Chapter 14

20–9654

“The lectures published in this volume were delivered in the department of industrial administration in the College of technology, Manchester, during the session 1918–19, by various well-known authorities on subjects relating to industrial administration.” (Nature) “Contents: Social obligations of industry to labour, by B. S. Rowntree; The applications of psychology to industry, by T. H. Pear; Education as a function of management, by A. E. Berriman; Occupational diseases, by T. M. Legge; Atmospheric conditions and efficiency, by L. Hill; Industrial councils and their possibilities, by T. B. Johnston; Training for factory administration, by St G. Heath; Industrial fatigue, by A. F. S. Kent.” (Am Econ R)

BETTERletters; a little book of suggestions and information about business correspondence. $1 Herbert S. Browne, 608 S. Dearborn st., Chicago 658

20–3557

“This little book has been compiled for the average person in business, whether executive or stenographer, who wants a statement in simple and direct form of the elementary things that are essential to good letters. It is a first-aid manual of style for business correspondence, suitable for adoption by any commercial concern, large or small.” (Introd.) Contents of part 1—The letter itself: Appearance; Substance; Phraseology; Punctuation; Paragraphing; Abbreviations; Miscellaneous. Contents of part 2—Words, right and wrong; Some misused words; Verbal vulgarisms; Similar words often confused; Pronouns: their use and abuse; Miscellaneous.

BIERSTADT, EDWARD HALE, ed.Three plays of the Argentine; tr. from the Spanish by Jacob S. Fassett, jr. *$1.75 Duffield 862

20–4775

In his introduction to these plays Mr Bierstadt has given us a glimpse of the culture of one of our American neighbors to the South, of whom we have hitherto known too little. His historical sketch of the folk drama of the Argentine, known as the drama criollo, shows it to have sprung from the very heart of the people, the gaucho, and to have had its inception in the sawdust ring of the circus. As given in the translation, the plays are transcriptions from the original popular and unprinted versions and although modified, have retained their true atmospheric and colorful qualities. Of the two first Mr Bierstadt says: “They are perhaps the most famous in all the category of gaucho plays, and carry as do no others the very spirit of the pampas.” These are “Juan Moreira” and “Santos Vega.” The third, “The witches’ mountain,” is not in the same sense a gaucho play, as it is set in the mountain country, but is considered as marking the last milestone in the epoch of truly native drama.

“‘The witches’ mountain’ is the only one of the three plays included that conforms to the canons of real drama.”

“The second, while sufficiently crude and violent, has elements of great beauty. The third, The witches’ mountain, is a really magnificent piece, both in conception and construction.”

“When we come to the actual texture of the ‘dramas criollos’ the impression is one of slight disappointment. The figure of the wandering ‘gaucho’ and minstrel is romantic rather than naive. Speech and verse, at least in their translated forms, present a curious mixture of the sentimental and the artificial. In The witches’ mountain there is high and concentrated dramatic passion. But this play is obviously the least primitive of the three.”

“These plays have a freshness and vigor of spaces our Wild West scenarios somehow lack. There are the same conventional gestures, the same corroborated sentiment from which any informing fire has gone out. But at least these are reminiscent of authentic instead of manufactured emotion.” Lola Ridge

“However primitive the plays, they possess what our American drama strives in vain to discover, the soul of their native land.... The witches’ mountain is doubtless the most actable, and the most easily understood by an American audience.” D. Grafly

“If these plays seem immature rather than naive; crude, rather than in the spirit of the folk; if Mr Bierstadt seems to have mistaken the drama inherent in the life and character of the ‘gaucho’ for drama in the plays that represent him, there is still nothing but gratitude due him for introducing the ‘gaucho’ to our unromantic world.”

BIGELOW, MELVILLE MADISON.Papers on the legal history of government; difficulties fundamental and artificial. *$2 (4½c) Little 320.1

20–4206

The author warns against making a fetish of history and points out the difficulty in the way of its infallibility as a teacher. The number and complexity of the facts, in part hidden, in part incomprehensible, impede correct judgment. Besides, latent energies may at any time spring into action to change men’s reactions to given facts. On the other hand there is a certain fundamental principle on which society rests and which serves as constant in the interpretation of history. It is the object of the book to study the past, to give assurance of the principle and then to see how men have acted and are acting in its presence. Contents: Unity in government; The family in English history: an inquiry; Medieval English sovereignty; The old jury; Becket and the law; Index.

BINDLOSS, HAROLD.[2]Lister’s great adventure (Eng title, Head of the house). il *$2 (2c) Stokes

George Lister, a young Canadian engineer, has his pluck and natural ability rather than a defective scientific training to thank for a moderate success. His self-reliance scorns the help of friends. He rescues a young girl, Barbara Hyslop, from an amorous crook who has induced her to run away with him. Later he is instrumental in returning the girl to the bosom of her family. Having lost his job he resolves to see something of the world and goes to England, and while there undertakes to raise a wreck off the African coast for Barbara’s step-father. After heroic efforts he succeeds but succumbs to the fever-ridden locality. Barbara, who from conscientious scruples over her romantic exploit, had refused his love, now calls him back to health with the gift of it.

“The heroine and the various members of her family have more individuality than is usual in this class of literature.”

“There are no improbabilities and no excesses of sentimentality, the style is simple and effective, and the pace is brisk and unwavering.”

BINDLOSS, HAROLD.Wilderness mine. il *$1.90 (1½c) Stokes

20–14600

This story is divided into three distinct parts, the first and third of which take place in England, and the second in Canada. Creighton and Stayward are partners in business until Creighton, driven on by his wife’s extravagances and his daughter’s need of an education, misappropriates some of the funds and Stayward dissolves the partnership. Creighton disappears and his wife spreads stories about Stayward’s cruelty and dishonesty to her husband. The Canadian part of the story has to do with Geoffrey Lisle, Stayward’s nephew, who is managing a mine there, and who comes in contact with Tom Carson, cook and chemist, who helps him defeat the rival mining company he is working against. Upon his return to England at his uncle’s death, Geoffrey again meets the girl who has been in his thoughts ever since he left England, to discover that she is Ruth Creighton, and theoretically his enemy. The timely discovery of who Tom Carson really was helps him to win the girl and to clear his uncle’s name in her eyes.

“His latest effort is a far more polished production than some of those that have gone before it. As it is not the best kind of romance, quite naturally it is not the best kind of adventure, but it serves very well for an hour or so’s amusement, and lovers of Mr Bindloss will find in this tale all the ingredients of his other efforts.”

“Mr Bindloss is one of those writers (all too few) who handle the adventure story without stressing the adventures to the disadvantage of all the other parts of the story. In other words, his characterization is always clear and distinct and worked up with some elaboration, and he has a quick eye at the description of natural scenery.”

“The Canadian part of the book is much the best.”

BINDLOSS, HAROLD.Wyndham’s pal. *$1.75 (2c) Stokes

19–16148

Harry Wyndham having inherited from his forefathers an old business enterprise of somewhat doubtful credit, along with a romantic, restless, daring temperament, sets out on a trading adventure in the wild lagoons, mandrake swamps, fever atmosphere, and mysterious dangers of the Caribbean coast. There is a girl back home in England, for whose sake he wishes to return wealthy and successful. He achieves his purpose, although in order to do it he has to deal with a dangerous, sinister, mysterious creature called the Bat, and has to compromise his honesty and honor. Found out by his bride and business partner he seriously undertakes reparation and re-establishes his own self-respect, as well as the respect of others.

“Men, and boys in their teens, will like this story.”

“Without being particularly exciting or particularly vivid, it holds the reader’s attention.”

“To an astonishing degree, he maintains his average. And his average is good.” H. Dick

“We have read better stories by this author.”

“The story is rather better than many of the author’s recent books, and his readers will find considerable entertainment in its pages.”

BINNS, OTTWELL.Mating in the wilds. (Borzoi western stories). *$2 (2c) Knopf

20–15961

Hubert Stane, who has served a prison sentence on a false charge, is in the north woods. Here he meets Gerald Ainley, the man who was responsible for his sentence. Ainley apparently stands high in the estimation of Hudson Bay company officials and is a suitor for the hand of Helen Yardely, a beautiful English girl who is making a tour of the posts with her uncle. Helen is lost in the woods. Stane finds her and fate forces the two to spend long months of exile together. Helen takes naturally to primitive life and when Stane’s name is cleared the two are married at an English mission and continue their wilderness life.

“An exciting tale told with literary excellence beyond the average of adventure stories.”

“It is all admirably and romantically told. Though we know the tale of old, it is still alive when the right chronicler takes it up; and Mr Binns never for a moment lets it flag.”

BIRDSEYE, CLARENCE FRANK.American democracy versus Prussian Marxism. *$2.50 Revell 335

20–4906

“Clarence F. Birdseye, in a volume entitled ‘American democracy versus Prussian Marxism,’ presents what he calls ‘a study in the nature and results of purposive or beneficial government,’ his object being to warn his fellow-citizens of the great danger threatening the American form of government through the attacks that are being made upon it by Marxian socialists. In order to make clear the danger is real, and not fanciful, Mr Birdseye analyzes both governmental forms and shows conclusively that no tolerance of the Marxian idea can be permitted in this country without damage to American institutions and ideals.”—N Y Times

“In this compact little volume, rich in well selected facts and information throughout, the author has performed a useful service.” W. B. Guthrie

BIRNBAUM, MARTIN.Introductions; painters, sculptors and graphic artists. il *$5 Sherman, F: Fairchild 704

20–2849

“Papers by an American critic on Beardsley, Conder, C. H. Shannon, C. Ricketts, Pakst, Dulac, Alfred Stevens, John Flaxman, and some younger American artists—Maurice Sterne, Paul Manship (sculptor), Alfred Sterner (painter, lithographer, etc.), Robert Blum (illustrator, decorator, pastellist), Edie Nadeloman (Polish sculptor), Kay Nielsen, the Danish water-colourist, Jules Pascrin, the Austrian satiric artist.”—The Times [London] Lit Sup

“The Aubrey Beardsley and Conder introductions may be taken as the perfect models for this form of art. Mr Birnbaum, himself, never quite arose to the same plane of detachment in his later writings. The citations, though brilliant, become too incessant and the authorities parading through the pages scarcely give each other elbow room. The feats of memory displayed are prodigious, comparable to those of Mr Huneker. In fact, stylistically, there is more than a suspicion that Mr Birnbaum is Mr Huneker’s child.” H: McBride

“To be graceful, informing, and readily understood was the problem. The author has solved it with sure literary tact and offers as well a fine criticism which was not in the bond.”

BIRRELL, AUGUSTINE.Frederick Locker-Lampson. il *$8 Scribner

(Eng ed 20–14702)

“A kinship of spirit as well as relationship by marriage bound Mr Birrell and Locker-Lampson, and in every page of his character sketch, he reveals a sympathy that is both personal and professional. Few books are both more and less a biography than this. It is merely a series of impressions and appreciations. Less than half its opening pages contain the biographical matter, and then follow some fifty pages of letters from eminent literary men—including Thackeray, Dickens, Tennyson, Holmes, Ruskin, Hardy and Stevenson—which reveal the esteem in which Locker-Lampson was held by his contemporaries. The other material which completes the volume includes six letters written by him to his son at Eton, some family bookplates, bibliographical notes on the books in the famous Rowfant library, and a brief account of the Rowfant library at Cleveland, with a list of its publications.”—Boston Transcript

“Mr Birrell’s biography reads so queerly because it brings before us a real human being. It is not that he is more profound than others, or that he has a story to tell to which we cannot fail to listen. It is that the values of life are quite different from those of biography. There is such a thing as living. One of the chief merits of Mr Birrell’s method, which is a peculiar compound of wit and sanity, is that it reduces these nineteenth-century phantoms to human scale.” V. W.

“It has been a long time since ‘London lyrics’ first appeared, but none the less this intimate and accurate character sketch of their author has a genuine interest and value.” H: L. West

“A gentle and a genial tribute, it may well be said, is this volume to the personality, the achievements and the memory of a rare being.” E. F. E.

“As a piece of book-making, the offering is admirable; as a book—! But Mr Birrell is a devoted chronicler and if, from these impeccable pages, his placid father-in-law emerges an even less interesting figure than he seemed before one’s perusal of his memorial, the meticulous chronicler himself can not escape scot-free.” L: Untermeyer

“Hitherto the best analysis of Locker’s work was to be found in the sympathetic study prepared by Austin Dobson in 1904. Mr Birrell’s sketch is ampler than Mr Dobson’s and it is also more discursive. It abounds in playful digressions and in pleasant irrelevancies.” Brander Matthews

“His sketch is somewhat discursive and casual, containing more background than definite statements, but it includes some agreeable Birrelling.”

“Nowhere has he gossiped more charmingly; and if he cannot resist an occasional divagation from his main topic, his obiter dicta are as pleasant as ever.”

“In reading this book, and noticing how Mr Birrell is always sliding away from his subject to talk about himself, or about somebody or something other than Frederick Locker, you ask why he chose ‘Frederick Locker-Lampson: a character sketch’ for the title of a book that might just as properly have been called ‘Scraps,’ or ‘Chips,’ or ‘Jottings.’ In the end nevertheless, you feel that you have been unfair. Mr Birrell, in his odd, slipshod way, is a man of letters—at least a man who delights in letters; and he gives you a faint character sketch of Frederick Locker-Lampson.”

BISHOP, CARLTON THOMAS.[2]Structural drafting and the design of details. il *$5 Wiley 744

20–4714

“The author was formerly chief draftsman to one of the largest bridge companies, and is now a professor at Yale university. Part 1 covers comprehensively the duties of the draftsman and what he should know in a general way about organization of plant and office, as well as a survey of the manufacture and fabrication of structural steel. Part 2 tells in detail about the technique of drawing, with special chapters devoted to beams, girders, trusses, bracing systems, bills, checking, etc. Part 3 deals closely with the theory and practice of designing different types of construction members.”—N Y P L New Tech Bks

“To the student or inexperienced draftsman the book is invaluable. The experienced draftsman can hardly fail to add to his efficiency by reading it. The typography of the book is all that needs be desired. This, with the general excellence of the contents, will make it a standard in the field of structural drafting for some time to come.”

“On the whole we are inclined to name this the best book on the subject.”

BISHOP, ERNEST SIMONS.Narcotic drug problem. *$1.50 Macmillan 613.8

20–1614

“‘It is becoming apparent that in spite of all the work which has been done there has been practically no change in the general situation, and there has been no solution of the drug problem.’ This is the conclusion of Dr Ernest S. Bishop, clinical professor of medicine in the New York polyclinic medical school. Two outstanding elements appear to Dr Bishop to have received insufficient consideration in the efforts to solve the narcotic drug problem. One of these elements is the suffering of the addict: the other is the nature of the physical disease with which he is afflicted. Dr Bishop asserts that the exploitation of human weakness and suffering would be checked on any large scale, if the disease created by continued administration of opiates were recognized and its physical demands comprehended and provided for in legitimate and relatively unobjectionable ways.... Dr Bishop also recommends the establishment under proper supervision and management of stations or clinics at which those who for financial or other reasons are unable to secure honest medical help, may obtain their necessary opiate at minimum expense without ‘resorting to underworld associations and illicit commerce.’”—Springf’d Republican

“Occasionally, very occasionally, one finds a book upon a somewhat technical subject which is not merely readable and informative, but actually liberating. Such a book is Dr Bishop’s discourse on the narcotic drug problem.”

“A criticism of the book might well be directed against its redundancy. Nor does it appear just what type of audience he had in mind when inditing his message. Obviously it is not intended for the narcotic drug addict. If addressed to the physician, it is incomplete and fragmentary. If meant for the layman only casually interested in the problem, the message should have had greater emotional appeal.” H. E. K.

“Dr Bishop’s study of the situation is scientific, thorough and humane. It will authoritatively inform the public regarding a subject on which enlightenment is needed.

“The real problems of the narcotic drug situation are related to the origin and prevention of heroin and cocaine addictions and the treatment and after-care of those so addicted. This book avoids these questions and is sterile of information on these essential points of the narcotic drug problem.” Medicus

BISHOP, H. C. W.Kut prisoner. (On active service ser.) il *$1.50 (3c) Lane 940.47

20–5240

The author, a subaltern of the Indian army reserve of officers, gives an account of prison life at Kastamuni in Asia Minor, and of his escape in company with three other officers, their recapture, and rescue by Turkish brigands and their voyage across the Black sea in a small boat, to the Russian border and freedom. Contents: Ctesiphon; Kut; From Kut to Kastamuni; Life in Kastamuni; Escape from Kastamuni; The first night; On the hills; Slow progress; Bluffing the peasants; Reaching the coast; Recaptured; Rescued; In hiding with the Turks; Continued delays; Three days on the Black sea; The Crimea and home; Friends in captivity. There are maps, illustrations and appendices.

“The book is interesting.”

“Mr Bishop describes his adventures simply and clearly, and his book is worth reading.”

BISHOP, JOSEPH BUCKLIN.Theodore Roosevelt and his time shown in his own letters. 2v il *$10 Scribner

20–17013

“Seven years ago, when Theodore Roosevelt published his ‘Autobiography,’ he prefixed to it a foreword, which began with this sentence. ‘Naturally, there are chapters of my autobiography which cannot now be written.’ Yet he had written from day to day, on the spur of the moment, in his frank letters to one or another of his multitude of friends, the very passages which he could not give to the public while he was still in the thick of the fight. And it is these passages which enliven and illuminate the two volumes which Mr Bishop has now selected and set in order, and explained and annotated. The work was begun while Roosevelt still lived; it had his complete approval; parts of it were read to him and amplified from his recollections.”—N Y Times

“The biography which will be most worth while to libraries.”

“One of the most notable works of the season is Joseph Bucklin Bishop’s ‘Theodore Roosevelt.’” Margaret Ashmun

“With perfect taste and judgment Mr Bishop has stood aside and allowed the story to be told through Roosevelt’s letters. He has made an excellent book, important, always readable and often extremely amusing. With the ‘Autobiography’ and Mr Thayer’s book, the present work, ‘Theodore Roosevelt and his time’ is one of the three indispensable books on this subject. With Mr Huneker’s ‘Steeplejack,’ it is one of the two best American biographies of this year.” E. L. Pearson

“It is a work of notable artistic merit. Perhaps fifty years hence it may generally be conceded that this book preserves what is important in ‘the true Theodore Roosevelt’s’ character. At present one cannot help feeling that Mr Bishop’s figure of rugged integrity, unerring rectitude, and loftiest patriotism has been shorn of some of its beams.” S. P. Sherman

“A difficult task has been accomplished triumphantly, and the result is a portrait of Roosevelt by himself, set in an editorial frame which is artistically unobstructive. Mr Bishop has given us a work which does for one president of the United States what was done for an earlier president by the publication of Grant’s ‘Personal memoirs.’ And neither of these great men would object to the comparison.” Brander Matthews

“There are a few little errors, nothing of consequence. But the book is undoubtedly partisan; which does not prevent it from being a thoroughly good and complete biography.” C: W. Thompson

“It is a work after Roosevelt’s own heart, the sort of record that he himself would have endorsed just as it stands, showing him in the full strength and weakness of his very human quality.” F: T. Cooper

Reviewed by E. L. Pearson

“These two volumes, as they stand, will serve not only for the present time but for future generations.”

“Mr Bishop has succeeded in giving us two volumes of great value and readability.”

BISHOP, LOUIS FAUGÈRES.Heart troubles; their prevention and relief. il *$3.50 Funk 616.1

20–13070

A book written in popular style and addressed to the layman. The author believes that a patient is entitled to the full confidence of his physician and thinks that in heart disease “the educated patient can help more when wisely advised than in almost any other form of disease.” The book is in two parts: Physiological and symptomatic, and Therapeutic. The final chapter is devoted to Nursing in heart troubles. The book is illustrated and indexed and there is a one-page list of collateral reading. The author is professor of the heart and circulatory diseases, Fordham university, New York city.

“The immediate effect of this sane and sensible work should be a wider dissemination of modern knowledge of the heart, its affections and their treatment; the ultimate result should be a reduction in the alarming death rate from heart disease in the United States.” V. B. Thorne

“A ‘doctor book’ of an unusual sort and one which will be found of great interest and of much practical value.”

BISPHAM, DAVID SCULL.Quaker singer’s recollections. il *$4 Macmillan

20–1629

“For thirty years and more David Bispham has been prominent, here and abroad, as a baritone of note, a singing actor, and an advocate of the use of English speech in opera. In these recollections he has packed into one volume the record of a long and busy life—a life of many strange and varied experiences. Unlike most men who have their hour in opera, he has had his in society. He has traveled far and wide, and mixed with people who were worth knowing and far-famed in many ways. To this it may be added, unreservedly, that he has more than an instinctive turn for setting down, in plain but vivid words, what he would tell.”—Review

“The style, unfortunately, is plainly that of a singer, and wavers continually between the exclamatory and the sentimental.”

“While Mr Bispham’s book may appeal primarily to singers and students of singing, it is none the less a valuable text book for students of the drama.”

“It is an interesting volume full of the writer’s personality written with more literary skill and taste than many such books, giving many sidelights on the musical life of the period of which it treats.” R: Aldrich

“If we were disappointed in David Bispham’s ‘A Quaker singer’s recollections,’ it was not because of lack of thoroughness, but because that delightful singer’s fund of anecdote has not been used to advantage.”

“A singer who can write with ease and style is rarer than that rare bird, the black swan. One artist of the kind is David Bispham.” C: H: Meltzer

“An excellent volume of reminiscences.”

“He has perhaps not grasped the first bitter truth to be learned by an author that of all the countless incidents which his own mind makes picturesque in retrospect only those are interesting which he can make picturesque to others. The bald stretches, however, are only occasional.”

BISS, GERALD.Door of the unreal. *$2 (3c) Putnam

20–19179

Strange disappearances are common in fact and in fiction, sometimes involving equally strange explanations, but surely in either realm, nothing could rival the solution of the mystery of this story. Of the four people who completely vanish from a well-traveled English road about midnight of a moonlight night, the only one who is ever seen again is Tony Ballingdon, and he is found unconscious and bruised in a nearby wood. Lincoln Osgood, an American who happens to be on the scene, makes a study of the case and soon forms a theory which proves to be the correct one, altho so weird and uncanny is it that he himself can hardly credit it. It is based on lycanthropy and its strange lore: in fact, it presupposes the existence in the neighborhood of two werewolves, Prof. Lycurgus Wolff and his old servant. By his knowledge of the subject Osgood prevents further tragedy and frees Dorothy, Wolff’s daughter, from the curse that is threatening her.

“With the understanding that the solution of the mystery of the novel lies along the lines of lycanthropy, the reader finds before him a smoothly written, straightforward narrative, lucid and compelling in its admirable simplicity, and endowed with that sustained interest which before anything else connotes a good story.”

“A readable yarn it is.”

BLACHLY, CLARENCE DAN.Treatment of the problem of capital and labor in social-study courses in the churches. *50c Univ. of Chicago press 330.7

20–2984

“The social-study movement in the churches of America has developed on lines both sound and broad in recent years, and a review of its present status would be decidedly helpful. Mr Blachly, however, has found the material so large that in the present essay he confines himself to only one aspect of that movement. He presents an analysis of several hundred pamphlets and reports, replies to questionnaires and letters of inquiry, the texts of the social study courses used in the leading Protestant churches, the principal church magazines and other literature. He distinguishes five methods of approach to the discussion of capital and labor by the churches: deductive study which he finds as a rule incomplete and non-conclusive; controversial discussion, especially the adoption of a definite political or economic platform, which is dangerous to church harmony; control of experience through attitude of mind and heart, i.e., emphasis on the spiritual rather than the legal control of conditions; scientific, critical examination—which is rare because the religious attitude is as different from that of the student as it is from that of the legislator; the incorporation of modern, scientific and sociological facts into teaching that is primarily religious. Evidently, the author’s preference is for the last named method.”—Survey

“This is a valuable summary of information for the student of the teaching of organized religion on present-day problems of the social life and a suggestive criticism of the different policies that have been adopted.” B. L.

BLACK, HUGH.[2]Lest we forget. *$1.50 Revell 824

“In the eleven chapters which make up this book the author discusses among other things the meaning of the victory, a democracy safe for the world, patriotism, true and false, peace and pacifism, the binding of the nations and the English-speaking peoples. In the chapter on the binding of the nations he says: ‘All men of goodwill must recognize that the plan for a league of nations is inspired with their highest ideal, and they can make it invincible.’”—Springf’d Republican

BLAKE, A. H.Things seen in London. il *$1.35 Dutton 914.21

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