Chapter 132

7–12004.

A continuation of the fortunes of the wire tappers who married hastily and left New York strong in the resolution to abandon their questionable methods of gaining a livelihood. Abroad, luck seems to turn against them andonce more Durkin turns his electrical engineering skill to account, locates valuable papers and turns burglar. The adventures which he and his clever wife share are quite as novel as they are thrilling.

“We regard it as distinctly inferior to the author’s former story.”

“The plot is constructed with skill and worked out with more than ordinary ability.”

“It is a risky theme, but the author handles it skillfully and with restraint.”

“There is decided talent shown in the management of the details of this intricate and highly sensational novel.”

Stringer, Arthur John Arbuthnott.Wire tappers.†$1.50. Little.

6–16649.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

“As a psychologist Mr. Stringer is less successful. Frances, in particular is an incredible character.” Herbert W. Horwill.

*Stringer, Arthur John A.Woman in the rain and other poems. **$1.25. Little.

7–37033.

In “The woman in the rain” Mr. Stringer pictures the horror of the “huddled sins” of the unregenerate woman grown old in her vice. Among the other poems are “The passing of Aphrodite,” and “Sappho in Leucadia.”

“Both new and old verses are sincere and human in note.”

Strong, Mrs. Arthur (Eugenie Sellers).Roman sculpture: from Augustus to Constantine. (Library of art.) *$3. Scribner.

7–35388.

Based upon a series of lectures delivered at intervals during the past seven years Mrs. Strong’s work is “an exposition of the distinctive character and the evolutionary process of Roman art from the inception of the empire to the official triumph of Christianity.” (Lond. Times.)

“We have criticised this book somewhat closely because it has interested us deeply. Mrs. Strong is a vigorous critic and will not shun criticism. The book is more than a valuable addition to the literature of Roman art. It is practically the first book in this language to give a wide conspectus of the scope and aims of Roman sculpture.”

“Inasmuch as her ability and attainments are so well known that unfavorable criticism cannot be regarded as unfriendly, we must record the unhesitating opinion that she could have written a much better book.”

“It is no flattery to say that she is foremost among the excellent women now working in the classics. She is, however, hardly justified in saying that it is ‘evidently absurd to talk of a realistic as opposed to an idealistic art.’”

“Mrs. Strong has thrown down a gauntlet which will doubtless be taken up; but he will be a bold man who does it. Her knowledge is immense, her observation most accurate, her criticism penetrative and fine. There is no one now writing on ancient art with greater insight than Mrs. Strong. The points to which we have demurred are not among the essentials of her book.”

“A volume like this should be welcomed. It should not be concealed that Mrs. Strong hurts her case very often by claiming too much for her works that are cold and clumsy, poorly disposed, and lacking in true distinction.” Charles de Kay.

“Small blemishes should not prevent us from expressing our deep gratitude to Mrs. Strong for a book produced at the right time and in the right way.”

*Strong, Rev. Josiah.Challenge of the city. **$1. Baker.

“The president of the American institute of social service here adds to his widely read and stimulating books one for younger readers.” (Outlook.) He “treats the problem of those churches and parishes which are being crowded out of many city districts by the oncoming of business houses. Eighty-five churches below Fourteenth street have gone out of existence during the last twenty years. The author finds a remedy in the direction of federation. Four chapters of the book appeared previously in a periodical.” (N. Y. Times.)

Strong, Very Rev. Thomas Banks, ed. Lectures on the methods of science. *$2.50. Oxford.

6–37941.

Nine lectures by as many eminent lecturers upon such subjects as Scientific method as a mental operation, Physiology, Inheritance in animals and plants, Psychophysical method, The evolution of double stars, Anthropology, Archaeological evidence, and Scientific method as applied to history.

“The present volume, however, depends too much upon its title and its preface. Uninspired by their suggestions, the reader would not suspect that he was following a course on scientific method. He would rather suppose that he was receiving an amount of very interesting and very miscellaneous information.” Frederick J. E. Woodbridge.

“The first two lectures ... which treat explicitly of the subject designated in the title of the book, are in reality the least valuable chapters. The real contributions to the study of method are tacit and incidental features of the other papers, which make the least overt reference to the subject.”

“In this handy form they should do much to teach the ordinary reader what science claims to be and how its operations are conducted.”

Stuart, Ruth McEnery.Woman’s exchange of Simpkinsville. †$1.25. Harper.

Two spinster sisters, “upon whose frail maiden shoulders had devolved responsibilities hitherto unknown to the women of the name of Simpkins” lose the fortune of their Arkansas forebears and have to face the question of earning a livelihood. They hit upon the idea of a Woman’s exchange, establish it and manage it with credit to the name of Simpkins. Their rather tame existence is broken by bits of town gossip, echoes of sentiment of long ago, and chiefly by a proposition of ten thousand dollars for the collection of birds in the extending of which an only brother had lost his life.

“Mrs. Stuart’s touch is broader than Mrs. Deland’s, and she is more open to the charge of sentimentalism.”

Studies in philosophy and psychology: by former students of Charles Edward Garman, in commemoration of twenty-five years of service as teacher of philosophy in Amherst college. *$2.50. Houghton.

6–22901.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

Reviewed by John Dewey.

Reviewed by Arthur O. Lovejoy.

Reviewed by Charles H. Judd.

Sturdy, William A. (Isaac Didwin, pseud.).Degeneracy of the aristocracy. $1. Pub. by the author; For sale by the Rhode Island news co., Providence, R. I.

7–15554.

“The purpose of this book is to show, by the retrospect of history, that democracy is destined to assert itself in such a positive manner as to overthrow the commonly accepted theories of the past, that are so tenaciously held to, for the apparent purpose of trying to maintain a declining aristocracy.”

Sturgis, Russell.History of architecture. 3v. v. 1. per set. **$15. Baker.

6–45368.

“Mr. Sturgis’s book belongs to the monumental class. It belongs also to the encyclopedic class, except that the arrangement is chronological and by countries instead of by topics arranged in alphabetical order.” (Lit. D.) “An important feature of this work will be the careful study of the climatic influences on architecture and of the relation of the domestic to the monumental architecture in various countries—a field which has been somewhat neglected by architectural writers. The first volume will deal with the architecture of Egypt, Western Asia, Greece, Etruria, and Rome.” (Dial.)

“Masterly work. Beautifully printed and illustrated, but the paper is so heavy and brittle as to be unsatisfactory for library use.”

“Much of it is brilliantly written, and the whole is evidently the result of wide reading, travel, and study.”

“As a record of architectural events, this history, as evidenced by the volume in hand, leaves nothing to be desired. The task of collating and arranging the great mass of detail has been heavy, and the outcome is a work of great value and a matter of congratulation to both author and publisher.” Irving K. Pond.

“The nomenclature of places is occasionally open to criticism. A book full of information and suggestion, the fruits of a ripe scholarship, and far more readable than most works of this kind are apt to be.”

“The work must at once be accepted as a standard treatise.”

“Despite these minor blemishes, the work is plainly the fruit of careful scholarship, accurate in all its specific information, and usually sound in all its analysis and criticism. It ought to be of real service in the stimulation of public interest and the training of public taste.”

“One need have no hesitation in commending the work as by far the best on its subject and of its scope in the English language. It takes its place at once as an authority.” Montgomery Schuyler.

“Half the volume’s value ... is represented by the illustrations.”

Sturt, Henry Cecil.Idola theatri: a criticism of Oxford thought and thinkers from the standpoint of a personal idealism. *$3.25. Macmillan.

6–36468.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

“Mr. Sturt has produced a book of vigorous and suggestive criticism of current thought and especially of the logical and metaphysical doctrine of Mr. Bradley, who has to bear the brunt of the attack upon ‘Anglo-Hegelianism.’ One could wish, however, that the standpoint of personal idealism had been more fully indicated.” A. Mackie.

Reviewed by John Watson.

Sue, Eugene.Wandering Jew.2v. ea. $1.25. Crowell.

A reissue of, uniform with the limp leather “Thin papers sets.”

Suess, Eduard.Face of the earth (Das antlitz der erde); tr. by Hertha B. C. Sollas under the direction of W. J. Sollas. 5v. per v. *$7.75. Oxford.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

“Students of Professor Suess’s masterpieces hardly know whether to admire most his encyclopedic knowledge of the earth’s surface, his familiarity with the literature of his subject, his grasp of detail, his reach of speculation, or his fine poetical feeling and gifts of expression.”

Sumner, William Graham.Folkways: a study of the sociological importance of usages, manners; customs, mores, and morals.*$3. Ginn.

7–21403.

An analytical definition of the folkways and a description of their functions in the formation and integration of society. Folkways are the ways of satisfying needs which become habitual and customary by the uncoördinated coöperation of individuals. The author shows how these uncoördinated acts grow into habits, thence into traditional customs related to social welfare, later have a philosophy and become rules of the life policy.

“Professor Sumner has written a very valuable and timely book, and one involving years of patient research as well as the possession of a ripe and fearless mind. The two most serious defects of ‘Folkways’ are a lack of psychological standpoint and a lack of systematic and complete presentation.” Wm. I. Thomas.

“The data from anthropology and ethnology seem at times to overweigh the book by their sheer bulk and multiplicity, but for the most part they deepen the impression of the main thesis.” George E. Vincent.

“A distinct gap is filled by this dissertation. From the student’s point of view it is not an easy text-book to read or digest. From the standpoint of those of larger growth it appears congested and scrappy, and suffers the penalty of brevity in drifting occasionally into overstatement and uncritical acceptance of evidence. Throughout the book the author hits hard anddoes not stay to bandy words with his adversary; but, although the reader may not always agree with him, he will find Professor Sumner suggestive and stimulating.” C. H. Hawes.

Sweeney, Mildred I. McNeal-.When yesterday was young; poems. $1.50. Cooke.

7–1960.

Poems descriptive of nature or of places, with a few of legendary, historical or personal character.

“Nearly every one of the poems in the book seems a ‘tour de force.’ A phrase, a line, or, at the most, a stanza speaks: the rest is deliberate verse-making—elaboration.”

“Mr. Sweeney’s verse in both conception and phrase is the product more of fancy than of imagination, and a book of the size of this can scarcely be energized save by the latter.”

“One will not read far in Mrs. Sweeney’s poems without noting both their delicacy of vision and their reflective mood. Though now and again of blither note, they have, in the main, a thoughtful quality, wistful, but never melancholy.” Jessie B. Rittenhouse.

Sweet, J. M.Birth and infancy of Jesus Christ. *$1.50. Presbyterian bd.

6–43773.

An exposition of the arguments that tend to prove the historical authenticity of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.

“His reasoning is not always cogent, but his research has been patient, his consideration of the subject on all sides thoro, and he has preserved thruout the convincing spirit of inquiry”

“His critical skill and appreciation are not sufficient to allow him to do full justice to his theme, this being especially noticeable in his treatment of Old Testament passages.”

“If there is a more thorough and scholarly defense of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ than this monograph of Mr. Sweet, we are not acquainted with it. It is not and does not pretend to be impartial; it is a defense of the orthodox doctrine. But it is fair-minded, erudite, thorough.”

Sweetser, Kate Dickinson.Boys and girls from Thackeray, il. †$2. Duffield.

7–28978.

A companion volume to “Boys and girls from Dickens” and “Boys and girls from George Eliot.” A volume warranted by the emphasis which Thackeray has placed upon his juvenile sketches, They are reprinted without the adult intrigue and plot surrounding them in the novels from which they are taken.

Swete, Henry Barclay.Apocalypse of St. John: the Greek text with introd., notes and indices. *$3.50. Macmillan.

Preceding the text and occupying about half the book such introductory subjects are discussed as Prophecy in the apostolic church, Jewish and Christian apocalypses, Contemporary scholarship and thought in western Asia, Origin of the apocalypse of St. John, including a discussion of its grammatical, rhetorical and literary style and an interpretation of the text from the religious, symbolical, mystical, historical and biographical point of view.

“Dr. Swete’s work is marked by all the care, thoroughness, and precision of scholarship in linguistic and grammatical interpretation which distinguished all his work and secure to him his place as a member of the famous ‘Cambridge’ school. But to the present writer he appears, by the complete rejection of the methods applied, e. g., by Boussett, to exclude the only possible means of arriving at an interpretation of the book which is at once consistent and primary; i.e., an interpretation of what was in the mind of the author.” C. Anderson Scott.

“We must be content with adding an emphatic commendation of Dr. Swete’s volume to the attention of our readers.”

Swettenham, Sir Frank Athelstane.British Malaya: an account of the origin and progress of British influence in Malaya. *$4.50. Lane.

7–7542.

Essentially historical. “Of the fourteen chapters, the first deals with the milieu, the next with the early history according to native and European sources; then follow two chapters on the dawn of British influence; they are not always pleasant reading, for our treatment of the Sultan of Kedah was anything but creditable. The next two chapters cover the middle fifty years of the last century. This was a period of anarchy, brought to an end, though not at once, by the appointment of British residents.... Not the least attractive portions of the work are of the author’s testimony to the virtues of the Chinese and his condemnation of the ordinary system of building railways in British colonies.... The final chapter gives us the author’s views on the future of the British colony with some more criticism of irrational methods.”—Acad.

“The volume is one which should appeal in an extraordinary degree to American readers, for there is scarcely a page which does not present some problem or recount some incident which throws light upon the peculiar character of the Peninsular Malay who is the first cousin of the Filipino.” Alleyne Ireland.

“If ever we should reach the conclusion that instead of trying to fit people to institutions, institutions should be fitted to the nature and capacities of the people as they develop under the influence of industrial opportunity, our administrators may derive valuable suggestions as to sensible procedure from such books as this one by Sir Francis Swettenham.” Henry Jones Ford.

“May well rank as a masterpiece among the host of similar books written by the servants of the British government.”

“Will appeal not only to those interested in the geographical and political questions discussed, but also to the comparatively restricted public who delight in Oriental art work unmodified by western influence.”

“It is [a story] that has never been told before with any historic continuity or in any detail; he tells it with full knowledge, with great literary skill and with infinite sympathy.”

“Were the applicants for positions in our Philippine civil service obliged to pass an examination to prove their fitness, ‘British Malaya’ would be an invaluable text-book.”

“Sir Frank Swettenham writes always with force, sometimes with humour, very often with charm, with delicacy, and with finish, in spite of an occasional tendency to split a hapless infinitive. It should be read by every Englishman who loves his country, for from Sir Frank Swettenham’s eloquent pages all who read will carry away many beautiful and striking pictures,many facts of great value, and a number of imperial lessons very well worth learning and remembering.”

Swinburne, Algernon Charles.Poems: selected and edited by Arthur Beatty. 35c. Crowell.

6–34710.

Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.

“This admirable little volume brings the cream of Swinburne’s poetry within easy reach of all lovers of poetry, and in a handy-sized volume.”

Swinburne, Algernon Charles.William Blake; a critical essay.3d ed. *$2. Dutton.

7–35152.

Along with the revival of Blake literature appears a reprint of Swinburne’s essay published forty years ago. “Where Mr. Swinburne’s book is invaluable is in his interpretation of poetry, of symbolism as poetry, of pictorial design as poetry.... In this huge book of criticism, in which the main incidents of the life of Blake are told, and a detailed account is given of nearly the whole of his literary and much of his painted and engraved work, there is not a page—not even in those flaming foot-notes which spire from page to page after the dwindling body of the text—which is not essentially poetry rather than prose.”

“It is difficult to think of another book, written by a poet on a poet, which is so generous and so illuminating.”

“Allowing for some extravagance of expression, the criticism of the book is both just and profound; and the commentary, whether it be right or wrong on particular points, provides a clear and probably accurate statement of Blake’s ideas and beliefs. It is all written with the confidence and prolixity of youth.”

“There is never likely to be a work on Blake which will supersede that just, eloquent, generous, and illuminating ‘critical’ essay which Mr. Swinburne wrote forty years ago and has only now reprinted. It is a book marvellous for sanity and insight; it was a defence of Blake at a time when he needed to be defended, and it repeats his praise now, when the praise is no longer startling.” Arthur Symons.

*Swing, Albert Temple.James Harris Fairchild; or, Sixty-eight years with a Christian college. **$2. Revell.

7–15571.

An intimate sketch of the life of President Fairchild who was associated with Oberlin college in the capacity of student, teacher, president and professor emeritus from 1834 to 1902.

“Instead of a real book [this is] a volume that makes its chief appeal to the alumni of Oberlin, by whom it will doubtless be appreciated, in oblivion of the larger public.” Montgomery Schuyler.

*Symonds, John Addington.Essays, speculative and suggestive; new ed. *$2. Scribner.

A group of essays first printed seventeen years ago, since which time the harsh judgments then passed upon it have softened somewhat.

“On a second reading the volume appears very unequal, but it is certainly full of ideas.”

“Some of the essays, particularly those on style and on Walt Whitman, are in his best vein.”

*Symonds, John Addington.Wine, women, and song; being an essay on the medieval Latin student’s drinking songs, with translations. il. *$1.50. McClure.

Recalled from the past of twenty years ago this book “should be widely studied if only in order to hasten the death of the absurd belief that the Middle ages were a time of unnatural misery, when religious mania ruled the world and joy and laughter died under the frown of a monstrous puritanical church.” (Acad.)

“Until some kind person will issue a selection of the Goliardic songs in their original Latin, at a price, and in a form that will help them to popularity, there is nothing quite so good as this book of J. A. Symonds’s translations and comments.”

Symons, Arthur.Cities. *$2.50. Dutton.

“Mr. Symons’s note is his own.... Rome, Venice, Naples, Seville, Prague, Moscow, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia and Constantinople are traversed and exposed for us by a temperament at once subtle and impressionistic.”—No. Am.

“Mr. Symons is quite at his best. It is witchery of fine sensations that characterizes Rome or Seville or Prague or whatever city Mr. Symons visits.”

“He is the Whistler of critics.” James Huneker.

“The book is of a rare charm.” James Huneker.

“Some of these [cities] he loves; some he hates. In both cases he tells us why and with frank thoroughness.”

Symons, Arthur.Fool of the world and other poems. *$1.50. Lane.

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