deed actually, declined. Italian used to be the language learned; in addition to French, if any second language was taught now it is German; and yet the study of Dante is continually on the increase."- The Saturday Review. 119. Burr and Blennerhassett. (See 106.) F. B. P., Boston, thinks we are right in not remembering any Burr and Blennerhassett novel : "This was 1855-1859; a period which I remember very well; and I think that if the novel which W. W. B. says created such a profound sensation' had really done so, I should remember it, as I was then much in the way of seeing new books." Times' despatches." In August last, David W. Bartlett, the old-time Washington correspondent ("Van") of the Springfield Republican, and other papers, was chosen American secretary of the Chinese embassy. The report of the special investigation into the Philadelphia custom house, published in the autumn of 1877, showed that three important officers of the same were, and had been from the dates of their appointments, editors and proprietors of local Pennsylvania newspapers: John A. Heisland (appointed naval officer May 1, 1871), J. G. S., Cambridge, Mass., writes of a novel of the Lancaster Examiner and Express; E. O. by Emerson Bennett [The Traitor] in which Burr Goodrich (appointed surveyor April 3, 1869), of and Blennerhassett figure; and G. W. E., Dav- the Bradford Reporter; and E. B. Moore (apenport, Iowa, of a similar work by J. H. Ingra-pointed local appraiser February 1, 1870), of the ham. 120. Authorship Wanted, and place of the following quotations: "Let the thick curtain fall, The Journalist. EDITORS AS OFFICE-HOLDERS. West Chester American Republican. General Joseph R. Hawley, of the Hartford Courant, who lately lacked but a very few votes of receiving a nomination to the United States Senate, would probably have been elected thereto by the Connecticut Legislature if he had allowed his friends to repudiate the action of the caucus; though on a previous occasion, when he had received the caucus nomination for the same office, he lost his election because the friends of the rival candidate refused to abide by the verdict. William Hyde, of the St. Louis Republican, declined last June to be a candidate for senator, on the plea that he already occupied a place of more usefulness and higher rank;" and Charles E. Fitch, HAT the position of Minister to Berlin, of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, likemade vacant by the death of Bayard Tay- wise declared, when mentioned as a possible lor, ought to be given to another journalist, has congressman, that his ambition was bounded by been generally assumed by the newspapers. The his profession, and that in his belief "the holding Philadelphia Times was first in the field with its and the seeking of political office are incompatirecommendation of Morton McMichael, the vet- ble with independent journalism." The Georgia eran editor of the North American, who himself papers, however, have just been urging Governor has since died. George W. Childs, of the Phil- Colquitt to appoint Colonel William T. Thompadelphia Ledger, has also been mentioned, and son, of the Savannah Morning News, to fill out has declared that he prefers to continue in his the late Congressman Hartridge's unexpired present position. Meyer Isaacs, senior editor of term; and Charles E. Smith, of the Albany the Jewish Messenger, and prominent among the Evening Journal, has been nominated by the Israelites of New York, is the candidate of that Republicans of the New York Legislature, for division of the community; and Murat Halstead, the position of regent of the university. James of the Cincinnati Commercial, is recommended Anderson, the notorious witness before the Conby the Washington Post, for various jocose rea-gressional investigating committee of last sum THAT sons. mer, was employed at the time as night editor of the Philadelphia North American; and as this paper prides itself on its eminent respectability, there was a general expression of amused surprise over the incongruity of the connection. Another case of office-holder turned journalist, as it appears to the editor of Pomeroy's Democrat, is that of General Grant "who has now become traveling agent for the New York Herald.” TABLE TALK. The case suggests an allusion to some of the other newspaper men whose names have lately been connected with the public service. John L. Stevens, of Augusta, Me., who was appointed minister to Sweden and Norway in September, 1877, was formerly editor of the Kennebec Journal; and three of the $3,000 consulships, which were filled last summer, fell to well-known members of the profession: Crefeld, Prussia, to Bret Harte; La Rochelle, France, to George L. Catlin, humorous paragrapher of the New York Commercial Advertiser; and Manchester, England, to Alexander C. Batkin, of the Your articles on the dead newspaper men Milwaukee Sentinel. Ezra A. Hayt, whom Sec- of 1878, and on literary longevity, seem specially retary Schurz made Commissioner of Indian good to me. By the way, Philadelphia is the ocAffairs, had been for a half dozen years proprie- togenarian author's paradise. A couple of editor of the Christian Intelligencer, the Dutch tors have just died at a good age - L. A. Godey Reformed Church organ of New York. Justin and Morton McMichael; but that is nothing, for E. Colburn, for several years chief Washington here are Henry C. Carey and Isaac Lea both livcorrespondent of the New York Times, was ing, though one was born in 1793 and the other nominated last April to be consul-general at the in 1792. Old Matthew Carey, Henry Carey's city of Mexico, but the Senate rejected him by a father, was Isaac Lea's father-in-law. He retired vote of 31 to 17, in order, as the other correspond- from business in 1821, so that the Carey and Lea ents said, "to gratify the petty personal spite of are still extant, though they were the great Amercertain members who at one time or another had ican publishing house before the boys Joseph and taken offense at the criticisms contained in the Fletcher Harper were old enough to enter the - The latest book sent out by Nelson & Phillips is a pleasant little volume entitled What Shall I Read; A Confidential Chat on Books, giving sensible advice concerning reading; which, though brought out by a Methodist firm, is noticeable for its undenominational character, the books in its lists evidently being selected for their merit, without regard to other considerations. Another publication just ready here is the first volume of the "Library of Biblical and Theological Literature," edited by Dr. Crook, former editor of The Methodist, and President Hurst, of Drew Theological Seminary. The writer of the first volume, which is an Introduction to the Study of the Holy Scriptures, is the Rev. Henry M. Harman, D. D., of Dickinson College. The work discusses the text, genuineness, and authenticity of each book of the Bible, with special reference to controversies over the Pentateuch and the Gospel of St. John. It is a large octavo of over 700 pages, and is fully indexed. A work to be brought out February 15th is a volume of Yale Lectures on Preaching, by the well-known Bishop Simpson of the Methodist Church. The discourses are ten in number, and their topics cover the usual ground. -The "originals" of the character portraits in Mr. W. H. Mallock's The New Republic are said to be as follows: Storks, Professor Huxley; Stockton, Professor Tyndali; Herbert, Professor Ruskin; Donald Gordon, Thomas Carlyle; Jenkinson, Professor Jewett; Mr. Luke, Mr. Matthew Arnold; Saunders, Professor Kingdon Clifford; Rose, Mr. Walter H. Pater; Leslie, Mr. Hardinge; Seydon, Dr. Pusey; Lady Grace, Mrs. Mark Pattison; Mrs. Sinclair, Mrs. Singleton (Violet Fane). Macmillan & Co. have ready their new quarterly catalogue which shows a long list of valuable books. It is a tribute to American good taste in literary matters that the volume of Matthew Arnold's Poems has been a leading success with the house the season past. The Selections from Heine has also had a rapid sale, and it is said that the translation that has received so much praise is the work of a New York lady. -A series of sermons are hardly judged a without popular venture, but E. P. Dutton & Co., formally giving it the name, are publishing an Episcopal series which has already proved a considerable success. To the volumes by Drs. Phillips Brooks and Morgan Dix, recently issued, they are about to add another by Bishop Stevens of Pennsylvania. They have also ready the third volume of Ellicott's Commentary, completing the New Testament. - R. Worthington is about to issue a cheaper edition of Van Laun's translation of Molière's works. The imported edition of William Paterson, of Edinburgh, costs $45, and is in six volumes. The new edition will be in three volumes, and will be sold at $6.75 or $7.50, according to binding. It will be printed from the English plates, and will be illustrated with the thirty-five fine steel plates of the elegant French edition. - The Publishers' Weekly, so long owned by F. Leypoldt, now comes out without a publisher's Lutti. In Brescia, January 1-11, Francisca Alberti dei Lutti, 47 years; known as the Poetessa del Trentino. Fox-Lichtenstein. In announced in London early in January, Princess Mary of Lichtenstein, nee Fox, 29 years; the adopted danghter of Lord and Lady Holland, married to Prince Alozsius of Lichtenstein in 1872, and author of Holland House. "Her account of Holland House, its famous inmates and frequenters, was read with a great deal of interest at the time of its publication, and is likely to hold a certain place in literary history. Buildings as well as the builders are said to have their fates; and it will be the fate of Holland House to be long thought of and read of wheh structures of far greater historic note shall have passed, perhaps, from the memory of the public. The work published by the Princess Mary of Lichtenstein had the charm that it gathered together in pleasing form most of the recollections of Holland House."- London Daily News. Came. In Boston, January 16, Charles Greene Came, 52 years; for 22 years an editorial writer on the Boston Fournal, formerly an editor of the Portland Advertiser, and otherwise a contributor to periodical literature. Scribner. In New York, January 20, John Blair Scribner, 28 years; senior partner of the publishing house of Charles Scribner's Sons. Literature and Language. A PRIMER OF SPANISH LITERATURE. Helen S. Conant. [Half-Hour Series.] Harper & Brothers. CHAMBERS'S CYCLOPEDIA of English Literature. A history, critical and biographical, of British and American authors, with specimens of their writings, originally edited by Robert Chambers, LL.D. 3d ed., revised by Robert Carruthers, LL.D. In 8 vols. Vol. I. American Book Exchange, New York. ENGLISH SYNONYMS explained in alphabetical order with copious illustrations and examples drawn from the best writers, to which is now added an index to the words. Geo. Crabb, A. M. New ed. with additions and corrections. Harper & Brothers. Poetry. CONSTANCE. A tale. Smith, Elder & Co. Scientific and Technical. 40C. NOW READY. A SHORT HISTORY OF German Literature. By JAMES K. HOSMER, Professor of English and German Literature, Washington University, St. Lonis; Author of "The Color Guard," "Thinking Bayonet," etc. The design of the work is to give in compendions form a sketch of the Literature of Germany from the earliest period to the present time. The accounts of books and authors are relieved by graphic historical pictures and interesting details of visits to places memorable through association years of study. Prof. Hosmer is one of our best writers and scholars.Hon. Geo. Bancroft (the historian). It is one of the best and most charming books it has been our privilege to examine this many a day.-St. Louis Evening Post. the 9th ed. by Abby L. Alger. Roberts Brothers. 8c. Travel and Observation. Hillard. In Boston, January 21, George Stillman Hil-lin Sq. Library.) Harper & Brothers. lard, 70 years. $1.50. THE LIFE OF RUFUS CHOATE. Samuel Gilman Brown. 3d ed. Little, Brown & Co. BRYANT AMONG HIS COUNTRYMEN, the poet, the patriot, the man. An oration before the Goethe Club, Wednesday evening, October 30, 1878. Samuel Osgood. G. P. Putnam's Sons. Paper. 40C. REMINISCENCES OF THE BENCH AND BAR OF MISSOURI, with an appendix, containing biographical sketches of nearly all of the judges and lawyers who have passed away, together with many interesting and valuable letters never before published, of Washington, Jefferson, Burr, Granger, Clinton, and others, some of which throw additional light upon the famous Burr conspiracy. W. V. N. Bay. F. H. Thomas & Co., St. Louis. $3.00. ENGLISH MEN OF LETTERS. Goldsmith. William Black. 75C.-Hume. Prof. Huxley. Harper & Brothers. 75C. SOLDIER AND PIONEER: a biographical sketch of Lt. Col. R. C. Anderson of the Continental army. E. L. An derson. G. P. Putnam's Sons. 15C. BRAZIL AND THE BRAZILIANS. Portrayed if historical MRS. FANNY KEMBLE'S Records of a Girlhood. Fine Piano-Fortes. Large 12mo, with portrait. "The book is so charming, so entertaining, so stamped is a very brilliant and charming one, and our only complaint "The interest of the personal narrative is increased by the In truth the book is charming; it grows much upon the reader, and being crammed full of amusing stories, it may be taken up at any time. It is altogether a book to be read and kept."- Vanity Fair, London. $1.00. HENRY HOLT & CO., GERRIT SMITH. A biography. Octavius Brooks Frothingham. 2d ed. G. P. Putnam's Sons. Fiction. $2.00. NEW YORK. CAPTAIN NELSON. A romance of Colonial days. Sam- THE AUTHORS' PUBLISHING COMPANY, uel Adams Drake. [Lib. of Am. Fict.] Harper & Broth ers. 75C. SIGNOR MONALDINI'S NIECE. [No Name Series.] Roberts Brothers. $1.00. JARL'S DAUGHTER; and other stories. Mrs. F. H. Burnett. T. B. Peterson & Brothers. Paper. 25C. MODEPN FISHERS OF MEN, among the various sexes, sects, and sets of Chartville church and community. D. Appleton & Co. Paper. 50c. TALES FROM SHAKESPEARE. Charles and Mary Lamb. Ed. with an introduction by Rev. Alfred Ainger. Macmillan & Co. $1.25. 27 Bond St., New York, have just ready: Cloth, $1.25. The Henry F. Miller Pianos have received the highest encomiums from every source throughout the United States which can be claimed by any piano-forte manufacturers. PURCHASERS. THE MUSICAL PROFESSION, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS, AND THE PRESS HAVE GIVEN THESE INSTRUMENTS AN UNQUALIFIED ENDORSEMENT OF THE HIGHEST CHARACTER. The Henry F.Miller Grand Pianos been used in nearly 125 concerts in a single season. We ARE FAVORITES IN THE CONCERT HALL, having fine piano-forte, made from the best materials, and of the would earnestly invite those desirous of purchasing a really The simplicity and experience of Adolphus Stryker, the A remarkable brilliant story by a very popular author. hero, is excessively ludicrous and amusing. IN DEAD EARNEST. By JULIA BRECKINRIDGE, A grand novel, portraying lite in Virginia and among the Quakers of Pennsylvania, with wonderful interest of plot and masterly ability throughout. LINDA, OR UBER DAS MEER. By Mrs. H. L. CRAWFORD. Cloth, $1.25. A beautiful book for Young Folks, being a well-told nar-highest grade of workmanship throughont, and having suLINDSAY'S LUCK. Mrs. F. H. Burnett. T. B. Peter-rative of what Linda saw at Dresden, Berlin, Meisen Porce-perior tone, action and finish, to call and see these instruson & Brothers. Paper. 25c. FRANKLIN SQUARE LIBRARY. The Last Days of Pompeii. Edward Bulwer. 15c.-Jane Eyre. Currer Bell. 15c.-An Eye for an Eye. Anthony Trollope. 10C.Man and Wife. Wilkie Collins. 15c. Harper & Brothers. HALF-HOUR SERIES. The Vicar of Wakefield. Oliver Goldsmith. 25C.-An International Episode. Henry James, Jr. 20C.-The Adventures of Ulysses. Charles Lamb. Harper & Brothers. THE DANBURY NEWS MAN ABROAD. ENGLAND FROM A BACK WINDOW. BY JAMES M. BAILEY. Author of "Life in Danbury," "They All Do It," etc. 12mo, cloth, $1.50. FOURTH EDITION NOW READY. We make the following brief extracts from the hundreds of reviews of this most popular book to show What the Press say of it. One Vol.. Royal Octavo, 960 pp., 24 illus., Cloth extra, gilt back, $3.00; Sheep, marble erige, $3.50; Cloth extra, gilt edge, $3.75; Turkey Antique, $8.00. This most importaut volume reveals the inner history of the rise aud progress of the movement The Publishers of "The Avon Shakespeare" are well which resulted in establishing the Reformed Epis-ready issued from the press of both England and America, aware of the many editions of Shakespeare that have al It is a book that should be in every library.- Webster copal Church. (Mass.) Times. A very amusing, entertaining and readable book.-Religfous Secretary. He sees much that most other travelers would overlook or fail to mention.- Worcester (Mass) Spy. The British Isles have never before been looked at in just the same way.- Rochester Daily Express It is a volume which will be read with interest wherever it may find its way.- Fall River (Mass.) Herald An interesting book of travels In the "Danbury News Man's" quaint and ludicrous style.-National Baptist. It is racy and readable throughont, and full of interesting and instructive incidents.-Baltimore Episcopal Methodist It is a gossipy, free and easy account of the anthor's recent trip abroad, and of course a most entertaining book. Berkshire Eagle. Those who want something new and racy about the old country should bny Mr. Bailey's book.-Montpelier (V7) Argus and Patriot. It will not only bear reading once, but many times, each time something new in thought or scene being perceptible.Beverly (Mass.) Citizen. His shrewdness of observation often makes him hit a nail on the head that has escaped more philosophical enquirers. Boston Sunday Courier. The sketches are not mere humorons exaggerations, but contain a great deal of very sensible observation and graphic description.-Baltimore Gazette. Many of his observations are outside the lines of notice followed by mest travelers, and hence have the charm of novelty.-Fall River (Mass.) News. There is much excellent sense mingled with the fun of the volume, and many of its pictures of English life are admirably and graphically drawn.- Zion's Herald. The manner in which he sets down his experiences is so fresh and novel that his records are enjoyable, even where they deal with familiar scenes.-Salem (Mass.) Mercury. It is one of those rare books which, if opened haphazard, at once fastens the attention. affording solid instruction and capital amusement.- New York Daily News. 11. Signing The Contract, AND WHAT IT COST. A Novel. By MARTHA FINLEY, author of the Elsie Books," "Wanted a Pedigree," etc. 1 vol., large 12mno, price, $1. The announcement of a New Novel from the pen of this popular writer of juvenile books will be received with interest. Nearly 50,000 volumes of her Elsie Books have been sold. be made uniform in size and price with D., M. & In expectation of a large sale this volume will Co.' Series of ONE DOLLAR NOVELS. No new copyrighted book has been recently published at so | low a price. III. Also in the Series of One Dollar Novels. A STORY OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR By J. B. DE LIEFDE, author of "The Beggars," etc. Large 12mo, Price, $1. OTHER VOLUMES IN THIS SERIES. Through a Needle's Eye. By Hesba Stretton. A York and a Lancaster Rose. By Annie Keary. Handsomely bound in uniform style. Price, $1 per folume. The Sixteenth Thousand of A Face Illumined, Published Nov. 16th, is now selling. No previous volume by Mr. Roe has sold as r pidly as this, his latest work. DODD, MEAD & CO., Publishers, His keenness of observation and apt way of recording his 66 impressions make the book worth reading, but it is not a humorous work par excellence.-Boston Daily Traveller. The whole book, which will be read with interest by Englishmen and Americans alike, is one of the best of the kind we have seen in some time.- San Francisco News Letter. A series of sketches of English life, as it appears to an American of quaint and somewhat original temper, regarding it from a joint of view as much personal as national, and fding much to approve in the orderly and peaceful enforcement or rather observance of law by Englishmen, even on occasions of what may seem to be opportunities of licensed disorder.-London Saturday Review. JUST PUBLISHED: ON 12mo, Cloth, $1 50. NEW YORK. AN ORIGINAL NOVEL. 'AS IT MAY HAPPEN." A STORY OF American Life and Character. 12mo. Extra Cloth. $1.50. The following are brief extracts from letters of Critics who have read advance copies of "As It May Happen." Dr. R. Shelton Mackenzie says: "It is a story truly original in design and successful in exe cution. The dialogue is natural all through. There is infinite variety of action, some humor, and a great deal of mys tery. The author displays great power and skill in constructing and telling a story, the interest of which never flags." A Prominent Man writes: Nothing has intere tet me so much for many a long day as this story. It is admirably written, and is entirely original in its plot and development. Its humor, especially in its portrayal of Irish character, is simply inimitable, and its pathos is most natural and effective." Opinion of a Distinguished Clergyman: "It will excite unusual interest and find a rare degree of It is decidedly a 'wholesome' story. Its wonderful interest depends on nothing questionable in matter or method." favor with all lovers of pure fiction. From a Brilliant Litterateur: "I pronounce it the best American novel that has aporiginal." peared for years. Most of its characters are strikingly For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sent by mail postpaid, upon receipt of the price by but they have, nevertheless, been induced to undertake the publication of the present volume by the generally expressed desire for a book in large, clear type, the text of which should embody the latest revisions of the best Shakespearean scholars. As the readings of Messrs. Clark and Wright have been carefully followed, it is believed this result has been most fully achieved. The graphically descriptive Life, by Dr. John S. Hart, is rich with new and varied information, gleaned by the accomplished hand of the author from the late discoveries made by Shakespearean antiquaries, who have been stimulated in their untiring researches after all relating to the fic interes in one of whom his persqual friend" Rare Ben great poet's life by the ever increasing, never flagging, pubJonson" said "Neither man nor muse can praise too much." In the typographical arrangement of this work new featprinted text, by means of the dark displayed type, the eye ures have been introduced-each page being indexed at the page-head with the Scene and Act, while through the catches. without an effort, the main points or characters that appear on that page: an advantage the student connot fail to heartily appreciate. A Descriptive Analysis of the Plots of the Plays has been prepared with great care, and is presented as peculiar to this edit on. By it the reader is enabled to gain, if so desired, a clear understanding of the story of the plot before reading the text of the play. The Alphabetical Inder to the Characters in Shakespeare's Plays, The Index to Familiar Passages, and the important or essential to the fullest understanding of very complete Glossarial Inder, are very valuable features, Shakespeare's works by either the student or the general reader. The illustrations are from the sketches by Kenny Meadows, Frith, or other artists of nearly equal celebrity. ** For sale by all booksellers. ፡፡ THE Gospel Male Choir," By JAS. MCGRANAHAN. The distinguishing feature of this new book is that every piece is arranged for men's voices, thus filling a place hereiofore unoccupied, and furnishing the means for such inspiring music as is referred to in the following CARD FROM MR. MOODY: "I cordially recommend Mr. McGranahan's book of Gospel Songs arranged for Male Voices, for use in Gospel Services. "I regard the singing of appropriate pieces, such as are found in this book, by a Male Chorus, as the most inspiring and effective music I have ever D. L. MOODY." The Literary World. E. H. HAMES & CO., Boston. Congregational House, Beacon and Somerset Sts., Room 6. All papers are continued until there is a specific order to stop; but such an order can be given at any time, to take PORTER & COATES, Publishers, effect at the expiration of the subscription. No 822 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. The Literary World. Britannica, for an answer. RICHARD HENRY DANA. "A NEW PLAY." Many foreign He had evi- as contributors to them. dently not searched Johnson, for it contains writers of ability have also elucidated their just the information that he desires. favorite themes in these pages. The condensed cyclopædias of foreign We should convey a wrong impression if production, such as the admirable one pub- we were to allow our readers to think that lished by W. & R. Chambers, come nearer the four volumes of Johnson's Cyclopædia to supplying the demand of the Busy Man, comprise a small amount of reading matter, but the fact of their foreign authorship for a comparison shows that they actually makes them defective in the treatment of contain more than Chambers's ten volumes, American topics, and thus, though compris- and almost, if not quite, as much as the ing so much that could hardly be put into largest American work of the kind. This more convenient form, they are provokingly desideratum has been made possible by the deficient at many points. use of a small, readable type, and a generous page. The size of the page is such that many illustrations can be used, and many maps of convenient dimensions introduced. It is apparent that the American Busy Man's Cyclopædia must be the production of his own countrymen, so far as American themes are concerned, though a judicious. employment of foreign pens is equally de THE PUBLIC LIBRARY IN THE CATALOGUE OF SCIEN- sirable in many other departments. The EGYPT. TIFIC SERIALS. MISCELLANEOUS. THREE SONNETS. To Thom- PERIODICAL LITERATURE. plan pursued in the work before us involved as Bailey Aldrich, To Hen- RECENT ENGLISH PUBLICA- der whom were (2) thirty-seven editors, who ry Wadsworth Longfellow. W. L. Shoemaker. TIONS. TABLE TALK. 122. AND BOOK CLUBS. THE LAW LITERATURE OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 1878. J cared for the various departments of knowlNOTES AND QUERIES, 121– edge, and who caused the preparation by (3) Select List for LibrARIES Special scholars of acknowledged ability in their particular studies of the articles which form the body of the work. This system seems to have advantages possessed by none other, for it guarantees that each article shall not only be the production of one who has mastered its subject, but also that it should be scrutinized by a superior editor to whom it is likewise familiar. The plan involved the publication of the important A pretty constant use of the work has given us confidence in its general accuracy, completeness, and impartiality, and we do not hesitate to recommend it to the Busy Man as a valuable compendium of universal knowledge, while it contains also many exhaustive monographs for the use of those who have the time to study more at leisure the records of the progress of modern science, art, and philosophy. ARTHUR GILMAN. WEBER'S INDIAN LITERATURE.* MESSRS. Houghton, Osgood & Co. THE BUSY MAN'S CYCLOPÆDIA.* OHNSON'S Cyclopædia is said to have owed its origin to a suggestion made by the late Mr. Horace Greeley at some time during the last years of his busy life. The great editor spoke for himself as much as articles over the names of their writers, and by Prof. Albrecht Weber of the University for the large body of men whom he represented, when he said that a need existed for a compendious indicator of universal knowledge, which should be confined to facts tersely presented. He wanted a cyclopædia that would not fill a shelf in a library, but which might lie upon the table or desk of the business or non-professional man. As a this gives them a weight and value that they have done a great service to American scholars by reprinting from the English translation the lectures on Indian Literature of Berlin. Prof. Weber is everywhere known among Orientalists as one of the foremost Sanskrit scholars of the age, and anything coming from his pen carries the weight of eminent authority. The lectures are substantially the same as when delivered twenty-seven years ago to classes in the University. This reproduction of work. The chief editors of Johnson's Cyclopædia were President Barnard of Columbia College journalist, accustomed to note the rapidly and Professor Guyot of Princeton. Under which would, in most instances, be entirely changing aspects of affairs and the daily them ex-President Woolsey, of Yale College, behind the age, especially in a field which of science and invention, Mr. edited the articles on public law; William has been so recently opened, and which has Greeley demanded a work composed of T. Harris those on philosophy; George P. articles embodying the latest and freshest knowledge on every subject, articles such as specialists only can prepare. progress Marsh those on English and foreign litera- the The great English cyclopædias cover the ground of the Busy Man's Cyclopædia, but they are too extensive and too minute. Beyond all praise in most respects, they give a vast amount of information that the Busy derson, of Rochester, the articles on the Man cannot stop the wheels of his machinery Baptist church; and the late Joseph Henry to read, and they occupy so many years in those in his line of thought, while other their production that there is a great gap specialists were at the heads of the other departments. within a quarter of a century attracted such an array of able workers, seems at first view hazardous, but is, in reality, a remarkable testimony to the profound and cautious character of the early researches of the author, favored by access to a great library fostered by royal magnificence. The English translation, first published by Trübner, is based upon the 2d German edition, which appeared in 1875, and to which were added numerous notes embracing such corrections and additional matter as seemed necessary between their first volumes and their last. to bring the work up to the then-existing Despite their thoroughness, too, they often state of knowledge. The translation, the It is beyond our purpose to enter upon an fail at points where imperfection is least ex- enumeration of the authors who have written appearance of which was delayed by the pected. An instance of this comes to hand under the general editors, but an examina- untimely death of Prof. Childers, to whose at the moment. A writer asks, “What is tion of the volumes, which have laid upon care it had been entrusted, has been revised celluloid?" and says that he has in vain searched the various cyclopædias, including have been in daily use, has satisfied us our table ever since their publication, and by the author, who has added fourteen pages of "supplementary notes," recording the the new (9th) edition of the Encyclopædia that there are few men and women who have latest information to date. The value of the made themselves known as masters of important subjects who have not been obtained Johnson's New Universal Cyclopædia. Four volumes. Alvin J. Johnson & Sons. The History of Indian Literature. By Albrecht Weber. Houghton, Osgood & Co. book is greatly increased by a copious Sanskrit index, an index of topics, and a catalogue of modern scholars whose writings are cited. In short, we have here not only a history of Indian literature, but a sketch of the progress of Indian studies for the last twenty-five years. The title of the lectures, though agreeing with the popular idea of Indian literature, is, taken strictly, misleading. The author does not attempt to compass the whole field of literary activity in India, which would include not only the writings produced in the Sanskrit and allied languages of Northern India, but the very interesting, though, for the most part, later literature developed under Aryan influence among the Dravidian peoples of the Dekhan. Not only does Prof. Weber limit himself to the literature of the Indo-Aryans, but he does not trace this beyond the point where the vernaculars begin to be used for literary purposes. which had their beginnings in the Vedic age. from Mrs. Shelley's edition are noticeable. A SHELLEY. We have not the space for a detailed analysis of the author's work, but may say that his design is not so much to give specimens of the literature as to critically exam- Mr. Symonds, the author of the sketch of ine the principal works with the view to Shelley's life, is already known by his works discover, if possible, their aim and chrono- upon the Greek poets, Dante, and the Relogical order — a task, the difficulty of which naissance. To refined tastes and broad those can best appreciate who have attempted scholarship he unites an unbounded admirait. This mode of treatment, rich as it is in tion for the poet, which makes him an appreprofound research and sharp discrimination, ciative and interesting, if not a thoroughly is more attractive to the special student of trustworthy, biographer. His estimate of The literary history of the Indo-Aryans Hindu civilization than to the general Shelley's character and rank as a poet, and falls very naturally into three periods, each reader, who would be more interested in the the critical passages relating to his various marked by decided peculiarities. The first larger and wholly trustworthy work by Mrs. works, are just and discriminating. The period includes the Vedas and the writings Manning, Ancient and Medieval India. intensely ideal tendency of his mind, and his more or less directly inspired by these, Prof. Weber's writings, too, have not quite delicate, almost ethereal nature, so aptly namely, the Brâhmanas and Sûtras. This the charm of style which have made Max expressed by his favorite sobriquet, Ariel, is the period which has the greatest interest Müller's books so popular, but that they Mr. Symonds has well delineated. Concernfor the student of primitive Indo-European are a safer guide to the student cannot be ing the poet's moral character, however, civilization. Not only has the language the doubted. opinions will always vary. The lack of haraspect of great age, but the literature conmony between his inward and outer life is tains a multitude of allusions to religious sad and perplexing. But in his endeavor to and social customs, to the beginnings of make his hero immaculate, Mr. Symonds is political organizations, to mythological crea- SIDE from the interest which centers too willing to overlook his faults, and throw tions, and attempts at philosophical specula- in his genius and work as a poet, the the blame of his own acts upon other shoultion, some of which date from a time prior life of Shelley is scarcely less fascinating ders. His attitude toward his father, his to the arrival of the Aryans in India, and when viewed merely as a psychological study. desertion of one wife and marriage of anothare a source of evidence regarding by-gone Together with his extraordinary intellectual er, and the hideous crime advocated in the ages which we search for in vain elsewhere. gifts, there were developed during his youth first edition of Laon and Cythna are cerThe Brahmanas and Sûtras are much later certain peculiar and perilous tendencies tainly without excuse. Nor is it a sufficient than most of the Vedic hymns, and mark which involved him in one continued strug- apology for his persistent untruthfulness the transition from a primitive, natural state gle against his environment. At the time that "the embroidery of a bare fact with a of society to later and more artificial condi- of his early death, his soul was still a chaos, tissue of imagination was a peculiarity of tions. The second period is distinguished dark, formless, and void; but beneath the Shelley's mind." A spade is a spade, and from the first by a difference of language, wide and troubled waste lay the germs of a little is gained by giving it a fine name. The subject, and style. The progress of gram-new and fair creation, and the Divine Spirit most charitable hypothesis that can be matical study, which had its origin in the had already begun to move upon the face of framed is to suppose that his early willfulness attempt to fix the proper form of the ritual, the waters. resulted in a kind of mania, from which he and the restriction of learning to the priestly Two new volumes, published by different never fully recovered. caste, led to a divorce of the literary dialect firms, invite the attention of our readers Mr. Symonds's style in this little book is from that of common life, and to the crys- to Shelley as a poet and as a man. The seen at his best. His choice of words is, as tallization of the former into what is known first is a selection from his minor poems; always, masterly, while his diction is less as the Sanskrit. It is impossible to be pre- the second, an account of his life belong- florid and more virile than in his more studcise about the time when this separation oc- ing to the series of short sketches of Eng-ied essays. A few instances of inaccuracy curred. The divergence, which must have lish Men of Letters. The text of the selec- and haste are noticeable. The following been gradual, was very marked by 200 B. C. tions is Shelley's own, as presented by Mr. sentence, for example, presents a marked The literature of this period, which began Forman in his edition of 1877. The ar- contrast to our author's usually careful lanat about the same time, is characterized by a rangement is chronological, verses earlier guage: "and yet few men have been subnew aim. Instead of being devoted to an than 1816 being grouped together, while ject to so many sudden changes through the explanation of the Vedas, and to the finding those composed later are referred to the buffetings of fortune from without and the of a secure ground for Brâhmanic usages, it years in which they were written. Among inconstancy of their own purpose, than he is cultivated more for its own sake. Here we the dates assigned, a number of variations have the two great Epics, besides dramatic, lyric, and didactic poetry; also treatises on law, astronomy, medicine, music, etc.; finally & Co. the copious literature of Buddhism, and imEnglish Men of Letters. Shelley. By John Addingportant works on grammar and philosophy, ton Symonds. Harper & Brothers. 2 1 Minor Poems. By Percy Bysshe Shelley. Little, Brown was." These two volumes form an excellent introduction to the study of Shelley, and we hope they may widen the circle of his fame. For "we acknowledge," with Mr. Symonds, "that he was the loftiest and the most spontaneous singer of our language." |