“We have failed to find in the latest issue of this well-known series any general connexion with the subject of parliamentary government or the least pretension to originality of thought or vigour of delineation; whilst research is wanting.”
Reviewed by Edward Fuller.
“It is obvious from the text that Mr. Jane has broken no new ground in the research for the Parliamentary side of his book.”
“Mr. Jane’s book is interesting reading, even if he sometimes tangles the thread of his story of Parliament.”
“Adds little or nothing to the history of Parliament which cannot be found in any of the accepted works on the English constitution. There is nothing, moreover, that is attractive about Mr. Jane’s literary style.”
“Mr. Jane’s book is not always ‘easy reading,’ but is reliable, a quality which will conceal many literary sins.”
“The volume will have its uses, but we should have preferred something more to the purpose.”
Janssen, Johannes.History of the German people at the close of the middle ages; tr. from the Germ, by A. M. Christie. v. 7-8.*$6.25. Herder.
“These two volumes cover the period between the years 1550-1580.... Within those thirty years fell such events as: The religious conference at Worms in 1557, the Diet of Augsburg in 1559, the Grumbach-Gotha conspiracy for a Lutheran empire, the effects in Germany of the religious wars in France and the Netherlands, the war against the Turks, the establishment and progress of the Jesuits in Germany, and the concluding sessions and general effect of the Council of Trent. These great events and many others of similar moment are treated with Janssen’s well-known fulness of detail, abundance of scholarship, and sturdy Catholic spirit.”—Cath. World.
Japp, Alexander H.Robert Louis Stevenson; a record, an estimate, and a memorial.*$1.50. Scribner.
The author who, thru a common interest in Thoreau, came to know Stevenson well in his early Edinburgh days, gives a critical discussion of his life and works, with some new facts and some newly published letters.
“It contains a good deal of valuable matter presented in the most scrappy and disjointed way; as well as some matter which is not valuable at all.” H. W. Boynton.
“The criticism on Stevenson’s various styles in his varied work is often acute and just. Altogether the book in parts has a strong interest for the Stevenson enthusiast, but will hardly attract the general reading public.”
“This is a very informing book, a contribution of distinct value to our knowledge of R. L. Stevenson.”
Javal, Emile.On becoming blind: advice for the use of persons losing their sight; tr. by Carroll E. Edson.**$1.25. Macmillan.
Dr. Javal, who lost his sight at the age of 62, writes to the families of those who are blind or in danger of becoming so. He gives advice as to their treatment, suggestions on amusement, and there are chapters upon memory, marriage, the psychology of the blind and the sixth sense.
“The style of the book is simple, direct and scholarly.”
“The book is a pleasure to read even on the part of those whose interest is not immediately claimed by the subject.”
Jeans, James Hopwood.Dynamical theory of gases,*$4.50. Macmillan.
“Mr. Jeans ... in the first seven chapters, follows fairly closely on conventional lines, and deduces the Boltzmann-Maxwell law of distribution, the minimum theorem, the law of partition of energy, and the isothermal equations according to the Boyle-Mariotte and van der Waals’s laws. In chapter VIII the author throws over the principle of conservation of energy and assumes that his gas is a dissipative system in which loss of energy occurs by radiation.... In chapters IX and X, Mr. Jeans considers application of the theory of a non-conservative gas, particularly in connection with rates of dissipation of energy and ratios of specific heats. We thus have a definite attempt to break away from traditional methods and boldly introduce the notion of dissipation into the kinetic theory.... In the remaining chapters Mr. Jeans deals with ‘free path phenomena’ such as diffusion, conduction of heat, viscosity, and the escape of gases from planetary atmospheres. In this work he is more on the ordinary lines.”—Nature.
“Misprints and minor errors are delightfully few. The book is a piece of conscientious work by one who has already made valuable contributions to this subject. It belongs rather with the classical work of Burbury and of Boltzmann than with any of the attempts at a simple or more popular presentation.” W. P. Boynton.
Reviewed by G. H. Bryan.
Jebb, Richard.Studies in colonial nationalism.*$3.50. Longmans.
“An attempt ... to present a modern view of imperial evolution, ... the result of three years’ travel and study among the self-governing states of the empire ... which should be studied by all who wish to understand the trend of colonial aspirations, whether they agree with them or not.”—Acad.
“His observations on America, though justly calling attention to many undoubted and seriousfaults indicate on the whole an exaggerated and distorted view of our public life.” Willard E. Hotchkiss.
“Mr. Jebb’s book has no small originality. His book contains not a few inconsistencies. Almost every page of it is instructive.”
“Everything he says is stated with a confidence that dreams not of the possibility of contradiction. This makes the book attractive.” Charles W. Thompson.
“It is essentially a work that will be welcomed, not derided in Canada and Australasia. And that is to say no small thing of its merits, and of the success with which its author has achieved his object.”
Jefferies, (John) Richard.Bevis; the story of a boy.$1.50. Button.
A new edition of a book for boys written many years ago and founded upon Mr. Jefferies’ own boy-hood idealized. Mr. E. V. Lucas states in his introduction that it is “a long and eloquent, and, I think, successful argument in favor of the wisdom of leaving boys to themselves, and allowing independence and self-reliance to oust for the time being school books and tutors.”
“‘Bevis’ is a wholesome and delightful book.”
“Full of his intimate knowledge of nature, and full also of sympathy with and knowledge of the interests and characteristics of boys.”
Jefferson, Charles Edward.Faith and life.**30c. Crowell.
Under the text “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen” (Heb. xi. 1), Dr. Jefferson discusses the relation which faith bears to life. The booklet is attractively bound in white, with gold lettering and a holly design in green and belongs to the “What is worth while series.”
Jefferson, Charles Edward.Minister as prophet,**90c. Crowell.
Originally given as a series of lectures before the Bangor theological seminary, these talks are “clear, luminous, pithy, cogent, full of practical suggestions” for ministers, students and the general public. The following chapters show the minister’s present position in general affairs; The dimension of the work, The three men involved (the physical man, the mental man, the spiritual man). The growing of sermons, Form and manner, The place of dogma in preaching.
“There are many books on the Christian ministry, and few are smaller than this and few more valuable.”
“The general tone and spirit of these lectures is uplifting, clarifying, and stimulating to high endeavor.”
Jelliffe, Smith Ely.Introduction to pharmacognosy.*$2.50. Saunders.
This is the first adequate English treatment of pharmacognosy, and will be welcomed by the special student. “The work falls into three divisions, animal drugs, vegetable drugs without organic structure, and vegetable drugs with organic structure. The first division is appropriately small, and the last constitutes the major portion of the work. A goodly treatise on each drug is found, embracing references to its origin; discussions of its gross structure, microscopic structure and features recognizable in its powder; and mention of constituent substances present.... Excellent original illustrations accompany a large number of the descriptions.” (Science.)
“The discussions are in the main botanically correct and the style is fairly clear. Imperfections aside, however, it is well within the truth to say that this volume is the nearest approach which has yet appeared towards filling the need of the day in this country.” Charles H. Shaw.
Jenks, Tudor.Captain Myles Standish.*$1.20. Century.
A biography of Myles Standish, the Pilgrim’s captain, which tells the story of the people of the Mayflower and of their captain’s service to them as leader, lawgiver, trader, and physician. The account is accurate to the sacrifice of many romantic traditions.
“It is intended, perhaps, more for youthful than for mature readers, although we imagine it will interest these as well. Is practically a history of the Plymouth settlement.”
“Mr. Jenks’s account gives an impression of accuracy and care, but it lacks picturesqueness and any romantic quality.”
Jenks, Tudor.In the days of Milton,**$1. Barnes.
Uniform with “The lives of great writers” series this volume contains a popular description of the conditions in England during the reigns of Elizabeth, James, and Charles, of Puritan and Cavalier, and of the life of the blind poet himself and his relation to these surroundings. There is a frontispiece portrait of Milton, a bibliography and a chronological table.
“The author is luminous rather than critical, gives a touch of imagination to the accuracy of facts, and inspires with fresh human interest a national movement commonly thought of as only bitter and austere.”
“The book is both instructive and readable.”
*“It will be found extremely helpful to an understanding of the Puritan period in English history.”
Jenks, Tudor.In the days of Shakespeare; with introd. by Hamilton W. Mabie.**$1. Barnes.
“One of the series of ‘Lives of great writers.’ ... This little volume consists of a personal picture of the Stratford boy, and the London actor and man of affairs. There is also a helpful explanation of some of the principal plays, with suggestive comments.”—R. of Rs.
“For the purpose for which it is intended—that is, as a literary substitute for the textual and verbal approach to the subject which has hitherto prevailed—it is to be commended.”
“The book is readable and will likely give the ordinary reader a much better idea of what the playwriting business was in Elizabeth’s reign, what the work Shakespeare actually did was, than many much more pretentious volumes can do.”
“Proceeds, as an open-minded student, to unroll a fascinating panorama.”
“Mr. Jenks has handled his material well.”
“A new and ‘worth while’ Shakespeare book.”
Jephson, Lady.Letters to a debutante.*$1.25. Lippincott.
These letters are addressed to Violet, who is gently told how to be sweet and happy in chapters upon The art of happiness, The need for controlling the tongue, The ethics of dress, On country house visiting, The choice of literature, Are elopements justifiable? Concerning wit, The advisability of friendships with men, and other subjects of interest to the young girl who longs to be a social success.
“On the whole, however, the lady gives wholesome enough advice—albeit most of it has been given to other debutantes many times before.”
“While Lady Jephson’s form is throughout aphoristic, she lacks the gift of saying the inwardly true thing in memorable words, and that is the particular gift one looks for in a book of this sort.”
Jepson, Edgar.Lady Noggs, peeress.†$1.50. McClure.
“Lady Noggs, properly called Lady Felicia Grandison, is the small niece and ward of a prime minister, whose peace of mind is continually disturbed by pranks and escapades of the most extraordinary nature.... A background romance between the governess and the secretary is engaging and real by way of contrast.”—Outlook.
“The object of these few remarks is to cordially commend Felicia, within her suitable literary bounds, as a pleasant holiday companion.”
Jernigan, Thomas R.China in law and commerce.*$2. Macmillan.
From these pages “one may glean not merely knowledge of the political and commercial life of the country, but a better understanding of the Oriental mind. The physical features, the resources, the people of China; the state, provincial, district, town, and family organization, the anomalies between legal theory and business customs, the native banking system, the weights, measures, and currency employed, the Empire’s transportation facilities” (Outlook) are all fully treated.
“Mr. Jernigan is not an inspiring writer. But there is a great deal that is valuable in his book, and his statements are accurate and apposite.”
“A volume which will be indispensable to every student of the civilization of the Far East.”
“The thing essential in compiling a book of this kind is sympathetic perception, and Mr. Jernigan has evidently cultivated this faculty, during his residence in China, with no little success.”
“Here in one handy book is choice and exact information, carefully sifted, tested, and arranged concisely and in an orderly manner. There is a good index to this noteworthy book.”
“The subjects ... find exhaustive discussion, and ... are treated carefully and intelligently.”
“A scholarly volume.”
*“An unpretentious book, containing a large amount of well-selected and well arranged information.”
Jernigan, Thomas R.China’s business methods and policy,*$3.60. Wessels.
The author, ex-consul general of the United States at Shanghai, prefaces his book with the statement that he has sought to find “some of the elementary principles which base and influence business and social China and to present them without unnecessary detail.” His papers give a clear and accurate treatment of China’s administrative system, land tenure, sources of revenue, law courts, finances, social regulations, commercial trend, educational and consular systems, and foreign relations.
“There is a want of cohesion about this work; it seems more a collection of papers than a treatise. The work will be found useful when any important event takes place in China in connection either with its foreign or with its internal policy, as a sort of reference-book.”
Jervey, Theodore D.Elder brother. $1.50. Neale.
“A novel in which are presented the vital questions confronting the South growing out of the Reconstruction, and in which the author defines the true relations now existing between the races in the South.” Specifically, it presents the political, social, and economic history of a southern city during this period. There are many characters of all classes but interest centers about two brothers who become social and political leaders.
“The book, if it is not a novel to carry the reader along—it is not that—is an exceedingly valuable, truthful, and interesting study. There is certainly no other picture of the period which approaches it in these vital points.”
“It is a good picture of conditions—and perhaps, after all, its solution of the problems confronting the South is the only practical one.”
Jessel, Frederick.comp. Bibliography of works in English on playing cards and gaming.*$4.40. Longmans.
“Gaming in this sense includes dominoes, conjuring, card-tricks and so forth. Mr. Jessel has described the title of every work he has found, however slight, on cards or gaming; and he has included all books which contain allusions of sufficient importance to be recorded, even works of fiction which depend on gaming for their plots or contain scenes which illustrate the mode of playing some particular game. Periodicals have not been forgotten.... The bibliography is in alphabetical order of the names of authors, but the index at the end enables subjects to be searched for without difficulty.”—Acad.
*“We can recommend it not only to libraries, but also to clubs for card-room reference, and to all who wish for a ready means of finding out what has been written in our language about cards and gaming.”
*“Probably as complete as any other in English.”
Jevons, William Stanley.Principles of economics: a fragment of a treatise on the industrial mechanism of society and other papers.*$3.25. Macmillan.
“The fragment in a mere outline, but it comes from a master hand and is doubly welcome at a time when the need for restatement of definitions is particularly evident.”—Acad.
“The volume is one that we cordially welcome, and it is bound to meet with the high appreciation of a discriminating public.”
“Probably much that is already printed wouldhave been greatly revised before it appeared, and yet, imperfect as it is, the careful student of economics will lose a great deal if he does not master this volume.”
“The book may be said to be well justified, even though it be equally clear that the form and title and bulk of it fall somewhere between the questionable and the indefensible.” H. J. Davenport.
“A word of gratitude is due to the editor, who has spared no pains to elucidate what the author left unfinished and obscure.”
“It cannot be said that the fragments now published offer anything of great value. Mr. Higgs has performed his editorial labors in an admirable manner.”
*Jewett, John Howard (Hannah Warner, pseud.).Con the wizard,†50c. Stokes.
This little volume in the Christmas stocking series, tells how the wizard-bird, Con, changed Teddy Mann and the pets of Mistress May into the form of the man or beast they envied most, and how they were glad, after a time, to be changed back and become themselves again. There are eight illustrations in color by Edward R. Little, and numerous illustrations in black and white by Oliver Herford.
Jewish encyclopaedia; ed. by Isidore Singer. 12v. per v. $6. Funk.
Everything which in any way concerns the ancient or modern life of the Jewish people and which has either historical or literary value can be found in this “Descriptive record of the history, religion, literature and customs of the Jewish people from the earliest time to the present day.” Prepared by more than four hundred scholars and specialists under the direction of Cyrus Adler, I. K. Funk, F. H. Vizeletly and others. There are twelve massive volumes and two thousand illustrations.
“In spite of some minor defects, should prove a valuable work of reference to all interested in Jewish history.”
“Has much the same merits and defects as its predecessor.”
“The enterprise has now gone far enough to leave no doubt that the high standard of excellence set up by the editors will be reached.”
*“This encyclopaedia will be essential in any well equipped library.”
“The standard cannot be said to be rising. Still, if only for its wealth of biography, especially English and American, the book is indispensable for reference.”
“The tenth volume is as valuable as any of its predecessors.”
“As a work of world-wide comprehensiveness this is one to enrich any library.”
*“This great work, the joint product of Jewish and Christian writers, fully sustains its early promise as it nears its completion.”
“Nearly all subjects mentioned [in volume IX] are treated at great length, in good spirit, with thorough scholarship.”
*“Volume XI. is exceptionally rich in politico-economic material.”
*“It can be affirmed without hesitation that, taken as a whole, the work is a contribution to general knowledge which, for the future, will be nothing less than indispensable.”
Job, Herbert Keightley.Wild wings: adventures of a camera-hunter among the larger wild birds of America on land and sea.**$3. Houghton.
A simple story of the author’s conflicts and conquests as he hunted with his camera “the wild hardy birds of the sea, whose strong wings make them masters of the elements.” His search took him from the Magdalen islands to the Florida keys and he gives pictures of pelicans, kittiwakes and gannets, of laughing gulls, cormorants and auks, of plovers brooding their young, and of the great horned owl mothering her owlet. There are 160 of these photographs.
“No such collection of ‘portraits’ can be found anywhere else.” May Estelle Cook.
“His book should appeal to a large circle of readers, especially the ornithologist, the sportsman, and the nature-lover, as well as the omnipresent camera fiend.”
*“Despite its somewhat pedantic title, this book is much above the average of works of the same general nature.”
“‘Wild wings’ should not only appeal to nature and bird lovers, but there is much in its pages to interest sportsmen as well.”
“Without doubt this book is a contribution to the world’s sanity, while at the same time its science is duly respected.” Mabel Osgood Wright.
“Quite as entertaining as most hunters’ stories.”
John Van Buren, politician,†$1.50. Harper.
“‘John Van Buren, politician,’ is a young up-state lawyer, who comes to New York, joins Tammany hall, wins the favor of Boss ‘Coulter,’ and is sent to the state legislature, where he is speedily made acquainted with the darker aspects of legislative life. The story of his adventure in politics and of hislovemaking ... is told in a volume that is a curious combination of novel and guide to the sights of New York.”—Outlook.
“The book has no style, and but slight interest considered as a story. Its implied ethics, moreover, are of a highly dubious character.” Wm. M. Payne.
“Were it not for its intimate portrayal of the methods whereby Tammany achieves political success, it would be of little value or interest.”
“The picture of the sessions of the general assembly at Albany is graphic and possibly true to the life, although the coloring is probably too strong and the lines too heavy.”
“The book does not preach anything, clean politics or foul; it simply reflects conditions as a keen observer would find them.”
*Johnson, Burges.Pleasant tragedies of childhood.†$1.50. Harper.
“Experiences more or less tragical to babies and children, but pleasantly told in Mr. Johnson’s verses and humorously depicted in Miss Cory’s sketches. Fathers and mothers will be amused by them, and the juvenile victims—some of them at least—will enjoy the pictures.”—Critic.
*“This is an exceedingly attractive picture book.”
*“One of the really delightful books about children of the present season.”
*“Some of the verses are very witty.”
Johnson, Burges.Rhymes of little boys.**$1. Crowell.
A truly charming book of little boy verses, which little girls and grown-ups will enjoy also Goin’ barefoot, Bein’ sick; Gettin’ well; Cookin’ things; Makin’ things; Gettin’ washed; and two score others set forth little boy philosophy in little boy language, and following these are some verses to or about little boys, among them an exquisite tribute to Frank R. Stockton. The volume is bound in plaid gingham, with decorative title and end leaves by Mrs. John Carpenter.
*“The naïveté of small-boy egotisms, generosities, rivalries, has never been, and, it would seem to us, could never be, better done than in Mr. Johnson’s clever and sympathetic verses.”
*“This volume is sure to win for its author a wider appreciation of his really unique work.”
“The introductory poems strike a note of tenderness and reverence of unusual purity and beauty.”
*“We like his verse for its insight, literal though it often is.”
*Johnson, Clifton, ed. Oak-tree fairy book; il. by Willard Bonte. $1.75. Little.
Here are the old favorites reproduced in wholesome form with the savagery, harrowing details and abnormal pathos eliminated, and with the charm retained.
Johnson, Owen.In the name of liberty.$1.50. Century.
A story of the French revolution in which the personal struggles of the actors are silhouetted against the greater struggle of the nation in the background. Barabant, a young enthusiast, allies himself with the Girondins and falls with them, to be saved from the guillotine only by the sacrifice of Nicole, a flower-girl, whom he has made his wife in prison, and who gives up her life for his. The course of the story runs subjectively close to the people; their whims, their morbid curiosity, their unrestrained impulse and anger, and their hatred for the aristocrats distort their vision thru the bloody days of the terror which is followed in grewsome detail.
“Mr. Johnson has devised a fresh and unhackneyed story, with a heroine quite apart from the usual types.”
“Owen Johnson has written a good story, with several unusual points about it that entitle it to notice.” Priscilla Leonard.
“A fresh and interesting view of a subject that would seem to have been exhausted of all novelty. One can but admire the cleverness with which he has made reality and fiction supplement and sustain each other while keeping the reader’s attention wholly engrossed by the very simple and pathetic love story of Nicole and Barabant. A vivid and vigorous handling of a subject that has been used to the point of threadbareness.”
“A rather unusually spirited tale. Mr. Johnson has created two or three flesh-and-blood characters, has put them into trying crises, and has made them work out their own moral salvation or ruin as they respond or fail to respond to the test. The book has life and energy.”
“The sure touch of the confident master is lacking. There is over-emphasis, a too great insistence on the individual when the mass should have been brought into the foreground. Viewed as a whole the book is an effective piece of word painting.”
“Mr. Johnson’s story has merits of its own unborrowed from Dickens or any one else. One of them is a saving sanity of expression.”
“Well and swiftly told, and probably of breathless interest to the unsophisticated mind.”
Johnson, Sidona Viola.Short history of Oregon,**$1. McClurg.
This book covers the early discoveries, the Lewis and Clark explorations, settlement, government, Indian wars, and progress. In concise form it gives a full account of that interesting region. It is illustrated with numerous halftones.
“A short but comprehensive account of the state.”
Johnson, William Henry.French pathfinders in North America.$1.50. Little.
The author has made his narrative suitable in every respect to young readers. He tells of the discoveries and adventures of such men as Cartier, Jean Ribaut, Rene de Laudonnière, Champlain, Nicollet, Joliet, La Salle, and Father Hennepin, in an interesting fashion, basing his story, upon standard authorities; he has provided notes upon Indian tribal connections and customs, and introductory chapters which dealwith the origin and distribution of the Indian race and give a view of Indian society.
*“Mr. Johnson’s descriptions of the great French explorers are calculated to serve the purposes he had in view and to stimulate curiosity.”
Johnson, William Henry.Sir Galahad of New France,†$1.50. Turner, H. B.
This romantic story of a young Frenchman, who, lost and alone in the new world, is befriended by an Indian girl who leads him back to his people and in whom he awakens such intellect and religious fervor, that he comes to love her and takes her back to France and makes her his wife, is based upon the attempts of the French Huguenots to settle America in the sixteenth century. The historical element, however, is subordinated to the forest love story.
Johnson, Wolcott.An old man’s idyl.*$1. McClurg.
A homey story, an autobiography in scattered diary form, in which a husband and father tells of his late love, his happy marriage, his honeymoon in Europe, and the birth of his two little girls who grow up, are educated, and finally marry, leaving him to look back over a long life which they and their mother rounded out into a perfect idyl, and a prayer.
“This old man’s little ‘idyl’ has a peculiarly reminiscent, speculative flavor which now and then recalls Ik Marvel and George William Curtis and others of that school of amiable and dearly beloved dreamers.”