale Banner,” Louis L. Barnum, editor and publisher. The make up of the volume is all that can be desired, and the portrait groups form an interesting feature.
WEhave received the “American Newspaper Annual” for 1888, issued by N. W. Ayer & Son, Philadelphia. It forms an extremely complete volume, and is of great service to advertisers.