*“The selected collection of his ‘Poems’ is remarkable for its variety and readability.”
Cheney, Warren.Way of the North: a romance of the days of Baranof. $1.50. Doubleday.
A young Russian doctor, deported to Sitka, tells the story of life in this Alaskan town while the country was still under Russian rule. He falls in love with a girl who goes to Alaska to fulfil a childhood betrothal, and in relating the events which lead up to his happiness, he gives vivid descriptions of the lives of the settlers and of the civil and military personages prominent in that wild country.
“Handling his material simply and unaffectedly, as befits the bold and sturdy pioneer spirit, but not without a certain monotony of style.”
“The reader’s interest is awakened at the outset and fairly well sustained. The characters are sharply drawn and the style is simple and entertaining. As a whole, however, the book is not of unusual interest.”
“A novel of unusual setting and some extraordinary power.”
“Book that can be enjoyed for its style alone. ‘The way of the North’ is, beyond doubt, the best written American book of the season.”
Chesebrough, Robert A.Christmas guests and other poems. $1.50. Little, J. J.
The author has dedicated these eighteen poems to his granddaughter, but they are verses which appeal to his age rather than to hers, the ghosts of the past flit thru them, regrets, happy memories, thoughts of death and the hereafter, while they all breatheforth the mellow philosophy which comes with years.
Chesnut, Mary Boykin.Diary from Dixie: being her diary from November 1861 to 1865; ed. by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary.**$2.50. Appleton.
The author was the wife of James Chesnut, jr., United States senator 1859-1861, and afterwards aide to Jefferson Davis, and a brigadier general in the confederate army. The diary gives a clear picture of the social life during the war, and of the events which took place in Charlestown, Montgomery and Richmond.
“It is for the picture of social life in the South under the stress of an unsuccessful struggle that this lively and fascinating book will be chiefly read.”
“Her diary could not have been more entertainingly written if she had intended it for publication.”
“Full of vivid pictures of the social life of the time and of the varied experiences of the war.”
“The style is crisp and bright, and the tone frank and good tempered. It is on the subject of negroes and slavery that Mrs. Chesnut’s diary will prove most valuable to historians, but the general reader will be chiefly interested in the accounts of the home life of the beleaguered people.” Walter L. Fleming.
“This diary has decided historical value. Further, it is an intimate record of an intelligent looker-on in Richmond during a greater portion of the war. There are some discrepancies.” William E. Dodd.
“The two editors of the book are to be congratulated on having discovered and having thrown into such readable form this biographical material.”
Chesnutt, Charles Waddell.Colonel’s dream.(†)$1.50. Doubleday.
The story of an ex-Confederate officer who when the war is ended, seeks his fortune in New York, and twenty years after returns to the South to enjoy life and incidentally to put into practice some of his Northern business training. “It is frankly up to the times, with the clash of race and the convict camp, and the decayed old gentry.” (Ind.)
“The style is easy, apparently practised, and the story does not lack for abundant incident.”
“It must be acknowledged that the author does not spare the faults of the negro any more than he spares those of the white man—and in both cases many of his pictures are true.”
“Taken all in all, the book is not as successful as one could wish, and certainly is distinctly inferior to the author’s earlier work.”
Chesterton, Gilbert Keith.Club of queer trades.(†)$1.25. Harper.
No one is eligible to this club unless he has invented a brand new occupation by which he earns a living. The members include a man who offers himself to dinner hosts as a butt for repartee, another who guarantees to provide any commonplace soul as well as the more gifted, with a suitable romance. The founder of theclub earns his livelihood by seeking out new members and has all sorts of unique experiences.
“It is neither here nor there; neither veritable romantic extravaganza, true detective literature, nor consistent satire upon either of those forms of fiction.” H. W. Boynton.
*“Clever and amusing as the stories are, the book is not altogether happy.”
“Funmaking of the most fantastic kind characterizes the six short stories.”
“Mr. Chesterton is undeniably clever. These stories are whimsical and ingenious rather than humorous. The stories are uneven in merit.”
“Utter and unredeemed extravaganza.”
“With the exception of the first episode the execution is hardly up to the level of the conception. The book, in fine, gives one the impression rather of a series of brilliant improvisations than of a finished work of art.”
Chesterton, Gilbert Keith.Heretics.*$1.50. Lane.
Mr. Chesterton “has described nearly every strong man of our day,” and in these essays “he is calling out from the housetops to happier uncontemplative men, to come out and be sad, like himself, in thinking of supreme happiness.... He praises an abstract Chestertonian man of whom he is hopelessly and continually in pursuit. That everything he recommends is right, we indeed believe; but he cries in the wilderness, and with no human voice, no trace of suffering or experience at all, but only an anchorite’s imagining.” (Acad.)
*“‘Heretics’ goes farther than any of its forerunners toward convincing us that the humorist really has something worth saying and worth understanding. The trouble with his method is that while it is infallible for getting the attention, it is not well calculated to keep it.” H. W. Boynton.
“With all his daring, he succeeds in keeping to windward of sheer silliness and mere sensationalism.” H. W. Boynton.
*“Between the covers of ‘Heretics’ there is not a little excellent critical doctrine. Yet the writer ought to trust his readers to understand him without preliminary shouts to attract their attention.” Edward Fuller.
“One page amuses by its originality of conception and expression, the next provokes by its insecurity of argument, the third charms by its suggestiveness. It is a book to be relished, not as a whole, but in snatches. With all its half-playful cynicism, it seems to be in the main sincere.” Edith J. R. Isaacs.
“The general comment on Mr. Chesterton is that he is extremely ingenious, but so inordinately whimsical that it would be absurd to take him seriously. The true account of him is that he is not ingenious at all, but exceptionally straight forward and matter-of-fact.” Herbert W. Horwill.
“Mr. Chesterton is quite as trenchant and exuberant as he was, and we are, after all, not much older than we were; yet we join in the fun with perceptibly less eagerness now. The truth is that Mr. Chesterton has done in this book what he always did ostensibly, and always avoided really; he has given himself away.”
*“His ideas are sounder than many a casual reader will be willing to admit. They are sound in spite of Mr. Chesterton’s perversity.”
“For in the things that really matter Mr. Chesterton is on the side of the angels. He is orthodox. He handles his heretics sometimes like Bishop Bonner, with firmness and jocosity; sometimes like Socrates, turning their pet phrases inside out, and showing their hollowness; but all are handled paradoxically.”
Cheyne, Thomas Kelly.Bible problems and the new material for their solution.*$1.50. Putnam.
A lecture which “is in part a presentation of the new facts which require better attention, and in part a plea for bolder Biblical criticism, as justified by these facts, and as necessary to the now imperative work of theological restatement.” (Outlook). Among the strongly insisted upon “new facts” are the study of the New Testament in the light of mythology, and due regard for Winckler’s discovery in Assyrian inscriptions of North Arabian names that suggest numerous corrections in our present text of the Old Testament. On the other hand, Professor Cheyne states that his views “tend to increased conservatism in the rendering of the text of the Jewish Old Testament.”
Reviewed by A. Jeremias.
Cheyney, Edward Potts.Short history of England.*$1.40. Ginn.
In making clear the fundamental facts of English history, Professor Cheyney emphasizes full descriptions of early institutions and conditions, the study of really great movements and influential men, and the necessity of adhering to the thread of one’s country’s history. Each chapter is followed by a list of works and portions of works suggested for general reading.
“It has many good points, one of which is that Professor Cheyney has very definite ideas of what a school-book should include.”
“The book is well planned throughout. From printers’ and other errors the work is remarkably free.” Norman MacLaren Trenholme.
“Apparently this one is better in the earlier than in the later portions. The book ... must be regarded as a compendium, rather than as an original inquiry, and, as such, it will be found useful.”
Reviewed by W. H. Cushing.
Child and religion. SeeStephens, Thomas.ed.
Christian, Eugene, and Christian, Mrs. Eugene.Uncooked foods and how to use them. $1. Health culture.
The authors contend that “the application of heat in the cooking of food destroys some of the important food elements that were vital and organic by rendering them inorganic, including those that are needed in the building up of the system and the maintenance of bodily and mental health.” Recipes for the preparation of uncooked food, healthful combinations and menus for the benefit of those who wish to try the experiment, follow the arguments.
*Christmas carols, ancient and modern, ed. by Joshua Sylvestre. $1. Wessels.
Illustrated from photographs of well known paintings, and with marginal decorations of conventionalized Christmas greens, this collection of carols, many of which are reprinted from old broad-sides, begins withIn excelsis gloria, and includes Welcome yule, sung in the time of Henry VI; several Elizabethan carols; Herrick’s Ode on the birth of our Saviour; The three kings, in the version of Henry VII’s time; Joy to the world, a popular favorite in Devon and Cornwall; and many popular carols whose time and authorship are unknown. The explanatory note given at the head of each carol, telling all that is known of its history adds much to the interest of the collection as its value is historical rather than poetical.
Christy, Robert, comp. Proverbs, maxims, and phrases of all ages; classified subjectively and arranged alphabetically.**$3.50. Putnam.
In this new edition, the first since 1887, the two original volumes have been compressed into one, the work is apparently otherwise unchanged.
“The collection needs careful revision, and is worth it even as it stands; it contains the material for a good treasury of proverbial sayings.”
Church of Christ. SeePhillips, Thomas W.
Cincinnati southern railway (The): a history; edited by Charles G. Hall.
A novel municipal experiment is recorded in the history of the origin, construction and financial organization of this railroad. As early as 1836 the need of a railway between Cincinnati and the South was felt so strongly that at a mass meeting held in Cincinnati one million dollars was subscribed for the enterprise. Before anything definite could be accomplished, the Civil war came and checked all such projects. After many delays, authority was secured from the legislature of Ohio as well as from those of Kentucky and Tennessee, and in 1873 the actual work of construction began, necessary funds being lent by the trustees from their own pockets. In July, 1877, the first division of the road was opened for business. Millions of dollars were raised by the sale of bonds, and the road is at present in the possession of the Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific railway co. as lessee, while the Cincinnati Southern holds the legal title for the city of Cincinnati. The lease expires in 1906.
Cipperly, John Albert.Labor laws and decisions of the state of New York. pa.*$1. Banks & co.
This compilation includes statutes as well as cases. “Besides its value for purposes of reference, it shows almost at a glance what has been done in this state for ‘Labor,’ and how far we have advanced (or fallen away) from a state of society in which the laborer shifts for himself. On paper our laws are very paternal.” (Nation.)
“A useful compilation.”
Clark, Charles Heber (Max Adeler, pseud.).Quakeress.†$1.50. Winston.
A pathetic story of a Quaker maid, living the quiet life of the Friends and all but betrothed to a serious minded young neighbor. A dashing southerner and his frivolous sister come into the peaceful community, the sister to prove to the stern young Quaker that he has his frailties, and her brother to win the heart of the little Quaker maid. There is a description of a visit to their southern plantation, and then comes the war—and heart break and disaster. An Anglican minister and his devoted wife add humor to the story.
“Taken as a whole, the book is weak and commonplace. Max Adeler should by all means go back to his old humorous methods.”
“The character drawing is excellent. There are some highly dramatic passages and the story is replete with incidents and adventures. Perhaps its greatest value lies in its worth as a careful, interesting and faithful psychological study.”
“One of the best novels of the season. This book is remarkable because it is not viciously witty, altho it comes from the pen of a professional wit.”
“About the book as a whole there is a kind of sweet, old-fashioned fragrance which inclines one, no doubt for sentimental reasons, to look back on it kindly.”
“The usual intermingling of joy and sorrow, love and life, appears in the quiet story, simply told.”
“It cannot be said that the story as a whole is evenly strong, or that it realizes all the climaxes that its plot affords. It is never dramatic, and it is often amateurish.”
“The book leaves a tranquilly sad impression on the reader’s mind, the workmanship is highly finished and the plot is well thought out.”
Clarke, James Langston.Eternal Saviour-judge.*$3. Dutton.
“The familiar principle that the proper design of punishment is reformatory, not vindictive, is here applied in a new line of argument to the problem of retribution. Mr. Clarke works out a Biblical doctrine that aims to avoid the objections made severally to the theories of endless retribution, annihilation, and universalism. Substantially, it is a purgatorial scheme. In this the Biblical antithesis to ‘salvation’ is not ‘damnation’ but ‘judgment,’ corrective as well as punitive.”—Outlook.
“This thesis is stated with much ability.”
*Clarke, William Newton.Use of the Scriptures in theology; the Nathaniel William Taylor lectures delivered at Yale university in 1905.**$1. Scribner.
The fundamental premise of this volume is “that a rationally sound theology depends on the soundness of the method of using the Bible as a source of theology. Dr. Clarke shows that the traditional method is unsound, and what mischief has been done by it. He then discusses the problem created by the search for a sound method, what this method is, and what its results, both negative and positive.”—Outlook.
*“Dr. Clarke has written a book which every minister should buy or beg or borrow.”
*“Though this is a small book, it may be reckoned equal to the best productions of its author.”
*Clemens, Samuel Langhorne (Mark Twain, pseud.).Editorial wild oats.†$1. Harper.
This volume contains half a dozen short stories all of which bear upon the general subject of youthful journalistic experiences, which Clemens has been pleased to call, Editorial wild oats. The sketches are entitled: My first literary venture; Journalism in Tennessee; Nicodemus Dodge—printer; Mr. Bloke’s item; How I edited an agricultural paper; and The killing of Julius Caesar “localized.”
*“Mark Twain’s fund of humor seems inexhaustible, so here again it remains at its old-time high level.”
*“Extravagant tales of newspaper life.”
Clement, Clara Erskine.Women in the fine arts.**$2.50. Houghton.
“A compendium of miscellaneous information about all the women artists that the author could discover between the seventh century B.C. and the twentieth, A.D. Among the thousand names included, the late nineteenth century is the most fully represented. As the greater part of the material about contemporary painters was furnished by themselves, we may assume that it is correct.... Being alphabetically arranged, the book is a convenient manual from which to extract information about artists who have not yet got into the encyclopedias. A number of full-page illustrations add interest to the text, and a fifty-page introduction gives a general idea of what women have accomplished in art.”—Dial.
Clement, Ernest Wilson.Christianity in modern Japan.**$1. Am. Bapt.
“Professor Clement ... here attempts a survey of the moral forces which are now in full energy in Japan.” (Nation.) The book gives a “bird’s-eye view of the work of Christianity in Japan. It is not intended to cover the work in great detail; it is rather planned to be a general outline with reference to books, pamphlets, and magazines, where more complete information can be obtained on each special topic.” (Pub. Opin.)
“With index, tables and other equipment for a book to be studied, this has also a decided literary charm.” William Elliot Griffis.
*“Orderly arrangement, historical development, engagingly shown, philosophical insight, and a brisk luminous style make this a model handbook, pleasing and valuable.”
“In literary proportion and breadth of view and in keenness of insight, this book is a model. It is all the more likely to be permanent in its influence because of its cool, judicial temper.”
“The book is intended for mission-study classes, and is interesting.”
“Mr. Clement’s book is a comprehensive discussion of the development of Christianity in Japan.”
Clement, Ernest Wilson.Handbook of modern Japan.**$1.40. McClurg.
The introduction states: “The book endeavors to portray Japan in all its features as a modern world power: It cannot be expected to cover in great detail all the ground outlined, because it is not intended to be an exhaustive encyclopedia of ‘things Japanese.’ It is expected to satisfy the specialist, not by furnishing all materials, but referring for particulars to works where abundant materials may be found. It is expected to satisfy the average reader, by giving a kind of bird’s-eye view of modern Japan. It is planned to be a compendium of condensed information, with careful references to the best sources of more complete knowledge.”
Clement, Ernest W.Japanese floral calendar. 50c. Open ct.
A prettily illustrated book showing the flowers popular each month of the Japanese year. Descriptive bits, snatches of folk-lore, and poems with a chapter on Japanese gardens make the whole a charming book. The flowers for the months, beginning with January and ending with December, are the pine, plum, peach, cherry, wistaria, iris, morning-glory, lotus, “seven grasses,” maple, chrysanthemum, and camellia.
Clements, Frederick E.Research methods in ecology. $3. Univ. pub., Neb.
“This work ... is intended ... as a handbook for investigators and for advanced students of ecology, and not as a text book on the subject.... The book is presented in four chapters ... the first of which deals with the scope, historical development, present status and important applications of ecology.... The second chapter is concerned with the habitat and methods of its investigation.... The third chapter has to do with the plant, the stimuli which it receives, the nature of its response, its adjustment and adaptation especially to water and light as stimuli.... The fourth chapter ... has for its general subject the formation or vegetation unit consisting essentially of plants in a habitat.”—Science.
“Altogether, Clements’s ‘Research methods in ecology’ is a notable contribution to the literature of ecology.” Conway MacMillan.
Cleveland, Frederick Albert.Bank and the treasury.*$1.80. Longmans.
“Timely and valuable is this critique of the American currency and banking system.... Holding that the time has come when changes in the National bank act are imperative, in the direction both of securing more effective governmental control and of insuring greater currency ‘elasticity,’ Dr. Cleveland contends that whatever financial reforms be undertaken, they should be in the way of adapting, not revolutionizing, the existing system.”—Outlook.
“There is no disputing the fact that it is a contribution, and indeed a very worthy one, even if it does not contain the final word on the subject. As to the ground covered, however, those who are interested in such problems cannot do better than to consult this volume; indeed, they cannot afford not to do it.” J. E. Conner.
“The instructed reader will find not a few things in the book that will arouse his wonder.”
“The work of an acute observer and careful reasoner, of one who has gone deeply and intelligently into every phase of his subject.”
Cleveland, (Stephen) Grover.Presidential problems.**$1.80. Century.
If in times of weighty new matters, there are any who have a moment for a backward glance, they would do well to review with Mr. Cleveland some of the problems of his administration which “illustrate the design, the tradition, and the power of our government.” The chapters are four: “Independence of the executive,” “The government in the Chicago strike of 1894,” “The bond issue,” and “The Venezuelan boundary controversy.”
Reviewed by Winthrop More Daniels.
Clifford, Chandler Robbins.Philosophy of color. 50c. Clifford & Lawton.
The treatise is an attempt to analyse and understand the law which governs the use of colors, so that we may know how to produce harmony and not strike a jarring note. The author makes practical suggestions for the use of colors in house furnishings. There are many illustrations.
“The author of this interesting little treatise has brought the subject within the understanding of any one.”
Clifford, Ethel.Love’s journey.**$1.50. Lane.
“The rustle and patter of leaves, the trilling of birds, the whisper of rain make April music in Miss Clifford’s poetry; for all that these sounds have been caught and tamed in rhyme and measure, it is still the natural elementary melodies of the earth, not the artificial music of man, that her songs suggest. Lyric succeeds lyric and mood follows mood like sun and shade in the forest on a day in spring.”—Lond. Times.
“But it is difficult to quote enough to convey the faint charm of these poems, a charm which is diffused rather than distilled. As a maker of haunting refrains Miss Clifford is often felicitous.”
“The charm of Miss Clifford’s poetry lies in the woodland simplicity. She is at her best when she pays no heed to the works of man.”
“Miss Clifford’s new volume is less interesting than her first. The dramatic poems are the best; few of the other pieces are more than merely pretty and tuneful.”
Clouston, J. Storer.Lunatic at large.$1. Buckles. also pub. by Brentano’s.
A young doctor without a practice receives a tempting offer of £500 and expenses to travel with a wealthy youth mentally unbalanced. Fearing to trust himself to the caprice of a lunatic, a friend of his represents the patient, while the “sane lunatic” is drugged and left in a private asylum. The amazing doings of this clever and worldly wise young man constitute the book. His methods of escape, his escapades in London, his periodical change of name, scene, and history are skilfully and amusingly handled.
“Is not at all probable, and not very edifying, but it is certainly well written and entertaining.”
Clute, Willard Nelson.Fern allies.**$2. Stokes.
A well-illustrated manual of the families of non-flowering plants, other than the ferns, found in North America north of Mexico.
“The book is a valuable addition to our literature of less-known American plants.”
“There can hardly be a more convenient guide for the beginner who, having busied himself somewhat with ferns, wishes to glance at their relatives. The text is interesting and the drawings are clear.”
Coates, Florence Earle.Mine and thine (poems).**$1.25. Houghton.
A volume of eighty sonnets and poems including personal tributes to Mr. Stedman, Mr. Yeats, Madame Bernhardt, and Helen Keller, Beethoven, Picquart, Whistler, E. N. Westcott, Stevenson, Millet, and Joan of Arc, and verses to England, Paris, and Buffalo, and to the “War for the liberation of Cuba.”
“Their chief merit is not spontaneity but thoughtfulness.”
“Of the excellence of Mrs. Coates’s sentiments there can be no doubt; her nature is warmly responsive to whatever is worthy in life and beautiful in art. But her expression does not often exhibit spontaneity or achieve distinction.”
“Miss Coates’s verses may be described in a general way as topical.”
“The best of the poems ... are those which deal with persons. These are always sympathetic to the essential quality of the man.”
“The distinguishing marks of Mrs. Coates’ verse are simplicity and an unashamed gravity.”
Cobb, Benjamin Franklin.Business philosophy.**$1.20. Crowell.
A clear, level-headed exposition of the problems facing every business man from the least to the greatest, and suggestions regarding how to meet and handle them. Such subjects are treated as choosing a profession, system, credit, collections, office management, relations to employes, advertising, use of trading stamps, etc.
*“A little volume of practical suggestions, written from personal experiences.”
Cobden club. Burden of armaments; a plea for retrenchment. 90c. Wessels.
In view of the steady increase in military and naval expenditure by the British government, the Cobden club has issued this volume which deals with the subject in the spirit of Cobden and carries his narrative and arguments down to the present date. Part 1, is a condensed restatement of Cobden’s arguments in “The three panics” (1863), part 2, Retrenchment, deals with the economic reaction between 1863 and 1884, part 3, The growth of militarism, gives an account of the relapse into extravagance, part 4, is a plea for disarmament.
“The book under consideration is much more than a mere recall to right feeling: it is no less than an appeal to common sense.”
Cochrane, Charles H.Modern industrial progress.**$3 Lippincott.
“The tremendous industrial progress of the past few decades is recorded in this volume in brief descriptions of many inventions and discoveries and new applications of old discoveries.” (Outlook). “Among the numerous subjects discussed are electricity, including the progress made by Marconi, great canals and tunnels, bridges, tools of destruction, great farms and farming machinery, the iron horseand the railways, foods, engineering enterprises, newspapers and periodicals, instruments of science, cotton, wool, and texture manufactures, etc.” (Bookm.) There are over four hundred illustrations.
“In a straightforward, practicable manner, makes clear the recent steps in the field of mechanics and invention.”
“Such books as this are especially useful in school and public libraries. Not as interestingly written as might be, but full of information.”
“The work is therefore encyclopædic in scope, and, as it is the production of a single mind, is neither profound in treatment nor remarkable for accuracy. Carelessness in composition and revision makes many of the sentences, to say the least, ambiguous. As a scientific treatise, the book is worthless. As a popular survey of modern progress, were it more carefully written and more generously indexed, it would be useful.”
“Mr. Cochrane’s subject is large, and he has pretty well covered it. His book is as full of meat as an egg; and good meat it seems to be, too.”
“The volume is obviously intended for popular consumption, having no orderly or logical arrangement of subjects, and the treatment being absolutely untechnical.”
“A book full of attractive materials.”
“A remarkable piece of work, encyclopaedic in its scope.”
Coe, George Albert.Education in religion and morals.**$1.35. Revell.
Professor Coe finds the essence of religious education “on the part of the teacher self-revelation and self impartation; on the part of the pupil, self-expression and self-realization.” In other words, all religious education is the “genuine mingling of a developed life in the interests and occupations of an undeveloped life.” (Bib. World). The best field for religious training is in the home, where the most free and natural relations exist. It is by revealing a sincere and self-sacrificing attitude toward life that a religious influence can be exerted.
“It is in the breadth, courage and sanity of his survey of the social situation that the chief merit of his work is found.”
“This is a great book—the greatest on its subject since Bushnell’s ‘Christian nurture’ in 1847. It takes religious education off its apex of formal dogmatic instruction, and sets it down on the broad, stable base of sharing the concrete experiences of life. It gives us a point of view; and in the light of that point of view goes forth to challenge all unreality and insincerity. This book should be in the hands of every Christian.” William DeWitt Hyde.
“The treatment of the problem in hand is thoroughly in accord with good psychological and pedagogical practice. The whole work, a worthy complement to Professor Coe’s previous publication on ‘The religion of a mature mind,’ is vitalizing and illuminating in its character and effect.”
Cohen, Alfred J.(Alan Dale, pseud.).Wanted, a cook.(†)$1.50. Bobbs.
A humorous account of the trials and tribulations of a newly married couple. “Two babes in the woods in this wilderness of flats make a pathetic attempt to have a real home, which comes to grief through a succession of disasters in the shape of incompetent or dishonest or impossible cooks. The mistress of the tiny ‘flat’ knows many things, but not how to cook; her experiences are enough to have turned her pretty hair gray, and one wonders if there is for her and women like her any other solution than the ‘apartment hotel,’ which is the only one the book offers.” (Ind.)
“Seldom has it been our pleasure to read a more delightful satire on one phase of our present-day urban life. Has treated the servant-girl question in an inimitable manner. Though exaggerated at times as is the wont of the humorist, it is from first to last broadly true, and on the whole the story will prove as excellent a cure for the blues as the first reading of Mark Twain’s ‘Innocents Abroad.’”
“There is a fund of humour and entertainment in ‘Wanted a cook’ which makes it delightful reading.”
“An airy variation of a very well-worn theme.”
“Perhaps the most feeling, altho somewhat farcical, presentment of the vexed problem is the latest by Alan Dale.”
Cohen, Isabel E.Legends and tales in prose and verse. 75c. Jewish pub.
A compilation of prose and verse on Jewish subjects, most of which concern Bible characters.
“Pleasant and instructive reading for the young.”
Colby, Frank Moore.Imaginary obligations.*$1.20. Dodd.
A volume of dogmatic essays. “Some of his best chapters have to do with ‘The business of writing,’ and ‘Literary compulsion.’ ‘The literary temperament’ is treated in a way that makes the reader squirm in his chair. ‘The temptation of authors’ contains a warning to successful and prolific writers. ‘The danger of spreading oneself thin is that the time surely comes when it is done unconsciously. A man thinks it his thought flowing on like that, when it is only his ink.’ The fitness of Mr. Colby’s title, ‘Imaginary obligations,’ is somewhat imaginary.... But a book must have a title, and for a collection of loosely related essays one will serve about as well as another.” (Dial).
“The range of topics is wide, the comments are pointed, and the style is, on the whole, decidedly racy. No reader can fail to enjoy the wit and the satire even when they are directed against some pet hobby of his. The fun is harmless and it may be found to be accompanied by wisdom.”