Among the Books
Among the Books
FORa writer of books on sporting subjects one qualification is absolutely indispensable if the result is to be a success, and this is that the author shall have his heart thoroughly in his work. In no other class of literature is the lack of such a qualification made so palpable to the reader. In “Wild Fowl Shooting” (Chicago: Rand, McNally & Co., 1888) Mr. William Bruce Leffingwell shows his love and knowledge of sport in a way which will give his work a high place in sporting literature. From the first to the last chapter the book is nothing if not practical, and the information is pleasantly interspersed with anecdotes and stories in such a way that the veteran will read with amusement and interest, and the tyro will gather instruction and pleasure at the same time. The scientific portions which are gleaned from the best sources are not unduly obtrusive, though of sufficient length to give any information required. The volume has the additional advantage of being illustrated.
ITis not often that the writer of a book of travel gives such thorough attention to his subject as did William Eleroy Curtis (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1888) in “The Capitals of Spanish America.” In his position as Commissioner from the United States to the Governments of Central and South America, the author had an opportunity which he improved fully and with profit. President Arthur’s unsigned letter, sent after his death, accepting the dedication and consenting to write the Introduction, is an interesting memento. The accounts given by the author of the cities and peoples he visited are full of life and interest, while more serious points are by no means neglected. But even the dry facts are so pleasantly discussed in chatty fashion and interlarded by anecdote and tale that no dry bones are left. The book is very profusely and, for the most part, handsomely illustrated.
REALISTICfiction has in the last two years gained a strong foothold in this country. To-day twenty good writers might be named with whom this tendency has become a characteristic. There is undoubtedly an American school of fiction building up which will become distinctive of our day and country. But “Len Gansett,” by Opie P. Read (Boston: Ticknor & Co., 1888), is hardly calculated to reflect credit on this school. Realism is not all-sufficient, but must be ably seconded by literary merit to meet with general approbation. The plot of this work is so poor that one wonders at the finish why it should have ever been introduced. The characters are weak and quite devoid of originality, while the charms and picturesqueness which might have been introduced into such surroundings are conspicuous by their absence.
THEREare books that win favor by their very name. “Chris,” by W. E. Norris (London and New York: Macmillan & Co., 1888), is a volume that has more than a name to make a way for it. From the moment that one picks up this novel, one becomes intensely interested in the fortunes of the wayward heroine. The interest acquired in her various entanglements is almost personal, and when she is delivered from the clutches of the unscrupulous Val Richardson, one breathes a sigh of relief. Some of the prettiest touches are in connection with the faithful Peter, and when the faithful canine friend meets his untimely end, entire sympathy is felt with Chris in her wild and erratic flight. The characters are well drawn, though there is a tendency to overcoloring in some; but in spite of the interest of the book the plot can hardly be designated as original or deep.
UNIVERSALas has been the baseball mania, it is an astonishing fact how little literature has sprung up in connection with the game. This is well shown in the introduction to “Hygiene for Baseball Players,” by A. H. P. Leuf, M.D. (Philadelphia: A. J. Reach & Co. 1888)—a work which, though unpretentious in appearance, is a most valuable and timely publication. It discusses at considerable length the “physiology and philosophy of curve-pitching,” and, as might be gathered from its name, “the diseases and treatment of ball players.” In addition, the relation of human anatomy to the methods of play, proper exercises for players, and numerous other bearings of the game are fully discussed. Illustrations amplify the merits of the text.
AMANUALthat will surely prove of real use to the yachtsman and canoeist is Captain Howard Patterson’s “Canal Guide” (New York Navigation School, New York). As the author truly remarks, it opens up a comparatively new field to yachtsmen, and offers a change to the annual cruise along the same coast line. The instructions given, and tables of depth of water, width of locks, etc., seem to be very complete and to furnish all necessary information.
CARPculture has of late come into much prominence among the pisciculturists of America. A valuable text-book on the subject reaches us, entitled, “Practical Carp Culture,” by L. P. Logan (Youngstown, O.:Evening HeraldPrint, 1888). Every feature of the industry is fully discussed, and both those who intend to engage in it, and those who take an interest in it as a measure of public utility, should study this little work. Rather more care in preparation might have been advantageously expended on the preparation of the volume, as in a preface of thirty-seven words there are two spelled wrongly.