The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, November 8, 1896, Page 21

‘AS VIEWED BY BRITISH EYES ‘:"_Ric::-h' Observations on Galifornia Manners and Gustoms by a liondon Gleric " RARE ENCOMIUMS FOR THE LOGAL BOHEMIAN CLUB --Rev. Mr. Haweis, With Brilliant Pen, Makes Amusing Gomment on Galifornia Politics, Sings Our CGlimate’s Praises and Enjoys Himself TRAVEL AND TALK—By Rev. £. R. Hawels. DA, author of “Thoughts for the Times” *ete. New York: i é by Willlam Doxey, Palace , 2 volx,, $5 Francisco, with its bright skies, its loyal, open-hearted citizens, its beau- diful, sensible and sympathetic women, its iarvelous cable-cars and electric trams that run up and down its perpendicular streets like magic—as the Chinamen say: ‘No pushee, no pullee, but go vera fast much.’ Adieu! the busy mart and the bustling hotel, the crowded church, the fraternal clergy, the pleasant so- cial gathering, the genial hospitality and the inventi ve newspaper reporter.’” 1t is in these parting words that the Rev. H. R. Haweis pays his respects 1o this City in his recently published work entitled “Travel and . “Talk,” which purportsto be a record of 100,- 000 miles of trave: undertsken by the author in the years 1855, 1893 and 1895. Mr. Haweis is well known in this country, both as a cleric . end asa writer. Hislast book contains much that is interesting and amusing to American readers generaily and to residents of the Paci- fic States in particular. “ The author of “Travel and Telk” evidently came to this country prepared to criticize. To & certain extent he has carried out his pur- pose. Americans of a former generation re- - member with bitterness their experience witn Charles Dickens, who was feted and lionized -and made much of in the Eastern cities of this continent, yet returned to his native land and penned his American Notes, wherein he scathingly criticized Yankee manners and Customs. Mr. Haweis has registered his - opinions of our people, but he has done so0 in a rather gentler manuer. While pointing out ‘the crudities of American civiiization, he is Y ent our good points, and for let us be thankful, We shall take up in this review that portion of'Mr. Hawe:s' diery having particula: rela- tion to San Francisco, for the Teason that the general line of criticism adopted by him to- ward the metropolis of the Pacific Coast is the same us that which visited by him. He commences with Celifornisn to the stranger within his . gates, from whom unstiutiug admiration is . expected. Los Angeles, the c.ergyman found “wreichedly co:d,” and San Francisco very “damp. He says, however, that if he desired to prolong his iiie ke would probably take up his residence at “‘San Reffaeile.” (The gentle " reader is requested to note the spei.ling.) There is one point about which Calitornians bave been much misrepresented, and that is “their supposed sensitiveness to criticism., This, Mr. Haweis thinks,1s more imaginary thsn real. “You can uiscuss with them,” he ‘says, “the state of the arts or education, and tizere will be little difference of opinion be- tween s culiivated Eurcpean and an average shrewd aud educated Calltornian on such -"-matters. What they detest is for peop.e who have concealea their real opfnion and flat- tered them up when in their midst to get right away and then round upon them.” Our ‘BuLnOr confesses that he bas learned wisdom i America sud hence has failea to share the fate of Mrs. Kendal and Lotte Coliins of “Jay Town'' fume. Civic corruption on the Pacific Coast comes in for & share of amusiug comment. Tne Lon- don clergymen professes 10 Lave & vast and aboundiug admiration for Mayor Sutro, whom .. he calis the grand oid men of San Francisco. " He thus describes the historical mass-meeting held at Meiropoiltan Temple: L that meeting the best speakers—men of )n, Senators, Judges of the Supreme Court, etc., indulged in such amenities as +Jobson is a ihiel’; ‘Bounder is a perjurer’; ‘E.der Smut is the owner of bad houses, 4 — strect’; ‘Grasper was turied out of Bunkum’s office for robbing the till’; ‘Binker is a iiar,’ and ‘O’Sueakum forged a wil’'—sentiments * receivea with uproarious apylause, some of . the incriminated parties being present and smiling around blandly.” A pleasant chapter or two is devoted to Christmas in San Francisco. Our methods of celebrating the birthday of the founder of a great faith met with the strong approba.ion of Mr. Hawels. As he expresses it, it is “sound to the core.” Further than this, he remarks: " “This go-shead country, this materialistic, money-grubbing 'Frisco is in matiers of reli- glon and of ‘use and wont’ the most con- servative and sentimental place I was ever in.’ The Christmas high and low jinks of the Bohemian Club were matters of murvel to the sithor of “Iravel and Talk.” In passing he takes occasion to comment upon the fact that the rowdy elemeut that is apt to creep into such clubs in London was conspicuous by its . absence San Francisco. “‘This guild of Frisco’s wit and wisdom, whose symbol is an owl with oue eye winked, has gatuered in by 8 kind of magnetic attraction all the esprits Jlus of the City—lawyers, actors, writers, doc- tors and artists meet in Bohemia on common ground. * * * Boisterous, roilicking, effu- sive to the point of an aimost Celiic senti- mentality, but rowdy, coarse, risque—No!"” It willtnus have been seen that, viewed in atleast 1wo most important aspects, San Fran- cisco, so far from being behind the metropolis of the OId World, is acknowledged by a promi- vent London divise, scholar, writer and stu- dent of humaa nature to be far ahead ol it -In the reception accorded to the Christmas festival Engisamen have from time imme- morial considered themselves 1o be pre- eminent. The yule log, with its accompani- ment of Santa Claus and general merry- making, has by meny been accepted as suggest- ing English hosp.tality and English senti- ment. Yet here is an eminent Euglishman who feels it incumbent on him to confess that ° the Californian’s welcome to Christmasis at least &s warm and as pleasant. “On the whole,” coiciudes the autuor of ‘Travel and Talk,” “I think it would improve some of our E glish pessimists to come over here and get their English sourness knocked out of them and a little San Francisco merriment knocked into them about Christmas time. They would have a better chance of beginning a ‘Happy new year.” As for English clubs, who will deny that they have ever been regarded, both by the conservative Briton and the outsider, as em- blematic of Eunglish solidity and Engiish re- -spectability. But If we are to believe Mr. Haweis, who certainly ought to know, there exists a certain “rowdy element which fs apt to creep into Loudon clubs, which was con . spicuous by iis absence in San Francisco.” Surely, then, we can dry the tear caused by the wounds inflicted upon our pride by act- resses to whom our thealer-goers have opre- sented the cold shouider. A visit to the Stanford and Lelana (sic) Uni- versity and a lecture to the studentsin attend- ance is one of the recorded events of Mr. Haweis' trip to the coast. Of the scholars he has this to say: “The students, as at Cornell, are male and female, singularly free, self-reijant and inde- pendent. They live all about at their own sweet will. * * * | could see from my platform crowds of stuaents of both sexes standing at the open doors, and the young men climbed up outside aud looked in at the open windows. I have those hundreds of \ {resh young eager faces beiore me still. 1haa been told that infidelity and materialism were here rampant and that many of the teachers were openly agnostic or skeptical, Very likely 1felt sirangely overcoms; my heart went out to them; they seemed to be as sheep without ashepherd, with their icet stumbling on the he employs for every | mae, that perennial subject introduced | at Our Expense dark mountains. California may be sensual, muterialistic, skeptical, superficial; but Caii fornians are full of heart and the young people with small respect for precedent and convention are wonderfully receptive and eager.” Of the newspaper press in San Francisco,and in America generally, Mr. Haweis has not a very hign opinion. This is evidenced by his chronicling the fact that he felt himself under ©Ob igations to the proprietor of his hotel for gusrding him from *‘visitors, reporters and bores.” His antipathy to the press arose, it seems, from the fact that some correspondence relating to his preaching in & nonconformist place of worship got into the papers. In fact, all through the present work he has been at some pains to manifest his contgmpt for the writing craft. There are those who have said that Mr. Haweis did not consider his im- portance sufficiently accentuated by the New York papers upon his landing this side of the Atlantic, though this may be only a malicious report. “Travel and Talk” is in some respects a brilliant book. There is much in it thatis witty, bright and sparkling, but there are places where it is spoiled by the spirit of self- sufficiency manifested by its author. Mr. Hawels is possessed of no desire to hide his light under & bushel, and the all-importanc g0 is continually struggling to assert itselt. A glance at that portion of his book devoted to the Eastern States reveals numerons inac- curacies, which cannot be passed under cover of the excuse that the book was hasuly written. He makes the astounding assertions, for instance, that the literary set in Boston did not recognize Bryant; that Harriet Beecher Stowe had little or nothing to do with the anti-slavery agitation; and, finally, that Emerson did not admire Wait Whitman. The veriest tyro in literary matters knows these statements to be incorrect. To conclude, Mr. Haweis should remember that the San Francisco press concerns itself | with far more important matters than the un- | seemly squabbles of clergymen, visiting or | resident. He should not lay against any sec- | tion of this country the charge of ‘‘money- | grubbing” and in the same breath make elab- orate extimates of what his lectures are worth | to a church at 50 cents per auditor. He should | not publish letters which upon their faces bear the stamp of privacy; and, finally, he should *‘read, mark and inwardly digest” that portion of Psalm xv descriptive of the man “that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil unto his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighpor.” EMANUEL ELzas. EOOK FOR YULE TILE. | SANTA CLAUS' HOME. By Helen M. Cleveland. Boston, : Arena Publishing Co. Price 50c. The Christmas book season is now fairly { upon us and many are the canaidates present- | ing themselves for favor in tne literary line. One of the best children’s books we have seen up to the time of writing is “Santa Claus’ Home,” by Helen M. Cleveland. The short siories hereln are selected with an earnest desire to furnish mothers with stories to read aioud to their children,and also for young children to read to themselves; and the Thymes are chosen with a special desire to give something suitable for sma!l chilaren to sing and speak in school. This book should have a wide eirculation and should be specially considered for supyle- mentary reading in our schools, as well as for the entertainment of the child at home. AN APOSTLE OF HUMANITY. JOSHUA WRAY. By Hans Stevenson Beattle, Nes York: american Publisters’ Corporation, TheLakewood Series. price 0 cents. The story of an apostie of humanity is here told. The book is a reprint, but “Joshua Wray” was much commented upon when it was first published 1n 1892. The now popular trade schools for the training of our youth for employment in mechanical pursuits are claimed in this book to have had their origin in the practical, unassuming efforts along that line of the men who is represented in the character of Joshua Wray. LITERARY NOTES The publishing-house of T. Y. Crowell & Co. announces a new book by W. H. Rideing, enti- tlea “At Hawarden with Mr. Gladstone.” The representatives of William Morris have intrusted the preparation of an authoritative record of his life and work to J. W. Mackail. D. Appleton & Co. announce an elaborately illustrated work, entitled *‘Driving fcr Pleas- ure, or the Harness Siable and Its Appoint- ments,” by Francis T. Undernill. M. Raoul Pictet, the famous Swiss chemist, has ready an important volume in which he treats of the arguments for and against modern philosophic theories furnished by experimental science. Thomas Hardy has thoughts of extending his story, “The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved,” into a full-blown novel. This story was writ- ten three or four years back, and so far has only appeared seriall The Macmillan Company of New York have just published a new standard edition of Scott’s works. It ie in twenty-five volumes and will be sold In sets only. The price is mod- erate, $22 50 in buckrem and $35 in leather. It seems likely that “Phroso,” Anthony Hope’s new novel, which has just been pub- !ished in McClure’s Magazine and is to be pub- lished in book form by the Frederick A. Stokes Company in January, wili make as great a suceess us *‘The Prisoner of Zenda,” The Mzcmillan Company announces & vol- ume entitled “Guesses at the Riddle of Exist- ence,” by Professor Goldwin Smith, auihor of “Questions of the Deay’’ and other volumes, 2lso published by the Macmillan Company. In his new volume the questions raised are chiefly ethical or religions. “The Land of the Castanet,” which is pub- lished this week, is H. C. Chatfield-Taylor's fourth book. The first three were novels— “With Edge Toos,” “An American Peeress” { and “Two Women and a Fool,”” which sold so largely & vear and 2 half ago, This new book is not fiction, but sketches of Spaln, where the author spent last winter. The collation of the text of Lord Byron" works, with the original MSS. and proofs, which was put in hand by the late Mr. Murray some years ago, is now rapidly approaching completion. The result will be seen in the new edition of the poetical and prose works of the pdet which Mr. Murray has in preparation. The edition is being edited by Lord Byron's grandson, the Earl of Lovelace. The Macmillan Company will shortly add to its remarkably fine line of biographies and editions of collected works an entirely new edition of the Works and Letters of Lord Byron, edited by W.E. Henley. It is to be completed in twelve volumes, of which the Letters, Diaries, Controversies, Speeches, ete., will be contained in four, and the verse in eignt volumes of medium size with portraits. “Master Ardick, Buccaneer,” is the title of a strong historical novel by a new American writer, F. J. Costello, which is to be published immediately by D. Appleton & Co. This pic- turesque historical romance, with its weaitn oiadventures on sea and land, introduces us, THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1896 Waiting. Here I sitalone, alooe, Ever list'ning for mine own, For his step, bis laugh, his tone Like a flute note softly blown. Will he never, never more Come in smiling at the door, With the rapt look that he wore When his task of love was o'er? Wil he never stoop and say, *Mcther, 1 am tired to-day,” Like a child from too much play; “Kiss me in the dear old way ?" Nay! I cannot think it so. He will come to me, I know, Smiling sweet and speaking low— He will come, or I will go. Father! only let us greet, Iere, or wheresoe'er his feet Go upon ove's errands sweet. Send him—take me—as seems meet. JAMES BUCKHAM in Harper's bazaar. My Mountain Liake. Ay own lake of inkes, My lon luke of lakes, When the young blushing day Beside you awakes, ‘e coid, hoary mist 1 he goid glory kissed Litts laughing away O'er your cool amethyst, My falr lake of lakes, My rare luke of lakes, How your tarian red-gold In the summ r sir shakes; ¥old fluttering on fold Of purple Leath bioom And gay, glancing broom, A joy 10 benold. My sad sleeping lake! My mad leaping lak When the p.lled Tempest Powers Into agony break, Thelr t-ars scalding showers, Thundr-mosns their lament, Thelr garments grief-rent by broken hill bowers. Bright, faint-heaving breast, By fond v sions possessed, Not a wave frets thy beach, Kcarce one ripple’s unrest! Dim, weitering reach, Where the Pries.ess of Heaven And the steadtast Star-Seven Hold Sibyiline speech. ALFRED PERCIVAL GRAVES. P I I ATR Retrospection. Oh, how ott unseen, unknown, Does “the soul of feel ing” Muse on frienas far off or gone, Memory’s stores unsealicg. Scenes which long have disappeared From their sieep awaken Bounds by loved, lost friends endeared, Joys by them pariaken. Bright an fragrant there appear Flowers of recollection. Bathed by many a holy tear, Nursed by fond affection. Oh, ye loved, lamented few! Once to me united, Heavenward by each thought of you Be my soul {ncited. CHARLOTTE ELLIOTT. sl T For a Day. Just for a day you crossed my life's aull track, Put my Ignoble dreams to sudden shame, ‘Went your bright way and left me to fali back On my own world of poorer deed and aim. To fall back on my meaner world, and feel Like one who, dwelliug 'mid some smoke- dimmed town— In a br.ef pause of labor’s sullen wneal— 'Scaped from the street’s dead dust and factory’s frown, In stainless daylight saw the puro seas roll, Saw mountains mirroring the perfect sky, Then journeyed home, to carry in his soul The (orment of the difference till he dle. WILLIAM WATSON. among others, to the redoubtable Henry Mor- #an, whom the reader accompanies in his dar- ing journey across the isthmus and in the sacking of Penama. The American Publishers’ Corporation has nearly ready & new edition of the works of Marie Corelli, in six volumes, 1llustrated; and new editions of Green’s ““History of the English People,” four volumes, with illustration: Guizov's *Hiswry of Frauce,” Scott’s Waverley Novel! volumes, lllustrated; McCarthy's “H story of Our Own Times,” and “The Library Series” of twenty- four of the World's Best Books. In November, 1895, the Tribunal of Com- merce of Rouen, France, rendered a judgment of $500 damages in the suit for plagiarism brought against the famous Professor Cesare Lombroso by M. Crepieux, the author of works on handwriting and character. Professor Lom- broso and hia publisher, who had let the case £0 by default, appealed, and the judgment has just been afirmed by the higher court, which fixed the damages, however, at $100. The New Amsterdam Book Company of 156 Fifth avenue, New York, announces the pub- lication of ‘‘Love Songs of France,” from the originals of: De Musset, Gautier, Hugo, Gi- rardin, Baudelaire, De Beranger, Chenier, Lamartine, De Lavigne, Dufresny, Deguerle, Laucussade, Seint- B.uve, Dupont, Nadaud, Parny and Segur. The edition in vellum will cost $1 50, and the edition de luxe, in white silk with special photogravures, $3 75. G. P. Putnam’s Sons have just issued the forty-fitth volume of “The Story of the Nations i which C. E. Maurice deals with “Bobemia.’” The next two volumes will be ’ by Hon. J. G. Bourinot, and “The Story of the Balkan States,” by W. Miller, who has made long sojourns in Rou- mania, Bulgaria and Servia, and is thoroughly familiar with their ancient history as well as with their present political complications. Funk & Wagnalls Company, New York, have just received e single order from one firm for 100,000 eopies of their ceiebrated Standard Dictionary of the English Lauguage, amount- ing at retail to nearly $1,250,000. This is the largest single sale of 8o large a work ever made in America. Previous to this one large trans- action over 100,000 copies had been issued, and the company 1s still recelving many large orders from its subscription agents throughout the world. The Open Court Publishing Company an- nounces for early publication a novelette by Richard Wagner entitled “A Pilgrimage to Beethoven,” a brochure by Count Tolstol on “Christianity and Patriotism,” a “History of English Secularism” by George Jacob Hol- yoake, “Ancient India—Its Language and Re- ligion” by Professor H. Oidenberg, and later, Gustay Freytag’s “Luther’” and a new transla- tion with the original text of Lao-Tsze’s “Tao- JTeh-King." The first volume of Vietor Hugo’s corre- spondence, just published by Messrs. Hough- ton, M filin & Co., contains letters by Lamar- tine, A.fred de Vigny, Lamennais, Armand Carrel ana Sainte-Beuve. M. Paul Meurice, the editor, states that he has taken great care in meking the selection, and adds that all the letters which are not given in this edition will eventually find their way to the National Library. - The second and concluding volume will appear in a few months. The Fireside edition of Shakespeare has just been published by Henry T. Coates & Co., Philadelphia. This i8 a new and complete edition in one octavo volume. It contains thirty-two illustrations reproduced especially for the edition from famous Shakespearean llustrations by English artists, and also hasa. number of interesting views of Siraiford-on- Avon. The same house lso anrounces a new edition of the works of Flavius Josephus, in an octavo volume, translated by Willlam Whiston. Laird & Lee have now completed their “Pony Reference Library,” which makes a set of five volumes, including Conklir"' Handy Man- ual” the “Pocket Encyclo: edl Britannica,” “Home and Business Instruc. . ,” the “Modern Webster Dictionary” and Lee’s “Pr.celess Re- cipes.” The volumes have been prepared with greatcare, each subject having been entrusted to 8 writer who was known to be thoroughly ecquainted with his department. The books may be had in cloth and in leather, separately as well as in sets. Messrs. Dodd, Mead & Co. will publish im- mediately “The Cure of Souls,” by lan Mac- laren (the Rev. John Watson), being his Ly- men Beecher Lectures on Preaching, recently delivered at Yale University. Among the con- tents are: Chapters on “The Genesis of the Sermon.” “The Techrique of the Bermon,” “Problems of Preaching,” “Theology the Theory of Religion,” “The New Dogma,” “The Machinery of a Congregation,” “The Work of 8 Pastor,” “The Public Worship of God” and “The Minister’s Care of Himself.” Henry T. Coates & Co., Philadelphia, an- nounce for 1mmealate publication *Fireside Stories O1d and New,” collected by Henry T. Coates. Thisinteresting series will be pub- | lished in three sedecimo voiumes, with pho- togravure frontispieces, in attractive binding. 1t has been the purpose of the editor to make & collection of short stories that will be Tepre- sentative ol the best of the naw and old schools of story-writers. A number of mod- ern favorites will be met with in the yolumes, and there will be many old classics that are 1ar too good to be forgotten. A series of articles of unique interest has been undertaken by the Ladies’ Home Jour- nal. Itis to be called “Great Personal Events,” and will sketch the most wonderful scenes of popular enthusiasm and thrilling historic 1n- terest which have occurred in America during the past fifty years. Each one will be graph ically detailed by an eyewitness, while leading artists have been employed to portray the events in pictures made from old illustrative material. The series has just been started in the current number of the magazine, Ouida: Take one languid Greek god, with fair hair and the shadow of & crime. Flavor him with a ruined abbey, nothing & year, a palace on the Bosphorus,and turquoise hair- brushes. Take also several duchesses to whom he makes love—very languidly, or he will not do—a Dalmatiau gitana with a thirst for r-e-e-venge, and one vivandiera. After these have boen thoroughly mixed, intro- duce—carefuliy—a chapter on Ariadne at Naxos, one little woodea shoe, a gifted dog, and a plain mister to give a piquant flavor. Season with a bouquetof choice misquotations, and serve with a supreme expiation. Book News for November isa Du Maurier number, five pages being devoted to skeiches of the dead artist-authorand the reproduction of many of his famousdrawings. But there is still room for & helpful word on 340 new books and the showing of many pictures from them. Gleaning of the flelds ot literature is done by writers of gpecial fitness at Philadelphia, New York, Boston, London, Chicago and San Fran- cisco, while the English reviews of several new books are reprinted. A page of helps to holi- day book-buyers is also given, while the *‘list of best-selling books’” is helpful to those who would keep in touch with the most-talked-of books of the day. Aspiring young writers who are seeking fame by the magazine route will be interested in this piece of information from the New York Recorder: Itcosts any first-class magazine from $5000, to $20,0 0 per year to read, classify and accept or reject uniuvited con:ributions. In the course of a year each magazine may find use, out of tons of matter, for elght O ten contributions, which may thus cost $800 to $2000 aplece, besides -he small sum paid to the author. Inone magazine office the manuseripts have to be haulel into a big safe every night on a hand truck, the accumulations of even a few days are so heavy. In the hope of once in five years or o discovering a new writer the magazine-tasters good-naturedly and at great expense and Inconvenience wade through tons of mavuscript every year. And yet there is a kick! A. C. Armstrong & Son, New York, announce for publication in November (simultaneously with its issue in Londou)the imporiant art work, *‘Meissouier: His Life and His Art,” by Vallery C. O. Greard of the French Academ with extracts from the painter’s notebooks and his opinions and impressions on art and artists, collected by Madame Meissonier, un- der whose superintendence the book has been prepsred. The work will be in one large volume, royal ociavo, with over 200 illus- trations in the text, printed in black and tint, | peculiar interest at the present and forty full-pave plates, partly in photo- gravure and partly in color. Besides the regu- lar edition at a moderate price, there will be a limited edition de luxe on Japanese vellum, with duplicate plates on India paper. The Macmillan Company, in order to prevent confusion, and, as far as possible to anticipate further questions, is calling attention to the fact that the title of Miss Margaret Sherwood’s new book, which was announced as “An Ex- periment in Egotism” has been changed to “A Puritan Bohemie.” The reason for the change is not mentionea, but is subposedly due to the idea that the first presents a 100 strong anti- thesis to the title of an earlier book, also pub- lished by the Macmillans, named “An Experi- ment in Altruism.” The Bohemia described is in one of the great studio buildings, found in almost any large city, wherein women do their life's-work as art teachers, students or artists with varying degrees of success, but with com- pensations in independence and pleasant com- panionships. The completion of Herbert Spencer’s system of philosophy is announced by his publishers, Messrs. D. Appleton & Co. As first stated, this division of the Synthetic Phiiosophy was to be treated in two volumes, but in their pre- paration the amount of matter grew to such proportions that a third voiume became neces- sary. This contains Part VI, Ecclesiasticai In- stitutions; Part VII, Professional Institutions; and Part VIII, Industrial Institutions. In view of the numerous changes, beneficent and otherwise, that have been goingon in the in- dustrial world within recent years, theap- pearance of this closing section has been eagerly: looked for 1n many quarters. It will be found to be fully up to the high standard of Mr. Spencer’s preceding work, and toshed a strong light on current industrial problems. It was long ago admitted there is nothing new urder the sun and that especially of the art of bookwaking there isno end, but Charles Whibley’s ““A Book of Scoundrels,” published by the Macmillan Company, is anythinz but commonpiace. He describes the careers and achievements of certain notorious malefactors who have been chosen for presentment on ac- count of their style and picturesqueness. They are of all ages and several countries, and, that variety may not be lacking, Cartouche and Peace, Moll Cutpurse and the Abbe Bruneau come within the same covers. Where it has sermed convenient the method of Plutarch is followed and the style and method of two similar scoundrels aré contrasted ina “p allel.”” Jack Sheppard in the stoneroom of Newgale, reproduced from an old print, serves &s a frontispiece. The Review of Reviews for November isa strong issue. American politics are discussed in an able manuer, while the European situa- tion is not neglected. Among the prominent articles in this number are: “A Summing Up of the Vital Issues of 1896, by Rev. Lyman Abbott; “Methods and Tactics of the Cam- prign; Would Free Coinage Bemefit Wage- Earners ?” (afirmative, Dr. Charles B, Spahr; negative, Professor Richmond Mayo Smith); “‘George Du Muurier,” by Ernest Knauffi; “The Eastern Ogre or Bt. George to the Rescue,” by W. T. Stead. The Review of Reviews maintains its posi- tion as one of the leading if not the leading monthly magazine published in this country. It is simply indispensable to every one who desire to keep posted on matters literary, financial and political. ““The Story of the Mine” is 1lie title of an important new book, by Charles Howard Shinn, which will be published immediately by D. Appleton & Co. in the Story of the West Series, edited by Ripley Hitchcock. The figures of the prospecior and the miner are ciearly outlined in the course of the romantic story of that natural treasure-house which more than any other embodies the romance, the vicissitudes, the triumpbs, the excitement and the science of mining life—the great Comstock lode. Frem the prospector, through deve opment and deep-mining, to the lasc of the stock gambling, the story is told in a way that presents a singularly vivid and engross- ing picture of & life which has played so large a part in the developmeut of the remoter West. While this bouk, in accordance with the plan of this successful series, has a lasting historieal value, it wili be found 10 possess & time, 21 IN THE FIELD OF LITERATURE Christmas Story Books Are Now Beginning to Come In Thick and Fa;t NEW TRANSLATION OF DURUY'S HISTORY OF FRANCE Tomlinson's New Tale of the Early Indian Wars—«Qliver Optic” Adds to His Blue and Gray Series—Manual for Ghina Painters—Miscellany A HISTORY OF FRANCE. By Vietor Duruy, abridged and translated by Mrs. M. Carey, New York: Thomas Y. Croweil & Co., 46 E: Fourteenth street. For sale at all bookstores; price, 2 vois., £3. This work has now passed through no less then a score of editions, which is an attest to its popularity. It was originally translated by Mrs. Carey in 1889, and it immediately took rank es a standard historical work. To the present edition Professor J. Franklin Jameson hes written an introductory notice and a continuation to the year 1896. in the former he states his belief that no better his- tory could have been chosen as a basis for an abridged transiation than thatof M. Duruy. In this opinion he is confirmed by Professor Andrew D. White of Cornell, while to even the most inexperienced eye it is evident that ex- traordinary peius have been taken by trans- lator and publisher to make these volumes of permanent value as works of reference. They will be found by students to be accurate, and the ceneral reader will also perceive their worth as an acquisition to his bookshelves. BLUE ANuU GRAY ON LAND. ON THE STAFF. By “Oliver Optic.” Boston: Lee & Shepard. For sale at ail bookstores: price 0. This volume is the fourth in the series of “The Blue and the Gray—on Land,” and carries the hero of the preceding volumes, Dick Lyon, in his new position as a staff cfficer,into new and fresh fields, and amia scenesof a more stirring nature. The long and rapid march of the army under Buell to the assistance of Grant at Shiloh, the desperate conflict and final victory of Pittsburg Landing, and the march to ana siege of Corinth are all fully de- scribed. g In those days history was made day by day, end boys were transformed into men in a single night. Dick’s position wes not an ex- ceptional one for the times, and he maae the best use of it, gaining the respect and praise of his superior officers and another step in rank ere the yolume closes. In these volumes Mr. Adams conveys to the youtnful readers of the present day a realistic view of the exciting scenes and events of that memorable National period. The main inci- dents are historically correct, and Oliver Op- tic’s fascinating fashion of clotuing the facts of history in the garb of fiction 1s here delight- fully set forth. Sturdy patriotism is the key- note of the motive of these tales, and the author inculcates in & convineing yet alluring manner the great lessons of homor, duty and love of country. They will heip to fire the young of the vresent day with something of the patriotic enthusiasm that thrilled their fathers’ hearts during that dark period in the history of their country. ART INFORMATION. A MANUAL FOR CHINA PAINTERS. Belog & practical and comprehensive treatise on the arc of painting china and glass with mineral colors. By wrs. N. Di_W. Monachesl Boston: Lee & Shepard, Price $1 25. This is one of the most thorough and com- pletemanuals for china paintersever prepared, con taining practical directions for every step; and offering such instruction and suggestions in the use of mineral colors as will enable amateurs 10 pursue this beautiful art by them- selves. Abundaut information is given in reference to materials, which includes colors, brushes, mediums, etc., and how to use them Valuable suggestions are furnished as to the requirements of decorative art and useful hints follow on the correct designs for table- ware. In short, nothing pertaining to this art seems to have been omitted that could aid the student, and the author says, in her introduc- tion, the book contains such information as she sorely needed herself while learning to paint on china. Mrs. Monachesi has had large experience in practically and theoretically demonstrating her familiarity with this art, both with her brush and pen—having alreaay acquired a reputation from her contributions to various art journals—and is considered an authority on Keramics. The color plates showing the exact Lacroix colors make a most valuable addition to the Manual. Their correctness is assured by the fact that they were made in Paris by Lacroix himself especially for this book. AN INDIAN WAR STORY. TECUMSEH'S YOUNG BRAVES. By Everett {i Jomlinson. Boston: Lee & Shepard; price Mr. Tomlinson shifts the scene of action in this new volume in the “War of 1812 Series,” taking up the story of the Creek war, bringing his readers into a closer knowledge of one of the bravest of the historical Indian characters. Stories of the Indians, especially tbat of Tecumsen, have always been of intense in- terest, and become doubly so when presented in this author's attractive style. His treat- ment of the Indian story is such that the book can be placed in the hands of our young people without a fear that they will be in- duced to start for the West to emulate the heroic deeds of O!d Tippecance and Kit Car- son. Not but that the book contains enough exciting incident and adventure to satisfy any one,butit is also true to the history of those stirring times. which has been much neglected hitherto by our story-writers, The lesson conveyed by the story is ome that should be impressed upon every young American. ' TRIBUTE TO DU MAURIER. The English papers are filled with tributes to, and reminiscences of, the late George du Maurier. To a writer in the Daily Mail he said: “This ‘Trilby’ boom distresses me when I think that Thacke never had a ‘boem.’ And I hold that means nothing as a sign of literary excellence—nothing but money.” Another writer in the same paper, who signs himself “An Old Friend,” says that early in his career Du Maurier worked for the S, P. C. K., and was weli satistied to receive $20 fora drawing on wood, and more than satisfied if he had orders for two of these blocks in a week. Ever since he lost the sight of one eye in 1857, the great dread of Du Maurter's life was blindness. He would describe with haunt- ing horror how he would wake at night and stare into the darkness and wonder if it was only the blackness of the night, or the dark- ness that has no dawn, Encouraged by his friend, Henry James, bu Maurier wrote ‘‘Peter Ibbetson.” “I usually wrote,” he said, ‘“on the top of the piano, standing. I rarely looked at my manuscript as I wrote, partly to spare my eyes and partly because the writing seemed literally to flow from my pen. I thought it a modest littie tale when it was finished, and with the great- est delight accepted the Harpers’ offer for it of £500, with another £500 for the drawings in illustration.” Then came “Trilby.” “Of the mechanism of the story,” Du Maurier said, “I can tell you nothing. The story formed itself. I had al- ways & leaning toward the weird and faystical. My father was & great musician. I myself had & passion for song. So the mysterious, the occult and music took their place in it by right of natural descent. The neme had struck me as one with & fortune in it. It was none of my inventing. Charles Nodler had written a romance with a Trilby in it. Alfred de Musset had ccmposed asonnet 10 Trilby. But it fitted my heroine and I adopted jt. I think I must have felt as happy as Thackeray did when the title of ‘Vanity Fair’ suggested Htself to him. At any rate, I at once said to myself, ‘That is a name which will sell a book.””” Never did he sperk a truer word. The name was an inspiration. Of the generosity of the Messrs, Harper, his publishers, Du Maurier was always eager to speak, “As a boy I worshiped Byron,” he woula say, “his fire, his wit, his audacity. But in the light of my own experience, I can’t forgive him that one cruel line, ‘Now Barabbas wasa publisher.’ From the first they had faith n *Trilby.’ Ilooked for no greater suc- cess than with ‘Peter Ibbetson,’ which I bave always thought the better book. But they began by offering me double the ‘Ibbetson’ terms. Ithought it royal trestment and ac- cepted. Then they begged me to recousider my decision, accept a littie less and retain sn interest in the book. I pinned no great faith to ‘Trilby’s’ grenadier coat, however, and said, ‘No.” Two thousand birds in the hand were £ood enough tor me. But directly the ‘boom’ assumed magnificent proportions, the Harpers | Yoluntarily destroyed our sgrecment and ar- ranged to allow me a handsome royalty on every copy of the book.”—The Critic. SLANG FROM (HICAGO I thoughtI had tcuched the bottom of slang whenIread Henry M. Blossom’s “Checker,” writes George C. Jenks in the November “Ev'ry Month.” But here’s another. His name is George Ade, and he owns stone in Chicego. His book, ““Artie of the Btreets and Town,” just out odd. Listen to “Artie’s” description of an neid atadance out on the prairiec. He had been cutting out a member of the floor committes with his girl, and this is what happened: “Finaily hig rabs with the banner on his coat comes around and begins to roast her. Sore? You never seea man so sore. * * * You had ought o' seen me. Iputup a bluff that'd curl your hair. Iwent up to him and Ibreathed it rightinhisear. Ilesned against him. ‘Look here,’ I says, ‘You screw right away from here. We don’t like your style. If you open your face to this lady again to- night I'll separate you from your breath. Did he go? Well, I should say yes. He didn’g want none o’ my game.” Herbert 8. Stone & Co., who published “Checkers,” are also the sponsorsof “Artie.” I do not blame them for it, for thereis some- thing so deliciously funny in spontaneous slang when coupled with real humor that the volume is sure to sell. ‘“‘Artie” originaily ap- peared in a series of sketches in a Chicago newspaver. But they are exceilently well deserving the digni k: INTERESTING, THOUGH DOGMATIC. THE BIBLE AND ITS READERS. By Eva Scheeline. Poblishea ty P. J. Healy, Powell street, San Francisco. For sale a. all bookstores. This is a little work by a local writer, Its title is self-explanatory. Peculiarly dogmatic in its tone, it states nothing that is new; yet withal it is interestingly written, and the author appears to bave & good command of ] vigorous English. The work devutes some space to & considera- tion of the snug and comfortable “after din- ner theory of inspiration.” After thus char- acterizing a theory, the author proceeds to elaborate the description, remarking that it is the belief of those who hold it that “every sentence, word, syllable and letter in the Bible is the word of God.” For those who hold this belief the author has scant respect. “No sane man,” she re- marks, “believes or can believe that sll the Bible is inspired. There are falschoods in the Bible, words of bid men, and even of good men in bad moods. Hence, the man who still Dbelieves is compelled to reject the after-dinner theory. Many people never make a revision of their belief, but steadily scorn the whole book. This theory of inspiration is the fertile parent of infidels, atheists and agnostics.” The extracts quoted will present to the read- er's mind a fairly good ides of the contents of this little volume. For the rest it can be said that the Work is plainly presented in language that is forcible and understandable. A TRE ASURE FOR CHILDREN, FATRY TALES FAR AND NEAR. By «Q" New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, pibe l;‘lng:).m For sale by Willlam Doxey; price, These fairy tales, as retold by “‘Q.” make up & fascinating volume for the young, and tha old can read it with positive enjoyment. The author’s style is in itself captivating. Some ©0ld-time stories he hasrewritten with a clever- ness that endows them with fresh interest, and he has polished up in his superb way a number of erstwhile crude nursery tales, all ©of which have been enriched by his touch. French, German and Polish sources have fur- rished excellent material for the author; and the book at hand will be found a veritable treasure for children. Then, again, the volume is replete with illustrations appropriate to the tales from the pencil of H. R. Millar. IN CROMWELL'S TIME. AMYAS EGERTON, CAVALIER. By Maurice H. Benry. New York: Harper & Bros. For sale by A. M. Robertson, Post street: price $1 50. Sir Guy Egerton went with the royal armies to suppress the rebellion of the Roundheads and was killed in battle. His son Amyas, a 1ad of 19, then followed in the service against the rebels, and for bravery in many sdventures Tose from cornet to captain and then knight. He loves Geraldine Vyvian, a neighbor. He takes her twin brother to the wars with him, but at the end of a few weeks he findsthat the pale young officer is Geraldine herself, and that her brother, a coward, has fled to France. Amyas and Geraldine are married at once, Then follow many adventures and escapes in attempts to save the life of the King. Finally Amyas is arrested and locked up in the Tower, but he is eventually pardoned and retires to his estates. END OF HAZEL » 00D SERIES THE ROSEBUD CLUB. Py Grace Le Baron. Bos. ton: Lee & shepard. Price 75 cents. “The Rosebud Club” is the conclusion of Mrs. Upham’s Hazelwood Stories, and it is a fit companion for the preceding volumes. Mrs. Upham knows how to use simple language and to think as children think, and to live in the situations which are interesiing to them, Her books are free from the objectionable fea- tures which such writing usua.ly has, and are sure to obtain favor wherever they are read or known. These stories will be read with pieas- ure by ali boys, and older people will enjoy the pathetic situations which are presented. AN ARTIS1IC EDITION. ROBERT HELMONT. By Alphonse Daudet. New York: The Macmillan « ompany. For sule by Willlam Doxey, Paiace Hotel; price $1. This s recrint of one of Alphonse Daudet’s works from the press of J. M. Dent & Co., London. It forms part of the series of the French author's bocks, printed and bound uniformly, tbe others issued so far being “Tartarin of Tarascon” and “Tartarin of the Alps” We have already taken occasion to speak of the artistic get-up of this edition, and can only add that the Jpresent work is equally well printed. bound and iliustrated. A sketch of the suthor by L. Rossi mukes a preity frontispiece to “Robert He!mont.” Messrs. G. P. Putnam’s Sons have in press a new edition of “The Last Days of Kricker- bocker Life in New York,” by the late Abram C. Dayton, fully illustrated,