Chapter 117

Agr 7–1170.

A book of good counsel particularly for those who own large estates. The reader is told how to beautify his grounds, and the treatment of both forests and flower gardens is considered in detail. A plant dictionary is appended.

“The author has a final chapter defending his use of common English names of plants and trees; and here we must differ with him.” Edith Granger.

“This book is most valuable in England, as it is written for that climate, but his careful list of trees with directions where each should be planted, his list of shrubs, and the true love of nature that runs thru the book will make it one that owners of woodlands or large estates will enjoy and find useful in spite of the mustard and pepper with which it is highly seasoned.”

“Mr. Robinson is an attractive writer, who knows how to put sound advice in a telling form.... The only trouble with his books is the marked tendency to repetition.”

“Undoubtedly the best modern book of reference for flower gardens.”

“Mr. Robinson’s chapters are full of interesting suggestions about landscape gardening. He can give some practical as well as aesthetic advice, moreover, to owners of woodlands and parks.”

Robinson, William Henry.Golden palace of Neverland. il. †$1.50. Dutton.

7–21222.

“Mr. Robinson’s story tells of the transporting of a girl and boy to a fairy island on a magic raft. Numerous exciting adventures befall them there, leading them into the society of gnomes and other interesting beings; also into Mother Goose’s domain, where they encounter well-known friends, such as Tom the piper’s son, Little Jack Horner, etc.”—Outlook.

“An excellent new fairy story book.”

Roche, Francis Everard.Exodus: an epic on liberty. $1.50. Badger, R: G.

6–16205.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

“Is lacking, in poetic elevation, although it has seriousness and animation.”

Rodd, Sir James Rennell.Princes of Achaia and the chronicles of Morea: a study of Greece in the middle ages. 2v. *$7. Longmans.

7–29135.

What Gibbon would not undertake Sir Rennell Rodd has accomplished, namely to give life and form to the “obscure and various dynasties that rose and fell on the continent or in the isles.” “There is a clear-cut introduction dealing with historical authorities. A readable account of the fourth crusade, including the sack of Constantinople and the partition of the empire, is given as a sort of prologue.... The history from the time of Otho of Brunswick to the Greek restoration is summarized as an epilogue. There are three appendices, the third of which contains helpful genealogical tables; also a map ... and an index.” (Dial.)

“It may safely be said that the volumes under notice are valuable for the parts relating to the Morea though they show traces of haste elsewhere. If the author could find time to cut the two volumes down to one, omitting such parts as have no immediate connection with his subject and revising the rest, his book would be improved and have a distinctly greater historical value.” Edwin Pears.

“It is a conscientious and critical work. The author does not strain after effects, though he is fully alive to the interest of his subject.”

“Our author has spared no effort to reach available sources, or to make his results perfectly clear. The style is simple and direct.” F. B. R. Hellems.

“Sir Rennell Rodd possesses almost every qualification for writing the history of Frankish Greece.” W. Miller.

“Though this history of medieval Achaia has certain limitations which the specialist will detect, it is based on sound and large foundations.”

“As a narrative his work is not likely to be superseded. Unfortunately the most interesting part of the book comes first.”

“A coherent narrative such as has not been offered to us before in English, though we do not forget Finlay.”

Rodocanachi, Emmanuel.Roman capitol in ancient and modern times. *$1. Dutton.

7–29082.

In which are considered the citadel, the temples, the senatorial palace, the palace of the conservators and the museum. “The first part tells the story from the foundation of the city down to the sixth century. At this time a period of darkness set in. The place was practically forgotten. Then in the eleventh century it emerged again into light. The second part tells the story of the locality as it was in the period of the revival.” (Spec.)

“It must be admitted that the task of translating the mass of ill-digested material of which the book consists cannot have been otherwise than tiresome, but the shortcomings of the translation make the work in its present form still more tiresome to read.”

“The translation is faithful, but not attractive. We notice a good many misprints. The shortcomings of the book do not seriously interfere with its general interest and usefulness.”

“It is, of course, scholarly and scientific—too much so, perhaps, for the traveler who has neither time nor inclination for a minute examination of the antiquities, buildings and ruins of the famous hill; for such as have, the volume cannot be excelled.”

“At first sight the book, with its multitudinous footnotes and wealth of historical erudition, may appear to be more acceptable by the student than by the ordinary reader. For the special kind of reader mentioned as being bodily on the capitol it must be invaluable, being a guide book informed with this peculiar charm, that, although no information is omitted which the pilgrim might be expected to possess already, the style conveys a delicate compliment in being far above the comprehension of the vulgar ignoramus.”

Roe, Fred.Old oak furniture. **$3. McClurg.

The author says “If any apology is needed for what may be termed old oak worship, I may say that the final aim of art is—or ought to be—beauty, and that the cult of old oak is really only one aspect of the pursuit of beauty.” He discusses English archaic rarities, Gothic styles of medieval time, styles of the renaissance and after, oaken chairs and stools before the renaissance, coffers and chests, cupboards and sideboards, bedsteads and cradles, panelling and filled furniture, furniture with hiding-places, vicissitudes of old furniture, and forgeries in old oak.

“Written rather for the inexperienced than the expert, his book will be an excellent aid to the neophyte; but it also contains much new information of value even to the accomplished antiquarian.”

Rogers, Arthur Kenyon.Religious conception of the world; an essay in constructive philosophy. **$1.50. Macmillan.

7–5078.

“In the opening lines of his introduction the author tells us that he set out to defend a view of the world which is frankly religious and theistic.... With grace and skill he discusses the eternal problems of philosophy regarding the relation of God and nature, God and man, the purely metaphysical question concerning the nature of God. In plain language he tries to explain the greatest historical mystery, the permission of evil on the part of God. He also dwells at some length on the problems of freedom and immortality.”—Ind.

“Treats of religion in a logical and constructive manner. Despite the abstract nature of the topics, the author uses simple language,carefully avoiding the technical expressions of the philosophical schools.”

“An acutely and cautiously reasoned work. It is addressed to earnest thinkers, it presumes patient consideration, and may weary those who are disinclined to intellectual exercise.”

“Perhaps the strongest chapters in the book are those devoted to theism proper. A less satisfactory part of the book is that dealing with the foundations and validity of knowledge.” H. W. Wright.

Rogers, Arthur Kenyon.Student’s history of philosophy. *$2. Macmillan.

7–27624.

A new edition whose revision includes some corrected errors of fact, “a large number of mistakes of judgment,” says the author, “and infelicities of expression.” The exposition itself has also been rewritten, references have been added in connection with quoted passages, and the bibliographies have been brought down to date.

“Is not in any sense noteworthy and the author’s style is decidedly heavy.”

“Next to the comprehensiveness of the treatment and the clearness of the exposition, the most remarkable characteristic of the book is the accuracy of the bibliography.”

•Rogers, Gertrude.Cobwebs. $1. Badger, R. G.

7–26605.

A little book of dainty verse whose silvery texture is enhanced by the sunshine of youth, buoyancy and possibility.

“A pale distillation of old poetic symbols.”

Rogers, Robert Cameron.Rosary and other poems. **$1.25. Lane.

6–32395.

Four classical idyls in blank verse.

“Are distinctly out of the common. But the talent of Mr. Rogers is for the most part lyrical, and a very charming talent it is.” Wm. M. Payne.

“With all its variety and intelligence, the volume just misses distinction, chiefly, we should guess, because of a certain limitation of sentiment and because the life in it has been strained through too many books.”

Roller, Frank W.Electric and magnetic measurements and measuring instruments. *$3.50. McGraw pub.

7–6710.

“A summary of the instruments and methods used or proposed for all kinds of measurements of electrical and magnetic quantities.”—Engin. N.

“It is not a treatise that will be useful to a student, unless accompanied by very careful directions from a competent instructor. The descriptions appear to be accurate and a vast amount of information is rendered accessible.” Henry H. Morris.

Rollins, Frank West.What can a young man do? **$1.50. Little.

7–32570.

Over fifty possible careers are here sketched for the benefit of the young man with his life work before him. There are chapters upon the professions, various branches of business, politics, consular service, the sailor, the actor, the chauffeur, the farmer and many other ways of earning a living.

“The book will be read with interest and profit by the heads of families and by their sons who are about to choose their life work.”

*Rollins, Montgomery.Money and investments: a reference book for the use of those desiring information in the handling of money or the investment thereof. *$2. Estes.

7–31980.

“The object of the book is essentially to furnish to the layman information about the simple forms of financial transactions, to explain the slang of the stock market, and to guide him in his investments. The foreword of 36 pages gives a general review of the financial situation with suggestions to investors. The remaining 436 pages are in the form of an encyclopedia, with headings alphabetically arranged.”—Ind.

“We have received many letters lately from our subscribers asking us to recommend an elementary book of finance. The present volume ... seems to fill the bill.”

“Is a workmanlike compilation of little financial essays, cast in dictionary form. The book is rather suitable for reference than for counsel in action.”

Romanes, Ethel (Mrs. George John Romanes).Story of Port Royal. *$5. Dutton.

7–28621.

“An attempt to give an account of the remarkable religious movement known as Port-Royal—which ... in the seventeenth century ... touched French life at almost every point.”—Lond. Times.

“We cannot commend the style of the writing. The sentences are jerky and the paragraphs disjointed. There is a running comment of religious and moral sententiousness which is both irritating and tedious. We have, however, nothing but praise for Mrs. Romanes’s industry and enthusiasm for her subject.”

“Sainte-Beuve’s great book, ‘Port Royal,’ is, as every one knows, the one supreme work on the subject. No substitute for it exists in English, nor can we honestly say that Mrs. Romanes’s book will occupy that place. It is written in a rambling, inconclusive style, which wanders from subject to subject, from biographical sketches of the principal actors in the story to long theological disquisitions and back again in a way which is most confusing to the reader.”

“It is to be regretted that Mrs. Romanes did not submit her manuscript to somebody competent to correct her French.”

“Perhaps her seemingly unnecessary fullness of detail is essential to give a complete picture, but occasionally one feels that the text might have been condensed. This, however, if it be a blemish, is certainly a minor one. Her volume is to be heartily commended to all students of religious development.”

“Mrs. Romanes has dealt with it sympathetically, if occasionally her observations are rather English and conventional.”

Rook, Clarence.Switzerland, the country and its people; painted by Effie Jardine. *$6. Putnam.

7–26626.

Mr. Rook “gives us neither an arid chronological history nor a descriptive guide-book, but takes up chapter by chapter for broad intelligent treatment such subjects as ‘Swiss patriotism,’ ‘The growth of a republic,’ ‘TheSwiss government,’ ‘Popular control,’ ‘Winter sports,’ ‘The Swiss as engineers.’”—Outlook.

“The artist’s little pictures are very much like what one has been used to in similar books. She is more successful, to our mind, with lowlands and street scenes than with the high Alps, and with summer scenes than with winter. Mr. Rook writes in a cheerful journalistic style, without more regard for accuracy in details than that style tolerates. On the main facts of Swiss history and institutions he is usually correct.”

“We were very much surprised to find Mr. Rook’s part of this book not only readable, but interesting, even informing, tho not burdened with statistics.”

“It is one of the most entertaining and instructive of the season’s books of travel.”

“About the text there is nothing heavy. In a style which is both easy and graceful, Mr. Rook introduces his reader to the admirable government and fine characteristics of the sturdy Swiss.”

“In several well-considered chapters the government of Switzerland is very adequately treated, and there are some suggestive comparisons between Swiss methods of government and those of other nations.”

“With very few exceptions these pictures can be cordially praised. Each subject, whether serious or light, is treated in appropriate vein and with evidence of knowledge and discrimination.”

Reviewed by Charlotte Harwood.

“Mr. Rook is a lively and picturesque writer, and we have never come across a more readable account of the rise and progress of the Swiss confederation.”

“A volume which is bound both to please and to profit.”

Roosevelt, Theodore.Good hunting in pursuit of big game in the West. $1. Harper.

7–6650.

These true stories of big-game hunting in the West are written for young people, especially for young hunters. The tales are told wholly from the sportsman’s point of view and over-sympathetic little readers of the modern animal story may not enjoy these triumphant hunts which meant death to: the wapiti or round horned elk, a cattle-killing bear, a Christmas buck, the timber-wolf, the prong-buck, or the white goat. The volume closes with some sound advice upon ranching.

“It is eminently suited for its purpose, as its tone is sportsmanlike and the descriptions are in well-chosen words.”

“Full of wholesome advice on hunting and ranching.”

“Spirited papers.”

Roosevelt, Theodore.Square deal. $1. Allendale press.

6–36925.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

Root, Edward Clary.Unseen jury: a novel; with il. by Phillipps Ward. †$1.50. Stokes.

7–9546.

The father of a girl with two lovers is found dead in a stream. All evidence points to the guilt of the dissipated lover whose suit had been repeatedly rejected by the father. When conviction seems imminent, the other lover, a lawyer, takes up the defense, wins the case and the free man goes back to the girl only to learn that his rival is her choice.

“Detective stories involving murder mysteries do not seem likely to offer anything agreeably new. But in this respect a pleasant surprise awaits the reader of ‘The unseen jury.’” Frederic Taber Cooper.

“The theme is an interesting one, and the author has handled his plot fairly well. Mr. Root could also have improved the story not a little by judicious condensation. And the manuscript has been edited with shocking carelessness.”

Root, Elihu.Citizen’s part in government. (Yale lectures on the responsibilities of citizenship.) **$1. Scribner.

7–22700.

“Secretary Root discusses (1) the task inherited or assumed by members of the governing body in a democracy; (2) the function of political parties as agencies of the governing body; (3) the duties of the citizens as a member of a political party; and (4) the grounds for encouragement.”—R. of Rs.

“It is a vigorous and stimulating book, well worth addition to Bishop Goodsell’s list.” Edward A. Bradley.

Reviewed by Montgomery Schuyler.

“Mr. Root’s sensible and well-proportioned treatment of these topics is precisely what is needed by the young American who aspires to have a real part in making the political conditions around him better.”

Root, Jean Christie (Mrs. J. H. Root).Does God comfort? by one who has greatly needed to know. **30c. Crowell.

6–18575.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

Root, Robert Kilburn.Poetry of Chaucer: a guide to its study and appreciation. **$1.50. Houghton.

6–34823.

The author’s purpose has been “to put his readers in possession of the most recent results of Chaucerian research, which are at present widely scattered in learned periodicals. The scanty facts that have been unearthed about Chaucer’s biography, the chronology of his works, the sources to which he was indebted for his material—for, like Shakespeare and Molière, Chaucer took his own wherever he found it—and the social conditions and surroundings amid which and for which the poet wrote are amply set forth.” (N. Y. Times.)

“This interesting study avoids both the iridescent foam of clever but shallow appreciation and the dead calm of unanimated learning.”

“Especially to be commended is his conservatism in rejecting the ingenious speculations which have recently aimed at revolutionizing the generally accepted chronology of Chaucer’s poems. Like most books that issue from American universities, it is perhaps too didactic in aim, and the shadow of orthodoxy at times hangs a little heavily over its pages.”

“It is written with learning and from a sane and sympathetic point of view.”

Ropes, James Hardy.Apostolic age in the light of modern criticism. **$1.50. Scribner.

6–14529.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

“The book is constructive in method, conservative in treatment, clear in style. An excellent supplement to Kent’s ‘Origin and permanent value of the Old Testament.’”

“The interpretation of the Acts in ... Dr. Ropes’s Apostolic age ... is a living and breathing matter, a real thing, seeking honestly and earnestly for truth, and bringing us the truth thus found with all frank generosity.” George Hodges.

“The general tendency of the book is distinctly orthodox. It is from such contributions to the subject that real progress may be hoped.”

Rose, Arthur Richard.Common sense hell. **$1. Dillingham.

6–6895.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

*Rose, Elise Whitlock.Cathedrals and cloisters of midland France; il. by Vida Hunt Francis. 2v. **$5. Putnam.

“Together the volumes contain four photogravures and two hundred half-tone illustrations picturing the churches of central France, whose architecture is differentiated from that to the north and south by the dominance of the Byzantine influence. Miss Rose has already written of the south of France cathedrals; and the new books are bound uniformly with the others, and follow a similar method.”—Dial.

“Architectural beauty, historical associations, and human interest are all considered, and accuracy rather than popularity is the author’s aim.”

“The book is almost as pleasant to read as to look at, being quite competent on the technical side and betraying the same artistic sensibility in text as in pictures.”

Rose, Elise W.Cathedrals and cloisters of the south of France: with il. from original photographs by Vida H. Francis. 2v. **$5. Putnam.

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