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Book Review DigestDevoted to the Valuation of Current LiteratureDigests of Reviews appearing in January-December 1907 magazines

Book Review Digest

Devoted to the Valuation of Current Literature

Digests of Reviews appearing in January-December 1907 magazines

Aanrud, Hans.Lisbeth Longfrock; trans. from the Norwegian by Laura E. Poulsson. *65c. Ginn.

7–21362.

Norwegian farm life is pictured with quaint detail in this story of Lisbeth, the little peasant who came to Hoel farm as its herd girl and by faithful service won the proud position of head milk maid.

“Gives the best picture we have of Norwegian farm life.”

“A very neat translation of a very pretty little Norwegian story.”

“A simple and delightful story.”

Abailard, Pierre.Abelard and Heloise: the love letters: a poetical rendering, by Ella C. Bennett. **$1.50. Elder.

7–30637.

True only to the sentiment “upon which thread this rosary of love letters has been strung” the author has rendered the letters of Abelard and Heloise in rhyme.

“A sympathetic setting forth in English verse, of the letters of these historic lovers.”

Abbot, Francis Ellingwood.Syllogistic philosophy or prolegomena to science. 2v. **$5. Little.

6–29755.

A posthumous work that represents a life time of study. “The determining principle of the whole structure is that ‘whatever is evolved as consequent must be involved as antecedent.’ The outcome of this ‘principle of absolute logic’ is that personality, in the philosophic sense of the word, is ‘both the source and outcome of all that is,’ and that philosophy at last becomes ‘theology modernized as scientific realism and scientific theism.’” (Outlook.)

“We confess that we have found in his work little to clarify the problems of philosophy and nothing besides the author’s own earnestness and enthusiasm which we can call uplifting. In no way does the book appear to us to be a prolegomena to science or an important contribution to philosophy.”

“The novel terminology once mastered, the new method becomes interesting.”

“They are erudite and earnest, but dogmatic and ineffective. We do not question the earnestness and sincerity which have produced these two volumes, but we do question whether the absolute unit-universal will save his philosophical children from their sins through the message of the syllogistic philosophy.” R. B. C. Johnson.

“Well equipped with wide and careful reading as Dr. Abbot evidently was, he seems to have fallen upon an arid formalism which forces him to serve up afresh, and with reiterated emphasis, many of the contingent features peculiar to idealistic absolutism in the nineteenth century.”

Abbott, David Phelps.Behind the scenes with the mediums. *$1.50. Open ct.

7–27622.

From the point of view of the worker of magic, Mr. Abbott, who is not a medium, reveals all the tricks of the séance. “The ardent believers whose faith no number of exposures can disturb, the skeptics whom no sort of séance has been able to convince, and the scientific investigators toward whom the author is a bit contemptuous, will all find in its pages matter in plenty either interesting or irritating.” (N. Y. Times.)

“All those who have a kind of shamefaced desire to know just what spiritualists do and how they do it will be entertained by his exposures. Even those who go full of faith to consult palmists, clairvoyants, fortune-tellers, and other modern sorcerers, will find him interesting.”

“There will be racy reading for a good many different kinds of people in Mr. Abbott’s leisurely turning inside out of mediumistic tricks.”

Abbott, Rev. Edwin A.Apologia: an explanation and defense. *$1. Macmillan.

7–25561.

“In reply to friendly dissentients from his views, especially as expressed in his previous book, ‘Silanus the Christian,’ the author publishes this ‘explanation and defense’ of them as an introduction to two volumes of a technical and critical character to appear presently. His view of the Biblical miracles is ‘that some are literally true, but in accordance with what are called laws of nature; others are not literally true, but are metaphorical or poetical traditions erroneously taken as literal; others are visions that have been erroneously taken as non-visionary facts.’”—Outlook.

“It may be pointed out that Dr. Abbott’s reason for calling Christ supernatural has nothing to do with the evidence furnished in the New Testament and it is therefore not easy to see why there should be such a waste of interpretation as there is in his books.”

Abbott, Rev. Edwin A.Silanus the Christian.*$2.60. Macmillan.

7–25561.

Dr. Abbott addresses himself to readers who are not ready to accept the miraculous element in the New Testament and who at the same time do not reject the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. He shows that the belief is not rendered impossible by the disbelief. The book is in the form of an autobiography of an educated Roman. “The gist of its teaching—and it is solely intended to teach—is summed up in thewords of Clemens. It has been said, he tells Silanus, that the religion of the Christians is a person—and nothing more. ‘I should prefer to say the same thing differently. Our religion in a person—and nothing less.’” (Spec.)

“Dr. Abbott’s writing is itself interesting on account of the literary skill with which he presents innumerable points of exposition and criticism, and on account, too, of the beauty and strength of many of its passages.”

“While the book aims to be popular, the author’s wide knowledge and competent scholarship lift his efforts entirely above the level of the usual endeavor to teach Biblical and Christian history by means of fiction.”

“The book is interesting; it is ably written; it is in parts striking; and yet one feels that somehow it misses effect as a whole. And we think that the reason is obvious. Dr. Abbott in writing it had two diverse ends in view and each interfered with the other.”

“It would be unfair to lay stress upon the weaknesses of a really impressive book, and after all they are only prominent in one part of its argument where the writer has been carried away by his own pet theories.”

“As to whether he has succeeded or failed in his religious purpose his readers will no doubt form diametrically opposite conclusions. We think, however that those who are most convinced of his theologic failure will not deny him a literary success. He has written a deeply interesting theological book in the form of a story.”

*Abbott, Katharine M.Old paths and legends of the New England border: Connecticut, Deerfield, and Berkshire. **$3.50. Putnam.

In Miss Abbott’s rambles one may live over again the delights of many of New England’s quaint byways. “She has caught the spirit of New England, and introduces incidentally curious and charming out-of-the-way places, historic spots, Indian legends and New England folklore.” (Ind.)

“She has traced it all with a literary skill which is above the average, and has succeeded in charging her text with animation and entertainment without the loss or historical accuracy.”

Abbott, Lyman.Christ’s secret of happiness. **75c. Crowell.

7–10562.

Eleven essays are included here whose keynote is sounded in the first, “Three kinds of happiness.” “There are three kinds of happiness,” says Dr. Abbott, “pleasure, joy, blessedness. Pleasure is the happiness of the animal nature; joy, of the social nature; blessedness, of the spiritual nature. Pleasure we share with the animals, joy with one another, blessedness with God.”

Abbott, Lyman, ed.Parables. $2.50. Appleton.

7–31966.

A very illuminating introduction shows that Jesus resorted to the parable to allay the wrath which his plain truth-teaching had stirred up against him. “He veiled the truth which unveiled had been rejected with such wrath, and he did so that they might listen to him without perceiving the truth to which they would refuse to listen if they did perceive it.” The scriptural version of the parables follows, with a well-executed illustration here and there suggesting the modern prodigal, the modern foolish virgin and the present-day house builded upon the sand, etc.

Abendschein, Albert.Secret of the old masters. **$1. Appleton.

6–40200.

How did the old masters produce their results? How have these results defied time and atmospheric changes? Twenty-five years of study have been devoted to these questions by the author and “he has proved to his own, and we may say, to our satisfaction, that the great Venetians and Flemings used no mysterious varnishes whatever, their vehicle being plain linseed oil, and their reliance for permanence and brilliancy being plenty of time for drying between successive paintings and upon prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to burn out the excess of oil.” (Nation.)

“Few serious workers in oils, though they omit the book, will fail in the next year or so of coming upon the track of his researches.”

Abhedananda, Swami.India and her people. $1.25. Vedanta.

6–24887.

A book which aims to “give an impartial account of the facts from the stand point of an unbiased historian, and to remove all misunderstandings which prevail among the Americans concerning India and her people.” It sets forth for popular reading phases of Vedanta philosophy. “In this system the people of India, according to the author, find the ultimate truths of all sciences, philosophies, and religions. There are instructive chapters upon the religion of present-day India, the social status and the system of caste, political institutions, education, the influence of Western civilization, and woman’s place in Hindu religion.” (Lit. D.)

“This compact little volume, written in an attractive style, and dealing with the life, philosophy and religion of India should prove a useful addition to the literature of a fascinating and as yet largely unknown subject.”

“From the historical point of view, which is assumed by the Swami, it is to be regretted that the author has not made himself better acquainted with chronology.”

Acton, Sir John.Lectures on modern history; ed. with an introd. by J: N. Figgis, and Reginald Vere Laurence. *$3.25. Macmillan.

7–2153.

“In the present volume we find Acton’s inaugural lecture as Professor, his scheme for ‘The Cambridge modern history,’ and nineteen of his lectures, covering in giant strides the ages of the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation. the wars of religion, the rise of political parties, the creation of the Prussian and the Russian powers, and the American revolution.”—Ath.

“Finest and best of all is the noble and ennobling fairness in his treatment of all men and all ages.” G. S. F.

“Great lectures as they are, they still are lectures only—knowledge cut up into sections to last forty-five minutes.”

“The highest form of art in historical writing is that which narrates events without specifying directly the ideals it is sought to convey, and yet does emphatically convey suchideals to the reader. Of this form, Lord Acton’s lectures are excellent illustrations; while that on Luther may well stand as an almost perfect example.” E. D. Adams.

Reviewed by P. F. Willert.

“Are at once satisfactory and disappointing.”

“The result is, on the whole, disappointing. To begin with, notes for lectures generally make poor books, and it is so in this case. Again, the subject is too large for the space in which it is treated, and suffers from overcompression.”

“It is, in fact, a primer of history. Every sentence carries with it the conviction of truth, and every page creates an impulse to delve deeper into the subject-matter.” Henry James Forman.

“In the main there can be little question of the soundness of his views, the correctness of his attitude. And, what is not unimportant, the lectures show that, ‘scientific’ historian though he was, he was keenly alive to the human element in history.”

“Those who love the beauty of line, and the mysterious effect of chiaroscuro will enjoy these works to the utmost, and recognize them as masterpieces of the graphic arts.”

“His judgment is always rational and his conclusions invariably just.”

Acton, Sir John.Lord Acton and his circle; ed. by Abbot [Francis Aidan] Gasquet. *$4.50. Longmans.

6–42915.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

Reviewed by E. D. Adams.

“The book is not very accurately printed; some sentences are made unintelligible by errors of punctuation, and a large number of proper names are misspelt.”

“Rather unfortunate introduction.”

Adams, Andy.Reed Anthony, cowman.†$1.50. Houghton.

7–16751.

Autobiographical in form, this book follows in a matter-of-fact way “the career of a young man, who, after serving his four years in the Confederate army, made his way from his native Virginia to Texas, there to become foreman of the ‘cattle drives,’ and so by degrees ranchman and owner of many acres and many herds.” (N. Y. Times.)

“The account of the cowman’s worldly success is, let us admit, by no means free from exaggeration, but the book gives the best picture of the life of the times of any we know, and we heartily recommend it.”

“This ingenuous bit of biography, like the author’s earlier books, will be read not because it is so well done but because it pictures a passing phase of American life.”

“In reading these pages, which bear the stamp of downright honesty, the reader feels that he is in contact with the actual history of an important formative period of national industry—a period which, tho outside of the beaten track of history, is not without significance.”

“The pleasant thing about the narrative is its ingenuousness.”

“In spite of the sameness due to the likeness of one year of the cattle business to any other year, the book is interesting with the interest which belongs somehow and anyhow to all that is genuine.”

Adams, Charles Francis, jr.Three Phi beta kappa addresses. **$1. Houghton.

7–17400.

Including A college fetich, 1883; Shall Cromwell have a statue? 1902; Some modern college tendencies, 1906. In these addresses Mr. Adams arraigns many of the weaknesses of the present-day college régime. The license of electives leads to the “way of least resistance:” college athletics are but the “overgrowth of the superficiality which rules the curricula,” etc. He offers helpful reform suggestions on the limitation of the number of subjects pursued, on the moral training of the student, and on the breaking down of our large colleges into smaller units.

“While they can hardly be said to make a book of history at the present time, they will certainly be regarded by the future historian of education in the nineteenth century as an important part of his source-material.”

Reviewed by Wm. E. Dodd.

Reviewed by Montgomery Schuyler.

Adams, Henry.Cassell’s engineers’ handbook; comprising facts and formulae, principles and practice in all branches of engineering. $2.50. McKay.

“Not a mere formula book nor an ordinary student’s text-book, but rather anaide memoirefor those who have passed through their elementary training, and are now in practice.”

Adams, I. William.Shibusawa; or, The passing of old Japan; il. by E. Dalton Stevens. †$1.50. Putnam.

6–41721.

“The period selected is the early part of the last century, and the plot revolves about the struggle between the Shogun and the Mikado, ending with the victory and restoration of the latter. Shibusawa, a true Japanese warrior, son of a daimio, fought well both in war and love, and in the end won honors and the maiden of his choice.”—Outlook.

“The story, while for the most part descriptive, with little dialog and only ordinary fancy, lacks snap and fire, while perhaps a good general picture of old Japan.”

“For the most part the people and their actions seem to belong quite in their Japanese frame.”

“The style of the book is somewhat too serious and prolix for a successful artistic effect.”

Adams, Rev. John.Sermons in accents: studies in the Hebrew text: a book for preachers and students. *$1.80. Scribner.

“An attempt to make Hebrew accentuation interesting and helpful to the average preacher and Bible student, for whom Wickes’ treatises are too elaborate and wearisome.”—Bib. World.

“As an introductory manual preparatory to the use of a more thorough and complete treatment the work may be recommended to the student beginning his studies.”

Adams, John Coleman.Honorable youth. *75c. Universalist pub.

6–45015.

A manual of instruction on life success, how to conceive it, and how to attain it.

*Adams, Joseph Henry.Harper’s electricity book for boys. $1.75. Harper.

7–37737.

A practical, thorogoing, working knowledge of electricity can be obtained from this handbook for boys. “It tells how to make cells and batteries, switches and insulators, armatures, motors and coils. It shows how easily experiments may be made with home-made appliances at small cost. Every-day uses of electricity are explained so that boys will understand and at the same time be stimulated to put forth their own skill and ingenuity.” Numerous cuts of apparatus are given.

Adams, Joseph Henry.Harper’s outdoor book for boys; with contributions by Kirk Munroe, Tappan Adney, Capt. Howard Patterson, Leroy Milton Yale and others. $1.75. Harper.

7–21249.

Instructive, above all things practical, this book is based upon experience, whose aim is to show boys how to do accurately all manner of out-of-door things within their powers. Beginning with the backyard, detailed information is given for such contrivances as pet shelters, windmills, aërial toys; going farther afield the interest centers in coasters, skees, kites, fishing tackle, etc.; then come boat building and boat management; while the fourth part of the book is devoted to camps and camping, tree-huts, brush-houses, etc.

“We have seen no book of the kind so thoroughly practical and so well adapted to its aims as this.”

“No book better suited to develop ingenuity and mechanical ability.”

“It is a reference book that is worth while to have on hand.”

Adams, Oscar Fay.Sicut patribus, and other verse. $1.60. Oscar F. Adams, The Hermitage, Willow st., Bost.

6–7734.

“The title selection is an ode read at the annual meeting of the Tufts chapter of Phi beta kappa in 1902. It is an arraignment of American ‘imperialism,’ touched with thatsaeva indignatiowhich has stirred William Vaughn Moody, the late John W. Chadwick, and others of our poets in approaching the same theme. The cathedral poems, filled with the atmosphere of English closes, and reinforced by Mr. Adams’s architectural studies, seem of the entire sheaf to be most truly characteristic.”—N. Y. Times.

“Book of sincere and thoughtful verso.” Wm. M. Payne.

“A collection of correct, derivative pieces in many modes.”

“Throughout the book, indeed, technical variety and facility are to be noted, and if there be few striking lines, there are a certain reflective grace and fine traditions of men and literature.”

Adams, Samuel.Writings of Samuel Adams, ed. by H. A. Cushing. 4v. *$5. Putnam.

4–18620.

v. 2.“The second volume ... covers the years 1770 to 1773.... The volume contains ninety-two pieces in all; of these forty-one are newspaper articles, twenty are reports or memorials prepared in committee, and thirty-one are private letters.”—Nation.

“His private letters, of which Mr. Cushing has made a goodly collection are more illuminative of his character than his public papers. Mr. Cushing shows great industry in locating his material, but is much too sparing in his notes, leaving too many references unexplained. There are errors of dates and names, and a wrong committee of Congress is given in the note to p. 336.”

“Like its predecessors, is a valuable addition to the documentary study of the revolutionary period.”

“By thus carefully collecting and editing these writings, Dr. Cushing has rendered a distinct and meritorious service to American history.” Herbert L. Osgood.

Addams, Jane.Newer ideals of peace. (Citizens’ lib.) *$1.25. Macmillan.

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