Chapter 22

7–37534.

Professor Burrows’ book becomes an “Ariadne’s thread in a bewildering labyrinth.” He “has rendered signal service not only to the public at large, but also to the cause of archæological research by his little book. He has read, as it would seem, everything which has been published concerning the Cretan discoveries, and has had access to a great deal of information at first hand which has not yet found its way into print at all. And from this enormous mass of material, which has been the bewilderment even of many of the elect, he has drawn out the main threads of argument and has woven them into a work which has more than the mere colour of cohesion and continuity.” (Acad.)

“It is ungracious to cavil at Homeric criticism in a book whose main object is so well and so modestly achieved. We can say without hesitation that this little work is almost a necessary introduction to the unwieldy mass of material with which the author has had to deal. And if the illustrations are few and far between, they are admirably chosen.”

“Prof. Burrows, like Ariadne, offers to the adventurous a clue through the labyrinth. But, to avail ourselves of it we need the labyrinth itself—the archæological library.”

“Will be welcomed to a limited circle for its painstaking summary of the present situation, its impartial balancing of probabilities, and its valuable bibliography.”

“It is presumed that his main function is to set forth the results achieved by the workers; but no man with such a theme can bridle his tongue, and we may be glad that Burrows has not done so.” Rufus B. Richardson.

“It must be also said that those readers who are not able to procure access to the dozen or more volumes referred to will find this book of very little use, while those who open it in hope of gaining a preliminary idea of the subject at small cost of time and money will almost certainly be disappointed.”

“Two criticisms may fairly be made upon the book. The English expression is often careless, and the tone in which the author refers to views with which he disagrees is unpleasant; what might pass in a familiar lecture is out of place here.”

“He is like editors who write for one another instead of the public.”

“The book contains much valuable and carefully thought out ethnological speculation, and, by dint of what he modestly terms ‘balancing probabilities and opening up lines of inquiry,’ Mr. Burrows gives in practicable volume that adequate guidance which is so necessary to a study of the complicated racial problems with which the history of Aegean civilization is bound up.”

Burton, Theodore E.John Sherman. (American statesmen, 2nd ser.) **$1.25. Houghton.

6–43551.

A close acquaintance with Sherman, also a full understanding of the public measures with which Sherman was identified lie back of Mr. Burton’s sketch.

“As a history of national politics in the last quarter-century, the volume is highly creditable. Criticism is directed against the editorial plan of the publishers rather than to individual shortcomings of Mr. Burton.” Davis R. Dewey.

“A brief, scholarly, readable and wholly admirable work. Ranks as one of the best accounts of reconstruction finance.”

“The book is rather hard reading for the ordinary person who has no great liking for figures and financial history. But it gives a good account of a real statesman, and a history of several important phases of our national development during the last half century.”

“It is creditable biography, written by one in full sympathy with the political ideas of Mr. Sherman, but free, on the whole, from undue bias.” Eugene B. Patton.

“Candor is perhaps the most noteworthy quality displayed by Mr. Burton—a candor which personal friendship was powerless to eliminate. And yet the book is sympathetic and its attitude that of one who sincerely admired Sherman.”

“Mr. Burton’s plain and unimpassioned style does little to make Sherman interesting, and his book will not, we fancy, be much read except for reference.”

Reviewed by Montgomery Schuyler.

Buskett, Evans Walker.Fire assaying. *$1.25. Van Nostrand.

7–7504.

A practical treatise on the fire assaying of gold, silver and lead, including description of the appliances used.

“This little book has nothing against it except its brevity. It is clearly and concisely written and well illustrated.” Bradley Stoughton.

Busquet, Raymond.Manual of hydraulics; tr. by A. H. Peake. *$2.10. Longmans.

7–28954.

Rather ancient theories and discussions are included upon such subjects as Fundamental laws, Flow of liquids in delivery pipes, Flow of liquids in open canals, Hydraulic engines, and Construction of a waterfall.

“In the opinion of the reviewer, however, it is an unsafe guide for both students and engineers.”

“The translator appears to have done his work well, and to have given the meaning of the author in English terms and phrases. The writer does not know of any book that deals with this subject in so practical a way as the one under notice.”

Bussell, Frederick William.Christian theology and social progress; the Bampton lectures for 1905. *$3.50. Dutton.

7–12985.

“The general aim, expressed in the eight statutory lectures, and more fully developed in the supplement, is to show the identity of interest which unites the various ideals of Christianity and democracy. The writer sets himself to prove that society in its advance towards the goal of social reform is dependent for its sanction and its vital force alike upon the teaching, the beliefs, the influence of Christian faith.... Man’s duty in the world—the nature of his being—the motive power behind its actions—his consequent relations with the state—such are some of the riddles that demand attention.”—Sat. R.

“This fascinating, though difficult book is, in the reviewer’s opinion, the most important contribution to apologetics which has been published in recent years. It is more interesting, and in some ways more valuable, than the writings of Abbé Loisy and Father Tyrrell, and more suggestive even than the work of Dr. Schiller and other ‘humanists,’ of whose school Dr. Bussell is a convinced though independent member. It is brilliant, paradoxical, amazing, and ill-arranged.”

“Is the ripe fruit of prolonged reflection and often learned investigation.”

“Throughout the book—the original and supplementary lectures—Mr. Bussell speaks as a scholar, albeit a true churchman, and in discourse of great charm.”

Reviewed by Joseph O’Connor.

“The whole is a finely wrought piece of literature rather than of dialectics. One important point deserves criticism: the priority ascribed, to rights rather than to duties must be contested as a clear inversion of the ethical relation between the two.”

“With much that is included in this volume we are already familiar; but there is originality of treatment which marks it as a valuable contribution on this side of thought.”

Butler, Ellis Parker.Confessions of a daddy; illustrated by Fanny Y. Cory. 75c. Century.

7–18096.

The “daddy,” “a rank amateur in the baby business” confesses the heart-breaking blow of the first glance at the wrinkled, red little thing that the nurse brings for his proud expressions of joy. He further records the agony of the first “spank” administered after the “98 per cent of sweetness” grown to twenty-two months, cries all day for “laim,” and the grief that follows when the discovery is made that the baby only wanted to say “Now I lay me.” It is the common experience of all parents told simply and to the point with Mr. Butler’s inimitable humor that makes the book worth reading.

“There is a certain suspicion of obvious humour here and there; and some notes, which seem taken from child-life, may please. But the book is a disappointment.”

“If, as a whole, the volume is not as overwhelmingly funny as his ‘Pigs is pigs,’ it is still a delightful bit of humor.”

Butler, John Wesley.Mexico coming into light. *35c. West. Meth. bk.

7–14569.

A brief sketch of the physical conditions, inhabitants, pre-colonial dynasties, sixteenth century tragedy, reform movements, etc., leading to the Macedonian cry and the planting of the mission.

Butler, Nicholas Murray.True and false democracy. **$1. Macmillan.

7–20888.

Dr. Butler’s aim has been to hasten the day when “every member of a self-governing community has a clear understanding of what democracy really means and implies, as well as a character strong enough to fix his own relations to his fellows in accordance with moral principle.” The three papers discuss respectively True and false democracy, Education of public opinion, and Democracy and education.

“Three sane and simple addresses.”

“The papers are admirably phrased and merit thoughtful reading.”

“The addresses are worthy of their audiences, being considered and cultured deliverances upon the general topic of the value of knowledge in politics and the duty of educated men to assume their share in cultivating a public sentiment which shall distinguish the mob from the people.” Edward A. Bradford.

“The conversance with affairs which we have just noted as an indispensable part of the equipment of the modern university president gives particular point to these thoughtful and suggestive addresses.” Montgomery Schuyler.

“This is a book full of sound sense from beginning to end.”

Butler, Pierce.Judah P. Benjamin. (American crisis biographies.) **$1.25. Jacobs.

7–21376.

A sketch of the life of Judah B. Benjamin, the Jewish lawyer and statesman who, “after conspicuous success at the bar in this country, after continuous service in the leadership of the Confederacy, again achieved the most honorable triumphs at the bar of England.” The biographer’s main difficulty in approaching his work has been insufficiency of material upon this great advocate’s private life. A few letters with such details as members of Mr. Benjamin’s family could furnish, constitute the information for the personal side of the sketch. For his public and professional activities ample records make possible accuracy even to the smallest details.

“The only great contribution of the volume is in its orderly assembling of materials which are familiar, in detail, to the average historian.”

“Mr. Butler has succeeded pretty well in collecting his material, and nothing of value known to be extant seems to have escaped him. No attempt is made to portray Mr. Benjamin as a faultless character. But the true greatness of the man is appreciated and will be felt by all who read these pages.”

“His is not a book of any marked literary merit (suffering especially from an undue tendency to quotation), but it is careful, conscientious and convincing. With few exceptions, too, it is free from rancor and partisanship.”

Reviewed by Montgomery Schuyler.

Butler, William.Golfer’s guide; with an introd. by Dr. Macnamara. *$1. Lippincott.

A thorogoing hand-book of golf for beginners. Uniform with “The complete bridge player,” and “The complete fisherman.”

Butler, William Francis.Lombard communes. *$3.75. Scribner.

7–9819.

“In no very picturesque phrase, but at the same time in easily understood language, Mr. Butler recounts the history of the city-states of Lombardy, the rule of the early bishops, the rights of the communes, the history of Milan, Lombardy’s natural capital, the first and second Lombard leagues, and the final struggles of the communes.”—Outlook.

“The book is not a work of research, based upon the original resources; but it is scholarly and well written. There is, indeed, no other book in English which covers the ground so satisfactorily.”

“While heartily commending his industry, accuracy, and general level of attainment, we may fairly warn the reader that his treatment is such as is ordinarily characterized by the term ‘popular.’ We have rarely seen a better book written by an Englishman about Italy.”

“The work would be improved by topical side notes giving dates. The author’s style is clearly intelligible and soberly dignified; it will win respectful attention, although it may not compel enthusiasm.”

“A book to be read in connection with Symond’s ‘Age of the despots’ has long been a desideratum—a clear and comprehensive account of North Italy from the Roman times down at least to the middle of the fourteenth century. Such a book is now at hand in Mr. Butler’s ‘Lombard communes.’”

Butterworth, Hezekiah.Story of the hymns and tunes, by Theron Brown and Hezekiah Butterworth. *$1.50. Am. tract.

7–6630.

In this volume have been combined Mr. Butterworth’s “The story of the hymns” and “The story of the tunes.” There have also been added modern hymns and tunes that “have won recognition since the books were first published.”

“Mr. Butterworth himself passed over his manuscript to Mr. Brown, who has executed his difficult task not only with sympathy for his subject, but with no little original research. This work is more valuable than most popular books on hymns and also more readable.”

“Many helpful historic and biographic facts are given; nor do the authors disdain anecdote.”

Buxton, E. M. Wilmot-.Stories of early England. (Children’s favorite classics.) 60c. Crowell.

7–22918.

Tales retold for children which reflect the English and Celtic social life and manners up to the fifteenth century. Such old favorites are included as the story of Beowulf, of Cynewulf and Cyneherd, of Alfred and Guthrum, and of Caedmon; stories of “Old English charms,” of Richard Lion-Heart, of Olger the Dane and many another. The author has preserved the glamour of knighthood and chivalry sure to delight the young reader.

*Bynner, Witter.Ode to Harvard. **$1. Small.

7–22080.

This ode limns the impression of a graduate revisiting his Alma mater in after years. “The poem rises by thoughtful and natural stages from the discursive and anecdotal early passages to the heightened concentration of the close, where, with a fine idealism, he evolves the precise nature of the debt which every man owes to his Alma mater.” (N. Y. Times.)

“It is a lengthy composition of jocose patter, lacking in both dignity and restraint. The miscellaneous poems ... make a somewhat better impression, although their artistic quality remains inconsiderable.” Wm. M. Payne.

“A poem that succeeds in spite of his deficiencies, by virtue of the genuineness of its emotional content, and, too, by a certain air of elegance which comes fresh upon us at every turn and creates a very distinct impression of the personality of the poet.” William Aspenwall Bradley.

“Clever and sprightly reminiscence is this, yet not altogether born of a gay insouciance, for the inscrutable light peers out of the jester’s eyes. His lyrics show the same duality, the light note pierced through with the poignant.” Jessie B. Rittenhouse.

Byrne, Austin Thomas.Treatise on highway construction; designed as a textbook and work of reference for all who may be engaged in the location, construction, or maintenance of roads, streets, and pavements. 5th ed. $5. Wiley.

7–20713.

The author has set himself to the task of collating the varied mass of scattered information on highway construction and working it over into an accessible work of reference. It is the fifth edition revised and enlarged.

“The book is full of anachronisms and antiquated statements, and the reader may be unable to separate the ancient from the modern. Parts, at least, of the book give one the impression that they have been written hastily and with too little regard for the precision of statement one naturally expects in engineering books; and the qualifications necessary to make statements of fact accurate and reliable are often wanting. It seems a great pity that a book designed to be a vade-mecum, and otherwise so admirable, should be marred by such faults. Nevertheless it is a book that should be in the library of every municipal engineer.” S. Whinery.

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