Chapter 123

6–32375.

v. 1.An English version of a well-known French text book designed for use in secondary schools. Volume 1 covers a period from pre-historic times down to the third century of our era.

“Is the most satisfactory history of civilization that has yet appeared.” J. W. Moncrief.

“A plain straightforward account.... The translation seems to have been carefully made, and the editor’s notes, though not numerous, are of distinct value. Nevertheless, the book is something of a disappointment. In his effort to cover the entire field the author has naturally been compelled to include a great deal that is already found in the high-school text-book.”

“It is a sorry, dry-as-dust, uninteresting, and unprofitable compilation.”

Seitz, Don Carlos.Discoveries in every-day Europe. **$1.25. Harper.

7–29537.

Little details that eminate from the store of a traveler’s latent impressions, the sort that fill the chinks of the memory but that are seldom offered to the stay-at-home tourist. In his shrewdly observant fashion, entertainingly humorous, the author tells the reader things worth remembering, and things that can be remembered for their very epigrammatic clearness. For instance, he says, “Ice is regarded with superstitious reverence in Italy, France and England. Common waiters are not allowed to touch the precious product. Instead, the head waiter hands it out in infinitesimal fragments with a pair of sugar-tongs.” The marginal illustrations are suggestive of the book’s humor.

“The ordinary reader will find in it a great deal more about Europe that would interest him than he gets in the usual ponderous book of travel.”

“Alert, humorous, and irrepressible.”

Seligman, Edwin Robert Anderson.Principles of economics; with special reference to American conditions. 2d ed. *$2.25. Longmans.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

“In the present reviewer’s opinion, Professor Seligman’s volume is likely to prove of more value to the teacher of economics than to the beginner in the subject for whose benefit primarily it was written. This is not because of any lack of clearness or other defects of style. It is due rather to the fact that the author has attempted to cover too much ground and to introduce the student to too great a variety of subjects.” M. B. Hammond.

Selleck, Willard Chamberlain.New appreciation of the Bible: a study of the spiritual outcome of Biblical criticism. *$1.50. Univ. of Chicago press.

7–11195.

An attempt to popularize some of the results of scholarship. It aims to do three things: first, to state, briefly but clearly and accurately the principal conclusions of modern learning regarding the Bible; second, to show the enhanced values, ethical and religious, which the Bible exhibits thru the new views of its nature thus developed, and lastly, to point out practical ways in which it may be used in consonance with such conclusions and such views.

“A most useful and valuable book.”

“Readers of his careful chapters will have little to unlearn if they pursue their studies further.”

“The book is an excellent combination of the conservative spirit with the radical method in a constructive treatment of its subject.”

Selous, Frederick Courteney.Recent hunting trips in British North America. *$5. imp. Scribner.

“Mr. Selous divides his book into short chapters, each dealing with an expedition to various parts of the country. Thus he begins with a moose hunt in the forests of Central Canada, goes on to Newfoundland after woodland caribou, and visits St. John’s lake, the Macmillan river, Yukon territory, and other places, finding sport, and adding trophies to what must be one of the largest collections ever made by a single person.” (Ath.) “One last chapter is devoted to outfit, food, etc., all excellent practical hints.” (Nation.)

“Is sure of a cordial welcome for many reasons.”

Reviewed by H. E. Coblentz.

“There is one quality about all Selous’s books which will win the attention of his readers: he is preeminently honest and sincere. There is no fine writing, no exaggeration: all his descriptions of adventures bear the hall-mark of truth.”

“The book at large, while, of course, of much more interest to the British (or American) sportsman than to the casual reader whose tastes have not been developed that way, has a good deal, of the charm of its kind.”

“Mr. Selous’s account of his daily doings is a plain, straightforward narrative which will be invaluable to those who follow him, into these northern wilds. He also gives much interesting information about the aspect of the country, the fauna, the habits of beavers, the races of wild sheep in North America, and the big game generally.”

*Seneca, Lucius Annæus.Tragedies of Seneca; tr. into English verse, to which have been appended comparative analyses of the corresponding Greek and Roman plays, and a mythological index. by Frank Justus Miller. *$3. Univ. of Chicago press.

Aside from the fact that Seneca’s tragedies serve as the only connecting link between ancient and modern tragedy, the plays are of value and interest as independent dramatic literature of merit, and also as an illustration of the literary characteristics of the age of Nero. The author has aimed to present to the English reader all of the values accruing from a study of these plays except the benefit to be derived from reading them in the original.

*Sergeant, Philip Walsingham.Last empress of the French. **$3.50. Lippincott.

A contribution to history. “The book begins, as careful biographies should begin, with a due account of Eugénie’s grandparents, leading up to the birth of Eugénie, her early days, and eventual marriage with Napoleon III., through the machinations of her mother and the help of her own beauty.” (Acad.)

“The present book is a painstaking collection of facts about the life of the Empress Eugénie, written without enthusiasm and without distinction. From one point of view it is an improving book, from another a very blasphemy against that most mysterious, most sacred of all things—life.”

“If not treated as history may be commended.”

“Agreeably written, clearly printed, and handsomely illustrated, the book is worthy of its subject. It shows, too, care and painstaking research in its preparation; but one might have expected that the restraint imposed upon the biography by the Empress Eugénie’s being still alive would have been offset by the advantage of some little help from her in the clearing up of certain obscurities in her eventful history.”

“The book is well done, and the portraits and views are well selected.”

“It is, as may be supposed, a difficult subject which Mr. Sergeant has elected to treat; and he must be allowed the credit of having accomplished his task with success.”

Seton, Grace Gallatin Thompson (Mrs. Ernest Thompson Seton).Nimrod’s wife. **$1.75. Doubleday.

7–18186.

An account of the author’s life in the open while accompanying her artist-author husband on his trips in search of copy rather than game. Many interesting feminine side lights are thrown upon experiences of camp and travel while there is much good advice to women as to proper dress and equipment.

“This is a book to read; if you like books about hunting, without any adventures which give a distinct thrill.”

“Written in a spirited manner, pervaded by enthusiasm for outdoor life, a love of adventure, and a cheerful, wholesome philosophy.”

“It is bright, unconventional narrative, and would be better if the writing were more coherent and less ‘highfalutin.’ But it is agreeable enough.”

“Offers another study of feminine self-consciousness, superimposed, in this instance, upon a perverted and, and at times, amusingly naïve hero-worship.” George Gladden.

“We can unreservedly praise her for her quick wit and catching humor, for her thorough-going sportsman-like manner, and for the literary graces of good composition.” H. E. Coblentz.

“The views of Nimrod’s wife partake still of the charm of comparative novelty.”

“Certainly with safety and entire truthfulness it may be affirmed of Mrs. Thompson Seton’s animal anecdotes that they are at least good reading—and that in these intimate and formal records of camp life and travel she has so well preserved the atmosphere of close companionship with woods and waters that, even to the uninitiated, what is after all the chief charm of sport with gun and rod is made quite clear.”

Seven sages of Rome, ed. from the manuscripts with introduction, notes and glossary, by Killis Campbell. *$2.25. Ginn.

7–5077.

Besides the text, which follows the Cotton MS., this volume, one of the “Albion series of Anglo-Saxon and Middle English poetry,” contains an exhaustive introduction which discusses the early history of The seven sages, the Oriental, European, and English versions, and gives a list of originals and analogues. Full notes, a glossary and index complete the volume.

“We congratulate Prof. Campbell on the skill and care displayed in this edition, which students of ‘comparative literature’ will find of great use.”

“The text is an important one in the history of stories and a new edition was obviously needed. This want has just been supplied in a thoroughly satisfactory manner by Prof. Killis Campbell.”

Severy, Melvin Linwood.Gillette’s social redemption. Il. **$2.50. Turner, H. B.

7–18591.

A review of world-wide conditions as they exist to-day, offering an entirely new suggestion for the remedy of the evils they exhibit. Mr. Severy but gives expression to Mr. Gillette’s ingenious plan for the amelioration of the ever-increasing ills of the existing social system,—a plan which combines the best of the single tax scheme, the best of socialism with the best part of our present system as it exists to-day.

“Sensational ‘stories’ from daily newspapers, even of the ‘yellow’ type, are seriously treated as historical materials, without rational criticism. All the muckrakers are here invited to unload their unsavory burdens, and the result is a sort of literary dumping-ground.” Charles Richmond Henderson.

“One could wish, however, for less material and a better sorting of what is used.”

“It may be that some of the world’s scandals are omitted from this large and handsome book, of whose paper and print it is possible to speak well.”

Sewell, Tyson.Construction of dynamos, (alternating and direct current): a textbook for students, engineer-constructors, and electricians-in-charge. *$3. Van Nostrand.

A text-book for students and apprentices in electrical engineering as well as helpful to civil, mechanical and other engineers. The earlier chapters are devoted to an exposition of the fundamental principles of direct and single phase alternating currents, and their bearing on the subject, of dynamos; the effects of polyphase currents being treated later on as an introduction to polyphase alternators.

“A great deal of good information is given, but there is a lack of perspective the reader being left in doubt as to what is the standard practice.” Henry H. Norris.

“A perusal of Mr. Sewell’s book will leave the reader with the impression that the designer of dynamos will learn nothing from it, and that the student may with equal advantage read any of the previous publications treating of the dynamo in a popular style.” Gisbert Kapp.

Seymour, Frederick H. A.Saunterings in Spain. **$3. Dutton.

7–35147.

The “saunterings” include Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Cordova, Seville, and Granada. “The introduction giving an historical sketch of the Moorish occupation of Spain is a noteworthy tribute to remarkable people who shed light upon European art and science at a time when Europe was ‘in that slough of despond which we term “the dark ages.”’” (Sat. R.) “The book is essentially for the journey and not the fireside.” (Nation.)

“The historical sketch is good and concise, the description commonplace, superficial and too personal.”

“[The reader] should guard himself against too implicit an acceptance of all the dicta it contains. A spirit of recklessness may be found at work at various points in the main narrative.”

“The book is more deeply laden with useful knowledge than most, the studies of the art galleries in Spain being particularly close and appreciative.” Wallace Rice.

“The illustrations are so fine that they almost make up for the shortcomings of the text.”

“Perhaps the most interesting chapters of the book, in which there is not one dull page, are those on the Alhambra.”

“Mr. Seymour ... is not a saunterer at all, but the cicerone, with much of the dryness and ponderosity of the guild, but informing, and if not so suggestive as Mr. Williams, far more valuable as a guide.”

Seymour, Frederick H. A.Siena and her artists. *$1.50. Jacobs.

7–38017.

A dissertation upon Sienese art as exemplified in her architecture, sculpture and painting. “General Seymour does not write as a specialist. He eschews technical language, and contents himself with setting down in simple terms the impressions produced upon him by study of the works of Duccio di Buoninsegna, the Lorenzetti, Taddeo di Bartolo, and their disciples and successors. It is interesting to note, from the records of these impressions, how strong an appeal to the modern mind may be made by an art which has deliberately adhered to a set of rigid conventions, if only it possesses the fundamental qualities of beauty and sincerity.” (Ath.)

“A book for the amateur—yes! Unimportant, but redeemed by enthusiasm and headlong interest in the subject.”

“The unpretending volume before us contains nothing for the scholar or the art-critic, but it will be welcome to the ordinary traveller visiting Siena for the first time, and desiring counsel as to how he may most profitably spend his leisure there.”

“Another book which will be useful to the visitor to Italy who wishes for criticisms of pictures not too learned or technical.”

Seymour, Thomas Day.Life in the Homeric age. *$4. Macmillan.

7–36949.

Based upon a study of the Homeric poems, this book deals with the life and times as reflected in the poet’s language. Hence it is philological rather than archaeological. The importance of the undertaking to the modern reader lies in the fact that Homer’s picture of the life of his age is the earliest account extant of the culture from which our own is a true lineal descendant. The cosmography and geography of the country are studied, the family, education, dress, food, slavery, trade, sea life and ships, agriculture, animals, worship, arms and war.

“Very learned and extremely readable book, which we heartily recommend both to scholars and to the general reader.” R. T. Tyrrell.

“Is an admirable addition to a scholar’s bookshelves. There is little doubt that this work is exhaustive and accurate enough to satisfy all but the keenest departmental specialists.”

“The work seems too detailed for a younger student, while for the advanced worker it ought to embody more results from archaeology and the increasingly important science of anthropology. Again, one is compelled to notice a regrettable lack of proportion, a habit of repetition that might be called otiose if one did not know the over-conscientious author, and a constant recurrence of a negative method elucidation.” F. B. R. Hellems.

“No one can doubt that it is definitive.”

“A more complete guide to the knowledge of life’s externals in the Homeric age we have never met with.”

“There is all through a certain lack of precision of view in this book.”

“The present volume will be an indispensable work of reference in public and college libraries and a handsome ornament to private collections. But we fear that it is too bulky and too expensive for the students who need it in their reading of Homer.”

“In a broad sense one might call this work of opulent learning a sociological commentary upon the Bible of ancient Greece.”

Shackleton, Robert, and Shackleton, Mrs. Elizabeth.Quest of the colonial. **$2.40. Century.

7–30414.

While the chapters of this book are the personal experiences of two enthusiastic homemakers in quest of the useful, beautiful and interesting articles of colonial furniture and bric-a-brac, they afford generous information concerning colonial furniture of every kind, and offer helpful suggestions in the matter of selection.

“It contains a great deal of definite and accurately stated information for the amateur collector, besides many anecdotes calculated to quicken his enthusiasm and arouse his envy and admiration.”

“It is rare that one finds a book that deals so accurately with facts pertaining to the furnishing of our forefathers and at the same time uses dry data with sufficient cunning to make a charming readable tale.”

“No one who has the slightest love of the old could fail to gain sincere pleasure from the reading of this book.”

Shakespeare, William.Complete dramatic and poetic works; ed. from the text of the early quartos and the first folio by William A. Neilson. $3. Houghton.

6–38336.

Uniform with “Cambridge poets,” this volume shares with the others of the series the excellencies of book making. Professor Neilson’s “radical procedure in frankly adopting a modern punctuation will probably please readers, if they notice it, and raise questions among scholars. His rearrangement of the plays according to chronology within the three well-recognized divisions of comedies, histories, and tragedies, by which ‘Tempest’ appears as the seventeenth instead of the first play, is likely to give qualms to readers rather than to scholars. Both innovations seem to me to be worth trying, and it is needless to approve the small amount of textual apparatus in such an edition and the consequent saving of space for a good glossary.” (Forum.)

“We recommend it most cordially to the scholar, the student, and the general reader.”

“Calls for a word of hearty praise.”

“Professor Neilson ... has done a real service in his one volume of Shakespeare. His critical introduction and textual notes are very admirable.”

“No more attractive single-volume edition exists.” W. P. Trent.

“This new edition by Prof. Neilson is easily the best single-volume edition that has yet been published.”

“In every way the volume is suited for the use of the general reader and for a place on his library shelf.”

“These textual variations are the merest trifles after all, and detract nothing from the general merit of the book, which is unquestionably the best one-volume edition of Shakespeare that has appeared—so nearly perfect in its way indeed, that its supremacy is not likely to be disputed for many a year.” Wm. J. Rolfe.

Shakespeare, William.First folio Shakespeare; ed. with notes, introd. glossary, list of variorum readings, and selected criticisms, by Charlotte Porter and Helen A. Clarke, ea. 75c. Crowell.

—As you like it.

6–42340.

This volume shares with the volumes that have gone before the excellencies of the carefully compiled editorial matter.

—Henry the fifth.

6–45068.

The characteristic features of this entire series are found in this volume.

—Much ado about nothing.

7–11050.

Uniform with the “First folio edition,” and the twelfth to be issued. It is supplied with the full editorial equipment characteristic of the edition.

“The reading public cannot be too grateful to the editors and publishers of this Shakespeare for bringing within their easy reach that which has hitherto been accessible only to millionaires and scholars.”

“Altogether the editors deserve to be warmly complimented on the thoroughness of their work, which must have cost them abundant time and labour.”

“There is nothing better at hand for the genuine student of Shakespeare and the development of the English language.”

“We have no hesitation in saying that this is as great a help to Shakespearean study as has been produced for many years.”

Shakespeare, William.Tragedie of Antonie and Cleopatra; ed. by Horace H. Furness. *$4. Lippincott.

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