Volume 3 — W (continued 2)
Reading edition
+ Dial. 42: 144. Mr. 1. ’07. 290w.
“Stanley J. Weyman has come to that place as a novelist where he can afford to amuse himself when he writes whether he entertains the reader or not.”
+ − Ind. 62: 674. Mr. 21, ’07 70w.
Weyman, Stanley John. Laid up in lavender. †$1.50. Longmans.
7–32320.
“A venerable arch-deacon is entreated by a lady whom he knew in his youth to visit her in her illness. She is an actress, and has a daughter who is a well-known and beautiful actress; and he finds it rather embarrassing when he is asked to undertake the charge of the latter in the event of her mother’s death. When he does find his ward on his hands, he takes counsel of his son, a barrister, who gives him advice in the hypothetical case put to him. Of course the father, hoping to marry off the awkward ward to the man he has heard she loves, discovers this to be his own son under his writing name.”—Ath.
“They are all good stories, and each of them causes something of that feeling of excitement which Mr. Weyman knows so well how to produce.”
+ Acad. 73: sup. 115. N. 9, ’07. 420w.
“[The stories] are uninspired and take the author’s reputation no further. Indeed, they ‘drop’ it.”
+ − Ath. 1907, 2: 516. O. 26. 250w.
“Slight as they are, these early sketches leave the impression that Mr. Weyman understood contemporary life so well that a very promising disciple of Trollope was lost when he turned aside to don the sword and buskin.” Frederic Taber Cooper.
+ Bookm. 26: 410. D. ’07. 350w.
“The variety of the provender supplied in the group makes a wholesome and digestible banquet from nourishing soup through seasoned entrée to contenting coffee.”
+ Nation. 85: 447. N. 14, ’07. 150w.
“None of the twelve tales has anything to raise it above the level of ordinary magazine fiction, and two or three of them are positively dull.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 12: 711. N. 9, ’07. 100w.
“Most of the other tales bear internal evidence of having been written some time ago, and the author would have been best advised to have kept them still laid up in lavender.”
+ − Sat. R. 104: 641. N. 23, ’07. 520w.
Wharton, Anne Hollingsworth. Italian days and ways. **$1.50. Lippincott.
6–41526.
The amusing experiences of “three women—one young, the others uncertainly older—who land at Genoa and travel through the highways of Italy à la American tourist.” (Nation.) The record of the travels is in the form of letters written by one of the older women to a friend at home.
“Lacks the humor and buoyancy of Mrs. Wiggin’s Penelope stories but has much human interest and reflects considerable culture and appreciation of Italian sights and scenes.”
+ − A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 15. Ja. ’07. S.
“Something of the unfading charm of Italy is caught in the pages of Miss Wharton’s ‘Italian days and ways.’”
+ Dial. 41: 452. D. 16, ’06. 170w.
+ Lit. D. 33: 857. D. 8, ’06. 80w.
471“There is a tendency to enlarge upon trifling incidents, which produces the effect of padding; but the spirit of enthusiastic enjoyment gives a fresh view to old scenes.”
+ − Nation. 84: 153. F. 14, ’07. 210w.
“Her accounts of life in the various towns of Italy are as unhackneyed as they are simple and unaffected.”
+ Outlook. 85: 574. Mr. 9, ’07. 50w.
Wharton, Edith. Fruit of the tree. †$1.50. Scribner.
7–32842.
The interest of the first part of this story centers in the efforts of young John Amherst, who occupies a subordinate position in the management of the Westmore mills, to solve some of the industrial problems there presented, particularly in providing for the health and safety of the employes. His opportunity to carry out his cherished plans seems to be at hand when he gains the sympathy and interest and finally the love of the beautiful young widow who owns the mills. The marriage follows, and a little later there befalls a terrible accident in which the wife is hopelessly injured and to put her out of her pain, Justine, friend and nurse, administers an overdose of morphine. Justine marries Amherst who thru the blackmailing scheme of a young physician learns of Justine’s act and for a time is overwhelmed with her technical responsibility of Bessie’s death while his reason tells him that she is innocent.
“A novel of extraordinary power and intense interest, interpreting American life of the present day, done with Mrs. Wharton’s usual subtlety, ease and precision.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 204. N. ’07. ✠
“Though a better book than its predecessor, is not likely to provoke an equal amount of that heated and emotional public discussion which is the true sign of popularity.” Edward Clark Marsh.
+ + Bookm. 26: 273. N. ’07. 1300w.
“Besides its accomplished artistry, Mrs. Wharton’s work always gives us the sense of ethical responsibility.” Wm. M. Payne.
+ Dial. 43: 317. N. 16, ’07. 580w.
+ − Ind. 63: 1227. N. 21, ’07. 330w.
+ − Ind. 63: 1436. D. 12, ’07. 910w.
+ Lit. D. 35: 920. D. 14, ’07. 140w.
“Again Mrs. Wharton has done a difficult thing with ease and precision.”
+ + Nation. 85: 352. O. 17, ’07. 970w.
“The astonishing thing is that we close the book with the feeling that, after all, the execution is superior to the idea; the story is better told than such a story deserves to be. We admire, but we are a little chilled; Mrs. Wharton sits at her desk like a disembodied intelligence; acute and critical and entirely unsympathetic; she is as detached as a scientific student viewing bacilli under a microscope.”
+ + − N. Y. Times. 12: 637. O. 19, ’07. 1000w.
“Even better than ‘The house of mirth.’”
+ + N. Y. Times. 12: 654. O. 19, ’07. 20w.
“Is not a bringer of joy, but it is penetrating in analysis, and evades none of the issues it raises. It lacks humor and contrast of character. The luxury and frivolity of a certain set of society people are almost too insistently driven home.”
+ + − Outlook. 87: 621. N. 23, ’07. 210w.
Wharton, Edith. Madame de Treymes. †$1. Scribner.
7–8219.
Mrs. Wharton’s stage is occupied by two women—one French by birth, the other by marriage—and an American who at forty is dabbling in the rather unsafe business of aiding one of them in divorce proceedings in order to attain his belated happiness. In transferring her point of observation from a New York to a Paris drawing room, Mrs. Wharton has made the enamel of convention only a little more brilliant, and in suffering it to crack to reveal a shrivelled up heart, only shows that underneath such gloss, life has ceased to ring true to any standards of spontaneity. Family, society, and the church are inexorable Molochs to whom must be sacrificed infant joy, freedom, hope and even courage.
“Now there is much that is admirable and subtle in the story and its treatment. The different points of view of two types of character are set forth with great clearness. The story, however, loses its poignancy owing to the fact that these types are not individualized.”
+ − Acad. 72: 465. My. 11, ’07. 470w.
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 137. My. ’07.
“The writing is distinguished by that blend of strength and grace which is characteristic of Mrs. Wharton.”
+ Ath. 1907, 1: 535. My. 4. 170w.
“Whether or not in her most recently published novelette Mrs. Wharton gives a just evaluation to the ideals of another race, there can be no two opinions of the story’s literary merits.” Harry James Smith.
+ + Atlan. 100: 131. Jl. ’07. 550w.
“Although a miracle of condensation, in matter, in form, and by an unimpeachable distinction of style, Mrs. Wharton has written a short story which stands entirely above criticism.” Mary Moss.
+ + Bookm. 25: 303. My. ’07. 1000w.
“The author’s ideas are evaporated into Henry James subtleties, and so it is merely a little pamphlet of elegant discriminations.”
− Ind. 62: 1528. Je. 27, ’07. 220w.
“Mrs. Wharton’s little story is as thin as her astral shape and should not be mentioned except to call attention to the fact that she has learned to begin where Henry James leaves off.”
− Ind. 63: 1227. N. 21, ’07. 30w.
“Her pages exhale the undefinable atmosphere and aroma of aristocratic French life of the present day—a phase of life almost incomprehensible to the foreigner. The author’s style is full of distinction and is marked by those exquisite reserves that characterize the born artist. Slight as the volume is, it reveals artistic possibilities hitherto undiscerned.”
+ + Lit. D. 34: 640. Ap. 20, ’07. 350w.
+ Nation. 84: 313. Ap. 4, ’07. 710w.
“She succeeds in painting her gray picture not so subtly that we forget her art, but exquisitely enough for us to recognize how fine that art is.” Hildegarde Hawthorne.
+ − N. Y. Times. 12: 137. Mr. 9, ’07. 1400w.
“The precision of her technique ... the sensitiveness and significance of her observation, her feeling for the harmonious sentence and the suggestive phrase ... must always stamp her work as superior to that of many writers of wider sympathy and more spontaneous talent.” Olivia Howard Dunbar.
+ + No. Am. 185: 218. My. 17, ’07. 1200w.
“A characteristic piece of work from an extremely careful and artistic writer.”
+ Outlook. 86: 255. Je. 1, ’07. 150w.
“An absolutely flawless and satisfying piece of workmanship.” Vernon Atwood.
+ + Putnam’s. 2: 616. Ag. ’07. 700w.
R. of Rs. 35: 764. Je. ’07. 320w.
“The great force of the French family as an organization has never been better treated by a foreign pen, and the little book is written with all the author’s usual delicacy and distinction of style.”
+ + Spec. 98: 764. My. 11, ’07. 90w.
Whates, H. R. Canada, the new nation. **$1.50. Dutton.
6–43469.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 133. My. ’07. S.
+ R. of Rs. 35: 109. Ja. ’07. 150w.
+ Sat. R. 102: 53. Jl. 14, ’06. 380w.
472Wheeler, W. H. Practical manual of tides and waves. *$2.80. Longmans.
6–33569.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
N. Y. Times. 11: 252. Ap. 14, ’06. 200w.
Whelpley, James Davenport. Problem of the immigrant. *$3. Dutton.
5–11644.
Descriptive note in December, 1905.
“Mr. Whelpley’s conclusions are forcefully stated even though it is impossible to follow him in all of them.” Arthur B. Reeve.
+ − Charities. 17: 506. D. 15, ’06. 930w.
Wherry, Elwood Morris. Islam and Christianity in India and the Far East. (The student lectures on missions at Princeton theological seminary for 1906–’07.) **$1.25. Revell.
7–17908.
In which the author “recounts and describes the various methods of conquest by which Islamism established itself in these several countries, how it has been modified by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, and, finally, what Christianity is doing for the conversion of the Mohammedans of these various countries, and what success is attending its efforts.” (N. Y. Times.)
“There is evident throughout the book a thorough knowledge of the history of Islamism, and also of present-day social and moral conditions in Mohammedan countries.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 500. Ag. 17, ’07. 200w.
+ Outlook. 87: 46. S. 7, ’07. 140w.
Whinery, Samuel. Specifications for street roadway pavements. *50c. Eng. news.
“After a discussion of the theory of specifications, the general features of specifications are considered, such as those providing for inspection, public convenience and safety, extra work etc. Foundations are then taken up, concrete, old paving stone and broken stone being included. Under the heading ‘Bituminous pavements’ are found asphalt, block asphalt and rock asphalt. The various ingredients of these pavements are treated in detail, and the best methods for laying each pavement are specified. Granite, brick and woodblock pavements are given ample attention, and in the closing pages paragraphs of a general nature, relating to all pavements, are given, including payments, specifications for experimental and untried pavements, etc.”—Technical Literature.
“The pamphlet is a valuable contribution to the literature upon the proper construction of pavements, and will undoubtedly have much influence in standardizing, so far as local conditions will permit, specifications for this kind of work.” Edwin A. Fisher.
+ − Engin. N. 58: 179. Ag. 15, ’07. 1750w.
Technical Literature. 2: 97. Ag. ’07. 220w.
Whipple, George Chandler. Value of pure water. $1. Wiley.
7–8249.
Here “an attempt is made from valuable data to establish formulae which may be employed to calculate the allowable depreciation due to sanitary quality, physical characteristics (colour, odour, etc.), hardness, etc., of a water supply.”—Nature.
“This little book is planned on novel lines and deserves recognition. The book is suggestive and stimulating reading, the various tables add to its value, and we heartily commend it to the sanitarian and water engineer.”
+ + Nature. 76: 245. Jl. 11, ’07. 450w.
“The book is well worth its price and should be found in every water library.” W. P. Mason.
+ + Science, n.s. 25: 787. My. 17, ’07. 400w.
Whistler, Charles W. Gerald the sheriff: a story of the sea in the days of William Rufus. †$1.50. Warne.
A story of life in England in the twelfth century. “It tells of the outlawing of a young Saxon thane, who joined wits and grievances with a displaced Cornish sheriff and, gathering together a hand of Saxon malcontents, hatched a plot for driving out the hated Norman king and seating in his place a Saxon heir to the throne. The tale is told in the first person and merely recounts the adventures which befell the young man and his friend as they followed their forlorn hope. But the adventures are perilous and exciting, and they follow close upon one another, until finally the chief actors win back to place and lands and safety.” (N. Y. Times.)
“The author has made an interesting tale of swift action and high motives, and has told it with a simplicity and dignity of style worthy of a higher grade of work.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 37. Ja. 19, ’07. 410w.
Whitaker, Herman. Settler. †$1.50 Harper.
7–32564.
Manitoba in its primeval loneliness is the scene of his story. A gently reared girl enters the wilderness to care for her brother in his last illness. After his death she marries a rough, crude, strong-hearted settler, then permits her regret for the step to drive the pride-hurt man from her. The situations which grow out of the separation and final reunion are all intensified by the savagery of the wild surroundings.
“A rapid, active tale of adventure.”
+ Nation. 85: 474. N. 21, ’07. 190w.
“Much information may be gleaned from ‘The settler’ relating to lumber camps and farming lands of the Canadian Northwest and to the effects on its industrial conditions of the scheming of railway monopolists. We submit that the attempted realism here, especially in the freedom of speech employed by the women, is, in any case, unnecessarily offensive.”
+ − Outlook. 87: 828. D. 14, ’07. 150w.
Whitcomb, Ida Prentice. Young people’s story of art. $2. Dodd.
6–38344.
A concise and interesting sketch of the Egyptian, Grecian, Roman, Italian, Spanish, German, Flemish, Dutch, English, and French schools of art into which are woven stories and legends of the artists and their works.
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 23. Ja. ’07.
“It is interesting and instructive and will be read quite as eagerly and with as much profit by the older folks.”
+ − Bookm. 24: 526. Ja. ’07. 90w.
“The accounts are full, biographically, historically and in a literary way, while the illustrations are in themselves of distinct value.”
+ Ind. 61: 1406. D. 13, ’06. 80w.
“A sympathetically written text, interpolated with most carefully selected pictures. No child who has any sense of the beautiful will find this book dull. Its inspiration to visit museums and see with his own eyes the pictures described is undoubted.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 11: 836. D. 1, ’06. 440w.
* White, Frederick M. Nether millstone. †$1.50. Little.
7–36980.
A fine old English estate is the scene of most that happens in this tale. Ralph Darnley, the lost heir, returns to find Sir George Dashwood the next of kin in possession, but with only his grandmother and an old butler in his confidence Darnley plans to conceal his identity until he teaches the girl he loves, the daughter of Sir George, the futility of her Dashwood pride which stands in the way of accepting his suit. He aids a false claimant to a nominal 473control of the property, which renders Sir George and his daughter penniless. The daughter is thrown upon the world and when she has learned its lessons and discovered what true worthiness is Darnley reveals his identity and carries her back to Dashwood hall.
White, Frederick M. Slave of silence. †$1.50. Little.
6–24582.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
“We are glad to notice in [this novel] the evidence of more care in its production than the last one or two from his pen had led us to expect.”
+ − Ath. 1907, 1: 162. F. 9. 100w.
White, Stewart Edward. Camp and trail. *$1.25. Outing.
7–31474.
A practical experience book for the wilderness traveler. The author tells in detail how to select what is necessary and to reject what is unnecessary for camp convenience and comfort.
“Certainly with the drawings, and even the names of firms that furnish the desirable articles, the way of it all is as ‘plain as plum porridge,’ so that the westward-faring man, tho a tenderfoot, cannot err therein.” May Estelle Cook.
+ Dial. 43: 419. D. 16, ’07. 90w.
N. Y. Times. 12: 669. O. 19, ’07. 20w.
“The humors of life in the open air are happily touched upon, and make the book something more than a manual.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 769. N. 30, ’07. 140w.
White, Stewart Edward. The pass. *$1.25. Outing pub.
6–325827.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
“He impresses one as being more true than Mr. Jack London, with a measurably broader outlook than Mr. Thompson Seton, and more vigorous, more actual than Dr. van Dyke. There are times when one cannot help wishing that he would be a shade less conscientiously breezy in his language.”
+ − Acad. 72: 386. Ap. 20, ’07. 580w.
White, Stewart Edward, and Adams, Samuel Hopkins. Mystery; il. by Will Crawford. †$1.50. McClure.
7–2060.
“The plot turns upon the mysterious and wonderful happenings that occurred on a volcanic island in the Pacific and upon equally strange and uncanny encounters on the high seas. A long series of happenings follow. More astonishing than anything that ever occurred to the imagination of Stevenson or Marryat.”—Lit. D.
“The book is a happy mixture of R. L. Stevenson and Mr. H. G. Wells.”
+ Acad. 72: 441. My. 4, ’07. 360w.
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 79. Mr. ’07. ✠
“The authors indulge in more slang and technical detail of a marine sort than the ordinary reader can readily grasp.”
− + Ath. 1907, 1: 572. My. 11. 90w.
“A well-rounded romance.” Richard Hughes Remsen.
+ + − Bookm. 25: 84. Mr. ’07. 720w.
+ Ind. 62: 970. Ap. 25, ’07. 130w.
“The story is well told in a lively style, and the characters are strongly portrayed. Perhaps there is in the dialog a dash too much of smartness. The credibility of the reader is at times overstrained. But the novel has real merit and is a notable contribution to the ‘thrillers’ of the sea.”
+ − Lit. D. 34: 218. F. 9, ’07. 160w.
“The narrative sags badly amidships, but the faith of the romancer serves to keep us afloat till we reach port.”
+ − Nation. 84: 61. Ja. 17, ’07. 180w.
“Even ‘Treasure island’ has need to look to its laurels when books like the ‘Mystery’ are being written, though the former’s claims are safe as long as Mr. White and Mr. Adams are compelled to adopt such a theatrical device for their wonder worker as the precious substance which the chest on board the Laughing Lass was supposed to contain.”
+ + − N. Y. Times. 12: 29. Ja. 19, ’07. 1050w.
N. Y. Times. 12: 386. Je. 15, ’07. 170w.
“In a certain way it is very well done; but it is a tour-de-force, not a piece of real writing.”
+ Outlook. 85: 377. F. 16, ’07. 210w.
White, William Allen. In our town. †$1.50. McClure.
6–12564.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
“It is a clever and a wholesome book about people large and small who live in a little city.”
+ Ind. 62: 1035. My. 2, ’07. 270w.
Whitehouse, Henry Remsen. Revolutionary princess; Christina Belgiojoso Trivulzio, her life and times, 1808–1871. *$3. Dutton.
A biography which gives in detail the story of the devoted Milanese, her exile in Paris, her revolutionary plots, her travels, her writings and the remarkable characteristics which make the princess a conspicuous figure of her time.
Ath. 1907, 1: 250. Mr. 2. 1320w.
“Mr. Whitehouse has given the English reader an interesting account of a romantic personality.”
+ Ind. 63: 698. S. 19, ’07. 310w.
“Though his book cannot rank very high either as literature or history, it will do well enough to introduce to the subject those who cannot read Italian.”
− + Nation. 84: 366. Ap. 18, ’07. 450w.
“It is a pity that the publishers of the life of the Princess Belgiojoso did not select a biographer more in sympathy with the subject.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 12: 98. F. 16, ’07. 440w.
“Mr. Whitehouse has given us not only an interesting biography but a vivacious history of the first three-quarters of the past century in leading to one of the greatest achievements of that century, the unification and liberation of Italy.”
+ Outlook. 85: 860. Ap. 13, ’07. 370w.
R. of Rs. 35: 507. Ap. ’07.
Spec. 98: 577. Ap. 13, ’07. 1620w.
Whiteing, Richard. Ring in the new. †$1.50. Century.
6–34801.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 27. Ja. ’07.
“Mr. Whiteing knows the difficulties of the great city for the untrained bread-winner, but his present attempt to give this knowledge literary form is a pretty flat failure.”
− Ann. Am. Acad. 28: 470. N. ’06. 80w.
“Is clever, readable, and not to be taken too seriously.” Mary Moss.
+ − Atlan. 99: 114. Ja. ’07. 110w.
“Mr. Whiteing has a big social purpose and he makes you feel it, but the book as a story is not sufficiently interesting and vital to hold popular attention.” Madeleine Z. Doty.
− + Charities. 17: 485. D. 15, ’06. 690w.
+ R. of Rs. 35: 119. Ja. ’07. 70w.
* Whiting, Lilian. Italy, the magic land. **$2.50. Little.
7–37741.
A companion to Miss Whiting’s “Florence of Landor.” It is a panoramic view of the comparatively modern part of Rome “which, opening with the period of Canova and Thorwaldsen, proceeds to the contemporary Rome of Vedder and Franklin Simmons, in which the author depicts the Rome of the Hawthornes and the Brownings, and of that intense artistic 474life attracted by the stupendous works of Michael Angelo and the galleries of the Vatican.” The chapter headings are: The period of modern art in Rome, Social life in the Eternal city, Day-dreams in Naples, Amalfi, and Capri, A page de conti from Ischia, Voices of St. Francis of Assisi, The glory of a Venetian June, and The magic land.
N. Y. Times. 12: 666. O. 19, ’07. 70w.
Whiting, Lilian. Land of enchantment: from Pike’s Peak to the Pacific. **$2.50. Little.
6–42359.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 15. Ja. ’07.
“The historian or he who would present economic and political conditions from a democratic view-point must be fundamental in his investigations and fearlessly impartial in weighing and presenting all the facts as they exist. Any failure to do this impairs the work as a valuable contribution to historic or economic and social literature. And just here, it seems to us, is found the one weak point in Miss Whiting’s otherwise charmingly instructive and valuable work.”
+ + − Arena. 37: 211. F. ’07. 2190w.
“It makes a poor showing in comparison with Mr. James’s thoro and original study.”
− + Ind. 62: 43. Ja. 3, ’07. 180w.
+ Putnam’s. 2: 119. Ap. ’07. 30w.
R. of Rs. 35: 256. F. ’07. 40w.
Whitlock, Brand. Turn of the balance. †$1.50. Bobbs.
7–10046.
An arraignment of the law as it is administered in our commonwealth to-day. Pitted against the big machine of the law is human justice which attempts to overthrow the merciless momentum of legal incompetence, and fails. The force of the story lies along the line of a plea for human sympathy and improved conditions.
“The book is as strong and purposeful as ‘The jungle,’ and as literature it is a more finished creation. It is a distinctly great novel, presenting a vivid and effective picture of the miserables of our social order.”
+ + Arena. 86: 664. Je. ’07. 2870w.
“From beginning to end there is not one scene that is forced or unnatural or out of place or out of proportion or improbable or inadequate; there is not one sentence or phrase that is overdone or written for effect; of all the characters there is not one that fails to be convincing.” Charles Edward Russell.
+ + Arena. 38: 209. Ag. ’07. 1450w.
“It is a particularly sordid story of criminal life, unredeemed by any special skill in the telling, and lacking the breadth of treatment which alone can make such a subject impressive.”
− + Ath. 1907, 2: 400. O. 5. 130w.
“Grim as his story is, it must claim attention both for its passionate devotion to an idea of mercy and charity, and for its profound recognition of the organic and indestructible unity of human life.” Harry James Smith.
+ Atlan. 100: 130. Jl. ’07. 750w.
“Is chiefly remarkable as an exhibit of the criminal under-world, its viewpoint, its customs, and its speech.” Wm. M. Payne.
− Dial. 42: 314. My. 16, ’07. 200w.
“A serious book this, convincing even while one looks for the other side of the picture—one of the most striking of the many indictments of society of recent years.”
+ Ind. 62: 1031. My. 2, ’07. 340w.
“The author has an eye for details that give many passages of description a distinctive virtue; but all the virtues are overborne by the pulpit utterance, and swamped in a crowd of people who are all very good or very bad as the illustration of the thesis demands.”
− + Lond. Times. 6: 366. N. 29, ’07. 430w.
“Contains many revelations of our own city life. It is fascinating to read and—worth reading.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 170. Mr. 23, ’07. 640w.
N. Y. Times. 12: 386. Je. 15, ’07. 120w.
“Profoundly depressing is the effect of this story, yet the author surely must have been moved by the desire to better the conditions he describes with great power.”
+ − Outlook. 85: 812. Ap. 6, ’07. 180w.
Whitlock, William Wallace. When kings go forth to battle. †$1.50. Lippincott.
7–28962.
A small German principality is the seat of exciting warfare. An unscrupulous king and a conniving “minister of interior improvements” find their match in two invincible Americans who keep the secret of a young prince’s hiding place, and with characteristic American energy join in a revolutionary plot to unseat the reigning monarch and place the prince upon the throne.
N. Y. Times. 12: 619. O. 12, ’07. 160w.
Whitmore, C. S. Harmony flats: the gifts of a tenement-house fairy. 85c. Benziger.
7–22914.
All about some little neglected children whose squalor and suffering in a New York tenement house are relieved by a kind benefactor, who turns out to be the very irascible old gentleman whom the children had greatly feared.
* Whitney, Helen Hay. Bed-time book; with pictures by Jessie Willcox Smith. †$1.50. Duffield.
7–25151.
A bed-time book for children even to the little nightgown-clad people surrounding the text on every page marching off with their candles to bed.
+ − Nation. 85: 520. D. 5, ’07. 40w.
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 703. N. 2, ’07. 200w.
“The most attractive picture-book of the year. There is a strain of seriousness, we might almost say sadness, underlying the expression of Miss Smith’s characters, that the young folks may not find attractive, though they may not penetrate deep enough into the philosophy of art to know the cause. But artistically these pictures would be hard to equal.”
+ R. of Rs. 36: 766. D. ’07. 100w.
Whitney, Rev. James Pounder. Reformation: being an outline of the history of the church from A. D. 1503 to A. D. 1648. (Church universal ser., v. 6.) *$1.50. Macmillan.
7–37538.
A complete handbook of the reformation belonging to the series known as “The church universal” which deals with the history of the Christian church as a historic body.
“His effort ‘to be fair to all schools of thought and to all men to the time’ has, in the opinion of the reviewer, met with indifferent success. Chapters 7–9 (141 pages) are devoted to the Council of Trent. Here we at once become aware that the author is treading on firmer ground. He no longer deals in vague generalities or manifests the ‘possession’ on his part of vast supplies of ignorance and misinformation, but he shows interest in the minutest details and the possession of a creditable amount of authentic knowledge. These chapters constitute the only really valuable part of the work and justify its publication.” Albert Henry Newman.
+ − Am. Hist. R. 12: 876. Jl. ’07. 820w.
“The treatment of the very large subject is brief and summary, the point of view is Anglican, and the spirit non-partisan.”
+ Ind. 63: 763. S. 26, ’07. 50w.
“He has to do his work his own way, and he has done it admirably. But we are sorry to say that he has sometimes been hasty, and has allowed ill-shapen sentences and sometimes errors of fact to escape his notice.”
+ + − Sat. R. 104: 244. Ag. 24, ’07. 440w.
475Whitson, John Harvey. Castle of doubt. †$1.50. Little.
7–16940.
A novel in which a young man tells his own strange story. While enjoying a spring-time stroll in Central Park he is suddenly confronted by an up-to-date carriage containing two pretty women, one of whom declares she is his wife. Despite his remonstrance he is thrust into the carriage by the foot-man, embraced, welcomed and carried off to a luxurious house where he is told that he is Julian Randolph, a young millionaire whose sudden disappearance was a matter of national comment two years before. So far the story differs little from other novels of mistaken identity, but the concluding chapters, which establish the right of the hero to the love and the position he has come to covet, are unusual, unexpected, and well handled.
“Belongs [to] the class of books written for that optimistic age that still can believe, if only for twenty-four hours, that the book last read is the best book ever written.” Frederic Taber Cooper.
+ Bookm. 25: 600. Ag. ’07. 550w.
“Is an interesting story, not without many instances in real life to prove its plausibility.”
+ Ind. 63: 574. S. 5, ’07. 230w.
“The tale is as puzzling as a detective story, and the denouement is as much a surprise to the hero as to the reader.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 386. Je. 15, ’07. 140w.
“The story is well told, and modern New York is graphically pictured.”
+ Outlook. 86: 477. Je. 29, ’07. 100w.
* Whittier, John Greenleaf. John Greenleaf Whittier: a sketch of his life, by Bliss Perry, with selected poems. **75c. Houghton.
7–36386.
A short sketch of Whittier which leaves out the non-essentials and presents the chief formative influences which made the character and career of the poet. The poems chosen illustrate the trend of his boyhood imagination, the political and social struggle of his mature years, and the peace of the resting and waiting in which his life was brought to a close.
Whys and wherefores of the automobile. il. 50c. Automobile Institute, Cleveland, O.
A simple explanation of the elements of the gasoline motor car, prepared for the non-technical reader.
Whyte, Christina Gowans. Adventures of Merrywink. $2. Crowell.
A fresh, wholesome fairy tale which won the prize of £100 which the Bookman of London offered for the best story submitted in a recent competition.
“The illustrations are unequal, and though some are very feeble, others are exceptionally good.”
+ − Acad. 71: 584. D. 8, ’06. 50w.
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 618. O. 12, ’07. 140w.
“The story is delightful, merry, and well written, certain to please children.”
+ Outlook. 87: 310. O. 12, ’07. 50w.
“A very fair specimen of the modern fairy tale.”
+ Sat. R. 102: sup. 8. D. 8, ’06. 60w.
Whyte, Christina Gowans. Nina’s career. †$1.50. Macmillan.
7–32567.
The doings of a group of wholesome English young folk are chronicled in this story. The girl who was granddaughter to a Liberal peer, the once-a-year friend who had to have an artistic career, a delightful family of brothers and sisters, all help to make a pleasing tale of youth, its amusements, ambitions, and achievements.
“A cheerful story, full of life and movement, and by no means lacking in humour.”
+ Ath. 1907, 2: 652. N. 23. 110w.
Whyte, Christina Gowans. Story book girls. †$1.50. Macmillan.
6–41715.
“A group of English girls attempt to conduct their lives according to story-book ideals. The difficulties in the way are innumerable, but the faith is great, the rewards are many.”—Outlook.
+ Acad. 71: 643. D. 22, ’06. 90w.
N. Y. Times. 11: 895. D. 22, ’06. 50w.
“A very interestingly planned and well-executed book, with a delightfully fresh plot.”
+ Outlook. 85: 238. Ja. 26, ’07. 120w.
Widney, Joseph Pomeroy. Race-life of the Aryan peoples. 2v. **$4. Funk.
7–23307.
v. 1. The old world. Beginning with the Asiatic period in the race life of the Aryan people, their various emigrations are here traced chronologically into India and South and West Europe. The whole is an unfolding of “The race epic which the Aryan peoples have lived.”
v. 2. The new world. In this volume the author carries his “race epic” over seas and follows the westward march of the Aryan people from ocean to ocean in America, discussing also present day conditions and problems.
“It is what would be called in its own language a ‘live’ book, and for that we are thankful. It is not to be expected that we should sympathise wholly with American ideals and aspirations, or even those of the best Americans, but we can pay Dr. Widney no higher compliment than to wish that he had been born an Englishman, so that he might have written this book from an English point of view.”
+ − Acad. 73: 161. N. 23, ’07. 990w.
“It is a pity that Mr. Widney, many of whose observations are extremely shrewd, should have allowed a book that has evidently cost him much labour to degenerate into a political pamphlet.”
+ − Ath. 1907, 2: 484. O. 19. 970w.
“The best that can be said of the work is that it has swing and style and may afford material for patriotic addresses. As for the scientific value, it has none.”
− Ind. 63: 1375. D. 5, ’07. 410w.
“His book is not a compilation, nor is it a new statement of a theme already set forth at length by other writers, but an original conception worked out through fine research, carefully coordinated and written in a clear and attractive style.”
+ + Lit. D. 35: 208 Ag. 10, ’07. 420w.
“Though Widney’s book is instructive when read aright, that is, with a clear conception of who the Aryan is and whence he came, yet it is misleading, and very much so, if the reader ignores scientific ethnology and anthropology as much as does the author.” Charles E. Woodruff.
+ − N. Y. Times. 12: 497. Ag. 17, ’07. 2380w.
“His style is animated and energetic; he is philosophic, discursive, poetic; he is quick to trace analogies and mark contrasts, fond of generalization and prone to turn history into prophecy. The total impression of his work is realistic and picturesque. His national and international forecasts, with one prominent exception are the least satisfactory portion of his work.”
+ − Outlook. 86: 973. Ag. 31, ’07. 400w.
“Not only the latest result of scholarship in ethnology, but an unusually absorbing narrative.”
+ + R. of Rs. 36: 382. S. ’07. 270w.
“A highly interesting and suggestive book.”
+ Spec. 99: sup. 645. N. 2, ’07. 330w.
476Wieland, George Reber. American fossil cycads. $6.25. Carnegie inst.
6–34020.
“This contribution to American paleo-botany is richly illustrated with fifty plates and 138 text figures. It is an account of the American collections of fossil cycads—plants allied to the fern—so far as they have been studied, and the results of the author’s investigations on the vegetative anatomy and reproductive organs, followed by a comparison of these with similar structures in living cycads, and a discussion of relationships.”—Nation.
“The monograph is creditable to American botany and the presswork of the Carnegie institution.”
+ Nation. 83: 471. N. 29, ’06. 220w.
“A flood of light has been thrown on the morphology of an extinct group of Mesozoic gymnosperms, which it is possible to study with a precision and thoroughness hardly to be surpassed in the case of recent plants.”
+ Nature. 75: 329. Ja. 31, ’07. 1760w.
“Marks a very important forward step in our knowledge of the cycadales, while it also throws a great deal of light upon the general problem of the phylogeny of the gymnosperms and their supposed relation to filicinean ancestors.” D. P. Penhallow.
+ + Science, n. s. 25: 856. My. 31, ’07. 1530w.
Wiggin, Kate Douglas (Smith) (Mrs. George C. Riggs). New chronicles of Rebecca. †$1.25. Houghton.
7–11587.
Eleven more quaintly amusing chronicles which carry Rebecca thru various stages of girlhood and bring her to her eighteenth birthday. They are entitled: Jack o’lantern. Daughters of Zion, Rebecca’s thought-book, A tragedy in millinery, The saving of the colors, The state o’ Maine girl, The little prophet, Abner Simpson’s new leaf, The green isle, Rebecca’s reminiscences, Abijah the brave and fair Emmajane.
“Written with the quiet humour which is her characteristic.”
+ Acad. 73: 848. Ag. 31, ’07. 160w.
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 138. My. ’07. ✠
“The pathos is kept commendably in check, however, and there is plenty of humour in the chronicle.”
+ Ath. 1907, 2: 179. Ag. 17. 210w.
“The stories are brimming with mirth and kindly sentiment.” Harry James Smith.
+ Atlan. 100: 133. Jl. ’07. 80w.
Reviewed by Mary K. Ford.
Bookm. 25: 304. My. ’07. 800w.
“The story, abounding in touches of genuine humor and pathos, comes as a delightful treat to both the older and younger reader.”
+ Cath. World. 85: 693. Ag. ’07. 120w.
“Conscious invention has taken the place of intuition. It is inferior to its predecessor.”
+ − Ind. 63: 574. S. 5, ’07. 240w.
“There are here the same quaintness, pathos, and humor found in her former books, the same understanding of the abysses of childhood, the same realism and fidelity to nature. The pictures by F. C. Yohn are in perfect tune with the story and a model of what novel illustrations should be.”
+ Lit. D. 34: 640. Ap. 20, ’07. 290w.
Nation. 84: 362. Ap. 18, ’07. 200w.
“This volume is not quite up to the level of its predecessor.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 12: 233. Ap. 13, ’07. 940w.
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 387. Je. 15, ’07. 130w.
“‘New chronicles of Rebecca’ have ... freshness of sentiment and humor.”
+ Outlook. 86: 115. My. 18, ’07. 190w.
“Those who did not make the acquaintance of Rebecca at Sunnybrook farm are recommended not to miss the present opportunity.”
+ Sat. R. 104: 86. Jl. 20, ’07. 200w.
“Worthily maintain the reputation of a writer who has done for the present generation of American and English readers much what Miss Alcott did for its predecessor.”
+ Spec. 98: 1037. Je. 29. ’07. 990w.
Wiggin, Kate Douglas (Smith) (Mrs. George C. Riggs). Old Peabody pew; a Christmas romance of a country church. il. †$1.50. Houghton.
7–32837.
A Christmas story of a “certain handful of dear New England women of names unknown, dwelling in a certain quiet village, alike unknown.” A new carpet, pews washed in lieu of paint, and cushions mended with care told on Christmas eve the story of days of hard work by the Dorcas society. Among the number had been Nancy Wentworth who, quiet and apart from the rest, had lavished her strength on the Peabody pew, sacred to her early romance, where Christmas eve finds her alone taking the last stitch in the worn-out cushion. To this spot comes Justin Peabody the wanderer lover who, weary as the prodigal son, seeks the comfort and love of Nancy.
“One of the prettiest novelettes of this season, as well as one of the most delightful from a literary point of view.”
+ Dial. 43: 380. D. 1, ’07. 200w.
“It is withal so sweet and wholesome that we wish more books like it might be written to take the place of the so-called ‘problem novels’ of the day.”
+ Lit. D. 35: 920. D. 14, ’07. 100w.
“Many pathetic and humorous touches.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 654. O. 19, ’07. 10w.
“Notwithstanding the slightness of the plot, there are all the elements of humor and pathos and love that go to make up a story of much sweetness, the kind one feels better for reading.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 716. N. 9, ’07. 100w.
“A characteristically bright tale of a New England life full of sentiment and humor.”
+ Outlook. 87: 622. N. 23, ’07. 30w.
Wiggin, Kate Douglas (Smith) (Mrs. G. C. Riggs), and Smith, Nora Archibald. Fairy ring. **$1.50. McClure.
6–42427.
Sixty-five fairy tales gathered from every nation. They include some well known stories and some recently discovered ones.
“A choice collection.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 23. Ja. ’07. ✠
“Less hackneyed than those of the Cinderella kind. For that reason they will read strangely, yet entertainingly to modern ears.”
+ Ind. 61: 1407. D. 13, ’06. 40w.
N. Y. Times. 11: 784. N. 24, ’06. 170w.
“Most readable fairy tales.”
+ Outlook. 85: 93. Ja. 12, ’07. 70w.
* Wiggin, Mrs. Kate Douglas, and Smith, Nora Archibald, eds. Pinafore and palace. †$1.50. McClure.
7–30444.
“This volume of jingles is judiciously divided, somewhat like Charles Welsh’s edition of ‘Mother Goose,’ to accord with the physical activities and dawning mental appreciation of small folk. There is a diversity of selection, ranging from ‘Pussy-cat, pussy-cat, where have you been?’ to Tennyson’s least childlike and most stilted poem, ‘Minnie and Winnie.’”—Nation.
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 211. N. ’07. ✠
“Taken in a set, these three volumes of verse represent an agreeable progress from classic jingle to rarest poetry.”
+ Nation. 85: 495. N. 28, ’07. 130w.
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 703. N. 2, ’07. 90w.
477Wigram, Edgar T. A. Northern Spain; painted and described by Edgar T. A. Wigram. *$6. Macmillan.
“The kind of description which lies halfway between the guide-book and the book of atmosphere.” (Outlook.) “The author made his tour as a bicyclist. He journeyed with observing eyes, and very little in Spain that was really worth while escaped him.” (Ind.) “Besides ‘hamlets’ and small towns, the traveler stopped at the larger cities, including Covadonga and Asturias, Leon, Galicia, Benavente, Zamora, Toro, Salamanca, Bejar, Avila, Toledo, Segovia, Burgos, Navarre, and others.” (N. Y. Times.)
“One cannot open these pages anywhere without being struck by our author’s capacity for presenting a scene in words at once fit and few.”
+ + Ath. 1907, 1: 9. Ja. 5. 1360w.
“As we read what he has written we see Spanish types with a new significance, and we lay down the volume with a better and a clearer understanding of Spain and the Spaniards.”
+ Ind. 61: 1398. D. 22, ’06. 150w.
“It is greatly to be regretted that Mr. Wigram ... was not accompanied on his journey through Northern Spain by a professional painter who would have been able to supplement his eloquent descriptions of the scenes he visited by aesthetic presentments of them in colour. Gifted, moreover, with a vivid imagination and a keen sense of humor, Mr. Wigram manages to hit off in a few telling sentences the idiosyncrasies not only of the men and women, but of the animals he met.”
+ − Int. Studio. 35: 167. Ap. ’07. 340w.
“Mr. Wigram has well caught in his pictures the varied colors of Spain, which seem at first glance so inharmonious when viewed by essentially Occidental eyes. But they are true, and the artist is to be congratulated that he has dared to depict the truth and to account for it so entertainingly in a most attractively written text.”
+ + N. Y. Times. 11: 770. N. 24, ’06. 620w.
“The author not only describes the country through which he rode or walked, but also tells anecdotes, gives bits of the history of certain places, and provides other interesting information.”
+ + N. Y. Times. 11: 830. D. 1, ’06. 360w.
“An altogether unworthy successor to Ford and Borrow is Mr. Wigram who possesses one faculty denied to those worthies—namely, the facility of describing by picture as well as by pen.”
+ Outlook. 84: 703. N. 24, ’06. 100w.
“As a writer he harps too much upon merely pictorial effects, which were doubtless attractive to an artist but suffer through vain repetition. Though we may not claim him as guide or philosopher, he is certainly well met as a soothing friend.”
+ − Sat. R. 103:372. Mr. 23, ’07. 230w.
Wilberforce, Wilfrid, and Gilbert, Mrs. A. R. Her faith against the world. *$l. Benziger.
A young barrister asks the aristocratic Sir Richard Forrester for the hand of his daughter, Gertrude and is refused because he lacks position. Later he gets into Parliament on assuring his constituents that he is not a Roman Catholic. Sir Richard then welcomes him, but Gertrude, who has joined the Roman church, refuses to marry a Protestant, and is turned out of her father’s house. The solution of this complication is the burden of this political-religious novel.
“The book is written from the point of view of a Roman Catholic, but without bitterness and intolerance.”
+ Acad. 71: 553. D. 1, ’06. 140w.
“An entertaining novel, although it is somewhat sketchy in both action and character, and although it does carry a moral instruction.”
+ − Cath. World. 84: 701. F. ’07. 260w.
Wilcox, Earley Vernon. Farm animals: horses, cows, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, etc. **$2. Doubleday.
6–35959.
A practical book giving general information about the breeding and care of farm animals.
“A good, popular guide.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 106. Ap. 16, ’07.
“It is rather an excellent compend of general information. The chapter on dairy stock is the best in the book, but every chapter is good. The illustrations have the advantage of being well related to the subject.”
+ Nation. 83: 402. N. 8, ’06. 140w.
Wilde, Oscar. Decorative art in America: a lecture, together with letters, reviews, and interviews; ed. with an introd. by Richard B. Glaenzer. **$1.50. Brentano’s.
6–39452.
Mr. Glaenzer in his introduction sets forth the characteristics chiefly as they pertain to art, of “the most pitiful dreamer, the wittiest cynic and the most brilliant wit of his century.” The nineteen essays or groups of letters which this volume includes strike the dominant art notes of Oscar Wilde’s nature. Among the personalities touched up by the “verbal colourist” are Mrs. Langtry, Sarah Bernhardt, Whistler, Keats, and Kipling.
Wilde, Oscar Fingall O’Flahertie Wills. Ballad of Reading gaol; drawings by Latimer J. Wilson. *$1. Buckles.
7–16474.
In this new edition of the well-known ballad the spirit of the gruesome revelation of a soul in torment is marred by the illustrations which, lacking any subtle suggestion of the horrors of the hangman and the terrors of death, are commonplace and repellant.
Wiley, Harvey Washington. Foods and their adulteration. Il. *$4. Blakiston.
7–19428.
This book, descriptive in character, reaches a large audience, including the consumer, the manufacturer and the scientific as well as the general reader. It treats of the origin, manufacture and composition of food products; the description of common adulterations, food standards and national food laws and regulations. The information contained in this manual appeals especially to the intelligent and scientific cook.
“The book is invaluable to the manufacturer and the consumer, to the scientist and the layman; it is indispensable to even a small collection on this subject of wide, present-day interest.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 199. N. ’07.
“This is the most authoritative and comprehensive book that has appeared on this important subject, and there is no other man in America who is better fitted to handle it from both the scientific and the legislative sides than the author.”
+ + Ind. 63: 834. O. 3, ’07. 360w.
“This is not the book of a crank, and Dr. Wiley’s views regarding the future of the American food-supply are in general optimistic.”
+ + Nation. 85: 213. S. 5, ’07. 750w.
“The information furnished by Dr. Wiley arms the public with knowledge—knowledge of the conditions and of its own rights.”
+ + N. Y. Times. 12: 404. Je. 22, ’07. 1370w.
+ R. of Rs. 36: 384. S. ’07. 120w.
“Amid a large mass of confusing and often exaggerated newspaper articles dealing with 478the subject, it is a comfort to find a book covering the field so completely, so sanely and withal in so interesting a way.”
+ + Science, n.s. 26: 714. N. 22, ’07. 880w.
Wiley, Sara King. Alcestis and other poems. **75c. Macmillan.
5–32655.
Descriptive note in December, 1905.
+ Outlook. 85: 573. Mr. 9, ’07. 380w.
Wiley, Sara King. Coming of Philibert. **$1.25. Macmillan.
7–18078.
A tragic poem-drama of three acts in which Prince Philibert, who has been reared in the forest and kept unconscious of his heritage, according to the wish of his dead father, is brought to the court of Artacia by his twin brother, the young king who feels that he has been unjustly dealt with. Here the world is opened to him, all his latent emotions awake, and unwittingly, he usurps his brother’s place in the hearts of his people, and comes to wear his crown and marry his Clementia.
“It will bear reading. But, in the acting, it would appear lamentably monotonous and wanting in almost every essential of a play, notably characterization, contrast and ‘suspense.’”
+ − Ind. 63: 571. S. 5, ’07. 330w.
“Is an interesting bit of dramatic blank verse which just misses distinction.”
+ Nation. 85: 35. Jl. 11, ’07. 210w.
“As a play there is much good exposition but little vital action. The verse is always correct, and occasionally there are flashes of fine poetry.” Christian Gauss.
+ − N. Y. Times. 12: 492. Ag. 10, ’07. 100w.
“Mrs. Drummond is an essentially feminine poet of fine insight and delicate sensibility. The chief gain in ‘The coming of Philibert’ is the dramatic action and force.” Louise Collier Willcox.
+ No. Am. 186: 97. S. ’07. 270w.
Wilkinson, Florence. Silent door. †$1.50. McClure.
7–10292.
A village story ... “which revolves about Justinian Penrith, incarnate genius of austerity, and a little child left ... upon his doorstep. Given a beautiful daughter who had fled from home some years previous for an affaire d’amour and whose whereabouts had baffled all search—and you have the key to ‘The silent door.’” (N. Y. Times.)
“In Miss Wilkinson’s novel ... one recognizes the promise rather than the achievement. The story taken as a whole is unimpressive. The plot is mildly preposterous, and none of the characters, not even little Rue herself, seems ever quite detachable from the printed page. But the details of Miss Wilkinson’s work are a constant delight.” Harry James Smith.
+ − Atlan. 100: 132. Jl. ’07. 450w.
“The chief charm about Miss Wilkinson’s style is its absolute lack of hurry. It is seldom that one encounters such genuine charm in a volume constructed upon a plan so simple.”
+ + Bookm. 25: 284. My. ’07. 480w.
“There are some fine pages of description. The humor is abundant and genuine.”
+ Lit. D. 35: 98. Jl. 20, ’07. 330w.
“It has a pervasive, though not obtrusive, spiritual quality, and leaves upon one an impression of sweetness and light.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 12: 170. Mr. 23, ’07. 970w.
“In her first novel, she has accomplished something also rare, and certainly thoroughly delightful.”
+ Outlook. 86: 254. Je. 1, ’07. 210w.
Wilkinson, Rt. Rev. Thomas Edward. Twenty years of continental work and travel. *$3 50. Longmans.
“The record of an Anglican bishop’s experience in north and central Europe among British colonies, factories, and communities, comprising an area eight times the size of Great Britain.”—Lit. D.
“Bishop Wilkinson has great power of observation and much skill in expressing that observation in words. There is in the volume a good deal of padding which, should have been omitted.”
+ − Ath. 1906, 2: 580. N. 10. 1360w.
“An interesting panorama of Europe, with a fine historic perspective.”
+ Lit. D. 34: 264. F. 16, ’07. 190w.
+ − Spec. 98: 121. Ja. 26, ’07. 380w.
Willcocks, M. P. Wingless victory. $1.50. Lane.
7–35625.
Devonshire furnishes the setting of this story. “The plot centres about the winning of an unloving and pretty nearly unfaithful wife by her husband.... The husband is a physician, a curious mixture of strength and weakness, heroism and failure, and altogether a very human and lovable person. The wife is not so comprehensible a type, but still real enough in her feminine perversity and unreasonableness.... Johanna is of another type, and she, too, makes one see deep down into the reality of things. The whole book is alive with human passion, powerfully portrayed, and with the vigor and freshness of the open air.” (N. Y. Times.)
“Talent such as hers was not and never could be acquired in any of the ready-made schools of fiction. It bears the stamp of originality.”
+ + Acad. 72: 319. Mr. 30, ’07. 550w.
“The author has certainly produced a notable as well as a good story. It seems to us somewhat clogged by over elaboration of style and metaphor.”
+ − Ath. 1907, 1: 659. Je. 1. 250w.
“The book is the work of one who has thought much. Scattered through it are gnomic sayings that stick in the memory. These and an intimate sense of natural forces, are perhaps the striking external features of the book.” Ward Clark.
+ Bookm. 25: 523. Jl. ’07. 450w.
“The book has strength ... although not in this plot with its dubious ethical implications. It is the strength of keen analysis, vivid descriptive power, and a characterization of the rustic population of Devon and Dartmoor fairly comparable with the work of Mr. Phillpotts and other disciples of the school of Thomas Hardy.” Wm. M. Payne.
+ + − Dial. 43: 62. Ag. 1, ’07. 340w.
“An Ibsen plot set in a Thomas Hardy environment. The combination is, on the whole, an effective one, for the author has undoubted talent.”
+ Ind. 63: 1312. N. 28, ’07. 400w.
“In the case of Miss Willcock’s book ... we have need of some emphatic word that shall signify a book that is not a season’s masterpiece or a giant among pigmies, but, as we conceive, one that takes its place, if not among the highest, still among books where rules of measurement seem a little out of place.”
+ Lond. Times. 6: 110. Ap. 5, ’07. 540w.
“Rises high above the level of common day fiction. In Miss Willcock’s elaborate descriptions we discern a certain scraping of stage scenery being shifted. In the same way there is unnecessary harping on such indefinable elements as ‘race-processes’ and ‘electric forces of the ages’ unnecessary reductions of action and feeling to terms of biology and prehistoric anthropology.”
+ + − Nation. 85: 79. Jl. 25, ’07. 570w.
“A helpful and heartening story, not because any of its characters are particularly high or heroic in their accomplishment, but because it conveys that life itself in its simple, homely, everyday guise is a thing worth while.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 365. Je. 8, ’07. 990w.
479“A very remarkable piece of work, and not less interesting than remarkable.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 387. Je. 15, ’07. 190w.
Sat. R. 103: 433. Ap. 6, ’07. 210w.
“No one except the serious-minded reader who loves a problem novel should embark upon ‘The wingless victory.’”
+ − Spec. 98: 679. Ap. 27, ’07. 210w.
Williams, Archibald. How it works: dealing in simple language with steam, electricity, light, heat, sound, hydraulics, optics, etc., and their application to apparatus in common use. $1.25. Nelson.
7–29122.
“Here the reader will find explained in a concise, straightforward manner the working of everything from a locomotive or a motorcar to a Bunsen burner or a Westinghouse brake. The book is profusely illustrated with helpful diagrams, and we are glad to note that an index has been provided.”—Acad.
+ Acad. 71: 607. D. 15, ’06. 100w.
“Hardly any other volume will answer as many of the questions that a bright boy asks and ought to ask about the things he sees and uses. It should head the list of books to be bought for school libraries.”
+ + Ind. 62: 737. Mr. 28, ’07. 150w.
“The volume furnishes much that is practical and lucid.”
+ Outlook. 85: 813. Ap. 6, ’07. 80w.
Williams, Archibald. Romance of early exploration, with descriptions of interesting discoveries, thrilling adventures, and wonderful bravery of the early explorers. *$1.50. Lippincott.
6–39449.
“The present book brings exploration down to A. D. 1600 beginning with its infancy 200 years before Herodotus. Pictures and maps add desirabilty to the book.”—Nation.
“The writer’s own manner is one of manly straightforwardness, as free from dulness as from misplaced embellishment.”
+ Nation. 83: 513. D. 13, ’06. 70w.
Reviewed by Cyrus C. Adams.
N. Y. Times. 11: 846. D. 8, ’06. 120w.
“An intelligent boy could hardly have a book which would give him more entertainment and more instruction.”
+ Spec. 97: sup. 760. N. 17, ’06. 300w.
Williams, Egerton Ryerson, jr. Ridolfo, the coming of the dawn, a tale of the Renaissance. †$1.50. McClurg.
6–36880.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
− Ind. 62: 673. Mr. 21, ’07. 100w.
+ Outlook. 85: 575. Mr. 9, ’07. 280w.
“One thing is certain about Mr. Williams’ first attempt to write a novel; he has succeeded.”
R. of Rs. 36: 126. Jl. ’07. 40w.
Williams, Elizabeth Otis. Sojourning, shopping and studying in Paris, a handbook particularly for women. **$1. McClurg.
7–18307.
An excellent little book into which has been compressed a wealth of valuable information for the woman who is traveling alone in France. It contains the addresses of suitable hotels, boarding houses, schools of art, places of amusement, and shops in Paris, it tells what charges, fees, etc. are just, it explains customs and conventions, tells where one may go without an escort, what one may bring home without duty, how to arrange one’s finances, and appends a classified vocabulary which contains all the words and phrases essential to a shopping tour or an excursion.
“A suggestive, helpful little handbook.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 175. O. ’07.
+ Dial. 42: 381. Je. 16, ’07. 40w.
“Just the sort of information needed by American ladies in Paris. And, altho written for women, we fancy that men will find it almost as valuable.”
+ Ind. 62: 1357. Je. 6, ’07. 70w.
R. of Rs. 36: 126. Jl. ’07. 40w.
Williams, Henry Llewellyn, jr., comp. Lincoln story book. **$1.50. Dillingham.
7–8232.
It is the story-telling Lincoln shorn of platform oratory who is revealed in this generous collection of anecdotes. There are over four hundred of them and in the retelling nothing of the humor, or of the tone of the classics has been sacrificed.
Williams, Hugh Noel. Madame Recamier and her friends. *$2. Scribner.
The details of the long salon-reign of Mme. Récamier are carefully set forth here. “With no commanding ability such as in itself might draw a group about her, yet, in wealth and in poverty, in court favor and banishment, in youth and in age, Mme. Récamier was ever the center of a great circle, and ever herself simple, contented, generous, unspoiled by attention from all the famous people of her time.” (Ind.)
“Granting the ‘raison d’etre’ of the biography, it may be said that the author has conscientiously studied the life of his heroine, together with those of her friends as they affected hers, and presents the results in a pleasant, easy manner, which makes the book an entertaining one.”
+ Dial. 43: 44. Jl. 16, ’07. 260w.
“A most satisfactory story of an extraordinary career.”
+ Ind. 63: 342. Ag. 8, ’07. 170w.
Reviewed by Hildegarde Hawthorne.
Putnam’s. 2: 475. Jl. ’07. 150w.
Williams, Hugh Noel. Queen Margot, wife of Henry IV. of France. *$7.50. Scribner.
7–25144.
Daughter of Catherine de Medici, wife of Henry of Navarre, the brilliant La Reine Margot is revealed in both an attractive and forbidding light. She figures thruout the sketch as a being mightily swayed by emotions yet capable of detaching herself from them as in the case of her “debonair equanimity of mind” when divorced from her husband, and called upon to mingle with his new queen and their children.
“On the whole, the author has succeeded in his endeavour to give a full and impartial account of her life, and has acquitted himself satisfactorily of his secondary aim—that of sketching the historical events ‘in which she was more or less directly concerned.’”
+ − Ath. 1907, 1. 68. Ja. 19. 2090w.
“Despite this special diligence and an adequate knowledge of sixteenth century memoirs, we have found this book enriched by little illuminating criticism.”
+ − Nation. 84: 17. Jl. 4, ’07. 430w.
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 83. F. 2, ’07. 720w.
Williams, James Mickel. An American town: a sociological study. Priv. ptd.
6–46255.
“The author, formerly a fellow in sociology in Columbia university, has in connection with his graduate work, made this sociological study of a small town of rural New York.... He has given us a little bit of the social history of the town and community, dividing it into two periods—from the settlement to 1875 and from 1875 on.”—Ann. Am. Acad.
480“It is a painstaking, intelligent, and extremely suggestive piece of scholarly work. On the whole Mr. Williams is to be heartily congratulated on a piece of work which opens up new possibilities in the intensive study of localities, and proves that monographic work of this kind is to be of prime importance to sociology.” George E. Vincent.
+ Am. J. Soc. 12: 421. N. ’06. 850w.
“This volume is valuable because it is an illustration of careful, conscientious field work, even if occasionally the conclusions seem unwarranted.”
+ Ann. Am. Acad. 28: 471. N. ’06. 190w.
Williams, John E. H. Life of Sir George Williams, founder of the Young men’s Christian association. **$1.25. Armstrong.
6–42910.
Written at the request of Sir George Williams’ family by “one who has had intimate access to all the sources of information and who writes with keen sympathy and appreciation.... Beginning as a poor young clerk and without other resources than his own strength of character and an indomitable will, the subject of the present work rose to be one of the most considerable men in England.” (Lit. D.)
+ Lit. D. 34: 342. Mr. 2. ’07. 240w.
+ Lond. Times. 5: 403. N. 30, ’06. 750w.
+ Nation. 84: 154. F. 14, ’07. 450w.
“Is a contribution to the literature of power.”
+ Outlook. 84: 942. D. 15, ’06. 160w.
Williams, Leonard. Granada: memories, adventures, studies and impressions. **$2.50. Lippincott.
6–35342.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 76. Mr. ’07.
Reviewed by Wallace Rice.
Dial. 41: 392. D. 1, ’06. 170w.
+ Nation. 84: 39. Ja. 10, ’07. 180w.
Williams, T. Rhondda. Evangel of the new theology. *$1.50. Scribner.
“The basal question of religion, as he observes, is the relation of God to the living world. The theology now being outgrown conceived of God and man as external to each other, beings apart, and out of this fallacious dualism the Unitarian controversy grew. But ‘the gist of the new theology’ is the oneness of the spiritual nature in God and man, so that humanity itself is ‘an incarnation of the divine life.’”—Outlook.
“In one way or another the whole realm of modern religious thought is touched upon with profound discrimination. The book will prove exceedingly helpful to all who desire a clear and sane statement on vital matters from the modern point of view. As a group of sermons, however, it would seem that the book gives undue emphasis to intellect and does not sufficiently appeal to the deeper things of the heart. Also, the use of Scripture is not large.” E. A. Hanley.
+ − Bib. World. 29: 475. Je. ’07. 220w.
“It is marked by warmth as well as freshness and force, and by intentness on the realities of religious faith.”
+ Outlook. 82: 617. Mr. 17, ’06. 260w.
Williamson, Charles Norris, and Williamson, Alice Muriel. Car of destiny. †$1.50. McClure.
7–30841.
“This is a description of several of the more interesting Spanish cities, strung on the thin threads of an automobile trip and a love story. The hero and the heroine fall in love—of course at first sight—at Biarritz. The heroine and her mother are whisked off through Spain in an automobile by the wicked Spanish duke whom this scheming mother wishes the daughter to marry. The hero follows in his automobile. The account of the roads, the country, and the towns is broken by the incidents of the chase—some of them highly melodramatic.”—Nation.
“Frankly, the book contains every one of the elements which ought to annoy a reader of critical taste. And yet, paradoxically, instead of annoying, it furnishes a very genuine, even though not enduring, enjoyment.”
+ − Bookm. 26: 267. N. ’07. 740w.
“So unconvincing is the characterization, that marriage as well as misadventure leaves the reader cold.”
− Nation. 85: 329. O. 10, ’07. 180w.
“Splendid descriptions of Spanish life and scenes abound.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 655. O. 19, ’07. 70w.
“It is a penny-in-the-slot romance, as mechanical as if it were turned out of a factory, marketable like calico, and of about as much distinction.”
− N. Y. Times. 12: 685. O. 26, ’07. 450w.
Williamson, Charles Norris, and Williamson, Alice Muriel Livingston. Princess Virginia. †$1.50. McClure.
7–15121.
This story “provides a lovely princess with American blood in her veins and ... a pretty will of her own. Also a proper American romantic idea of falling in love with whom she pleases and marrying to suit. But the safety of Europe depends upon her marrying the young Emperor of Rhaetia. What is to be done?... The impressionable Princess Virginia must happen upon the handsome Emperor when she does not know who he is, and he does not know who she is. They will, of course, both of them fall in love at sight. It is always thus. No sooner said than done.”—N. Y. Times.
“The most one can say for it is that it is harmless.”
− A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 181. O. ’07.
Lit. D. 35: 62. Jl. 13, ’07. 210w.
“No motors in this, but a manner so glib and facile that it resembles nothing so much as the swift revolutions of a new front wheel, when the salesman turns the bicycle upside down and gives a twirl to prove the smooth perfection of its ball-bearings. There is the same near approach to perpetual motion, and the same lack of arriving.”
− Nation. 84: 568. Je. 20, ’07. 190w.
“The Williamsons have produced another fine, galloping romance of the most approved rose-color order.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 12: 357. Je. 1, ’07. 320w.
N. Y. Times. 12: 387. Je. 15, ’07. 260w.
Williamson, Charles Norris, and Williamson, Alice Muriel. Rosemary in search of a father. †$1.50. McClure.
6–40214.
“The five-year old Rosemary at Monte Carlo, seeing that her mother is sad, sets out to find a lost father, and meets with such extraordinary good luck that we can only suspect the intervention of Christmas fairies. They send Rosemary a wonderful father, far more attractive than the real one, and just the man her mother most desired to meet again. So with the help of an old love-affair, an American millionaire, a pretty French adventuress, a profusion of jewels, and costly raiment such as might haunt the delirious dreams of a milliner’s girl, the tale runs on to a happy conclusion.”—Acad.
“It is a brisk, highly coloured story, of the lightest possible construction.”
+ − Acad. 71: 638. D. 22, ’06. 150w.
“This little novel has distinction, a literary aroma.”
+ Lit. D. 33: 858. D. 8, ’06. 60w.
“When this has been described as a ‘pretty’ tale of the whipped cream and bonbon box type, there is not much more to say about it.”
+ Nation. 83: 464. N. 29, ’06. 160w.
481“All this is highly melodramatic, but Rosemary is a quaint little creature, and adds a large redeeming feature to an otherwise impossible picture.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 11: 888. D. 22, ’06. 370w.
“An agreeable little short story.”
+ Outlook. 84: 942. D. 15, ’06. 8w.
Willys, A. A. Swiss heroes, an historical romance of the time of Charles the Bold; tr. from the German by George P. Upton. (Life stories for young people.) **60c. McClure.
7–31242.
The careers of Hans Vögeli, Heinrich Vögeli and Walter Irmy. three Swiss heroes, are followed in their relations with Charles the Bold, whose oppressive measures they avenged for the safety of their people.
Wilson, Mrs. Augusta J. E. Devota; il. by Stuart Travis. †$1.50. Dillingham.
7–21224.
“‘Devota’ is the story of a tragedy in the lives of two persons, a man of sterling character, and a proud woman—does it not sound familiar?—who are separated by a misunderstanding and kept apart by the woman’s obstinacy. But after many years they are reconciled. Surely Mrs. Wilson has filled her ink bottle from the spring of eternal youth!”—N. Y. Times.
“Without having read ‘St. Elmo,’ one may safely assert that not even an ornamental border on every page, and illustrations of preternatural loveliness will quite bring ‘Devota’ the vogue of its predecessor.”
− Nation. 85: 188. Ag. 29, ’07. 180w.
“Although it is hardly more than a novelette, has the self same characteristics of style, thought, conception, viewpoint, which marked Mrs. Wilson’s novels of the long ago and which will carry back to his youth the memories of many a gray-haired reader.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 504. Ag. 17, ’07. 180w.
* Wilson, David Henry. George Morland. *$1.25. Scribner.
The growing popularity of the Morland paintings seems to be reason enough for producing this biography which covers all of the phases of his artistic career and besides records a good many impressions of the seamy side of man’s life.
“Mr. Wilson does not exhibit, in his pleasant little volume, any special qualification for his task. He moralizes too much on Morland’s career. He seems to fail when he has an opportunity of adding a useful chapter to his book.”
− − + Ath. 1907, 2: 625. N. 16. 910w.
N. Y. Times. 12: 536. S. 7, ’07. 700w.
* Wilson, Harry Leon. Ewing’s lady. †$1.50. Appleton.
7–38598.
The story of a young Westerner with genius for painting who is both the protégé of a young New York widow and the object of diabolical revenge on the part of the man whom his mother ran away from to marry his father. Apart from the melodramatic fury of the story a group of minor characters is drawn including “the cowboy in the clear, heady Colorado air, the genial freemasonry of the studio, Clarence, the lovable convert from civilization, dyspepsia and predigested food, and Ben Crider, fit associate for Billy Brue.” (Nation.)
“A generation ago such a story would have been branded as the rankest and frankest of shockers. But Mr. Wilson keeps a strong literary grip on his plot. His characters are admirably drawn, consistent and lifelike. There is plenty of real humour in the book, and some excellent pictures of manners, Eastern and Western.” Burton Blass.
+ − Bookm. 26: 415. D. ’07. 960w.
“It is the drawing of the minor characters and their environment that gives the book its charm.”
+ + − Nation. 85: 545. D. 12, ’07. 190w.
Wilson, James Harrison. Life of Charles A. Dana. **$3. Harper.
7–19056.
This volume has grown out of the biographer’s intimate acquaintance and immense admiration for a man who during fifty years and more of the past century helped to make the history of our nation. Chapters on his education and early battle with poverty, association with Greeley on the New York Tribune, his telling service to the Federal government during the civil war have been written from letters, documents and clippings bearing upon public and private life.
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 174. O. ’07. S.
Reviewed by M. A. De Wolfe Howe.
+ + Atlan. 100: 419. S. ’07. 1210w.
“The whole narrative is very interesting. One could wish that General Wilson would have given us as minute a study of Dana the editor as of Dana the commissioner and the Assistant Secretary of War.” Richard W. Kemp.
+ − Bookm. 25: 612. Ag. ’07. 800w.
“His long and intimate acquaintance with an admiration for the man have qualified him to write understandingly without dependence on such outside aid.” Percy F. Bicknell.
+ + Dial. 43: 32. Jl. 16, ’07. 1490w.
“While in the main it is laudatory, it is not laudatory in a fulsome sense.”
+ Lit. D. 35: 132. Jl. 27, ’07. 950w.
+ Nation. 84: 548. Je. 13, ’07. 860w.
“The facts of his life have been diligently assembled, and they are set forth authentically in good chronological order.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 337. My. 25, ’07. 1700w.
+ − Outlook. 87: 586. N. 16, ’07. 1250w.
“Taken as a whole, General Wilson’s book is excellent in so far as it relates to Dana’s early years and to the civil war. For the rest, it lacks that fulness of information which is necessary to a complete survey of a remarkable career.” Harry Thurston Peck.
+ − Pol. Sci. Q. 22: 518. S. ’07. 1120w.
Reviewed by H. W. Boynton.
Putnam’s. 3: 108. O. ’07. 1100w.
“While a journalist might perhaps have written a biography of Dana more interesting to journalists, it is doubtful whether any of Mr. Dana’s newspaper acquaintances could have put into the book more of a personal history of the past generation.”
+ R. of Rs. 36: 124. Jl. ’07. 200w.
Wilson, James Southall. Alexander Wilson, poet-naturalist: a study of his life with selected poems. $2. Neale.
7–410.
A sketch of the life of America’s first ornithologist, and poet of somewhat indifferent fame. Alexander Wilson came to America from Scotland in 1794 to be free from the turmoil of revolution. The life story includes Jefferson’s letters about birds, a study of the Scotland of Wilson’s and Burns’s time, and a careful analysis of Wilson’s character.
“The one serious mistake of the author is reflected in the title. He undertakes to rescue from oblivion not only the man and the bird fancier, but the poet.”
+ + − N. Y. Times. 12: 63. F. 2, ’07. 630w.
“An interesting memoir.”
+ R. of Rs. 35: 380. Mr. ’07. 110w.
Wilson, May (Anison North, pseud.). Carmichael. †$1.50. Doubleday.
7–12002.
“A pretty story of Canadian rural life. The heroine tells the tale, and we see her loving, helpful ministry to family and neighbors, yet 482sharing her father’s feud and trying to keep it up after his death. But justice and love are too strong for her filial theories, and the houses of Mallory and Carmichael are reconciled. The illustrations and marginal decorations do not add especially to the simple narrative.”—Outlook.
N. Y. Times. 12: 353. Je. 15, ’07. 80w.
“A story with a distinct moral lesson—which lesson is well to the front in the author’s mind. Yet it is a very pleasant and readable story also—one which will recommend itself particularly to old-fashioned maiden ladies but need not necessarily on that account be scorned by younger and wiser persons.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 12: 476. Ag. 3, ’07. 630w.
+ Outlook. 86: 476. Je. 29, ’07. 80w.
Winckler, Hugo. History of Babylonia and Assyria; tr. and ed. by James A. Craig; rev. by the author. **$1.50. Scribner.
7–29420.
“What a few decades of spade-work have revealed of more than three thousand years of civilization is presented here, with the caution not to expect any connected history of it until future excavators shall have done the work awaiting them.”—Outlook.
N. Y. Times. 12: 665. O. 19, ’07. 30w.
Outlook. 87: 311. O. 12, ’07. 300w.
Winslow, Helen Maria. President of Quex: a woman’s club story. †$1.25. Lothrop.
6–36041.
A novel whose heroine, the president of Quex, “is led out of the useless life of a sorrowing recluse by her work as president of the club, which she makes a factor of consequence in the social, industrial, and political life of her state.” (N. Y. Times.)
N. Y. Times. 11: 675. O. 13, ’06. 160w.
N. Y. Times. 11: 744. N. 10, ’06. 260w.
N. Y. Times. 11: 798. D. 1, ’06. 90w.
“We close the little book with a smile compounded of amusement and skepticism.”
+ − Outlook. 84: 683. N. 17, ’06. 100w.
Winter, Alice Ames. Jewel weed. †$1.50. Bobbs.
6–36042.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
“The book is too full of reflected culture, and lacking in realism and vitality. It is weak fiction.”
− Outlook. 85: 143. Ja. 19, ’07. 40w.
Winter, Nevin Otto. Mexico and her people of to-day. $3. Page.
7–34163.
An account of the customs, characteristics, amusements, history and advancement of the Mexicans, and the development and resources of their country illustrated from original photographs. The author bases his book upon both travel and study and presents it in the hope that it may help Americans to a better understanding of their neighbors across the line.
“A book of up-to-date information of a miscellaneous sort about a nation concerning which, though she stands at our very doors, most of us know very little.”
+ Dial. 43: 378. D. 1, ’07. 240w.
Winterburn, Mrs. Rosa V. Methods in teaching. *$1.25. Macmillan.
7–20690.
“This book is made up of a series of monographs explaining the methods employed in the elementary school of Stockton, California. The English teacher will find much here that is obvious, but the monograph on the teaching of English deserves attention.”—Ath.
“The monographs are very thorough, but also, for the most part very dull.”
+ − Ath. 1907, 2: 93. Jl. 27. 130w.
“It is a record of experience, of the deductions made by a body of practical teachers working together for a considerable period. As such it is valuable—of greater value perhaps to many teachers than a more profound statement of theoretical pedagogy.”
+ Nation. 85: 234. S. 12, ’07. 180w.
Wister, Owen. How doth the simple spelling bee. *50c. Macmillan.
7–8533.
An extravaganza on reform spelling, in which the reformer “at the age of seventy-five, with uncounted millions, and ten United States Senators, and a fourth young wife all in his pocket, proposed to hand his name to Immortality by simplifying the spelling of English all over the earth.” The sketch is worthy a Dickens up to date, and exposes humorously the unrelated scraps in the “rag-bag of lawlessness” which Mr. Wister chooses to denominate English spelling.
“The author has mist his aim and is badly mixt in his ideas.”
− Ind. 62: 741. Mr. 28, ’07. 50w.
“A witty satire.”
+ Nation. 84: 243. Mr. 14, ’07. 30w.
“Were well worth preserving, for a time at least.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 144. Mr. 9, ’07. 150w.
“This fantastic skit is immensely amusing at its outset, but becomes a little tedious before the end.”
+ − Outlook. 85: 813. Ap. 6, ’07. 40w.
Wister, Owen. Lady Baltimore. †$1.50. Macmillan.
6–10312.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
“The first serious and patriotic American story which candidly has the courage to uphold the aristocratic ideal.” Mary Moss.
+ + Atlan. 99: 121. Ja. ’07. 620w.
* Wister, Owen. Mother. †$1.25. Dodd.
7–32323.
“Love and speculation in copper stocks are the themes of the novelette, which Mr. Wister blithely dedicates ‘To my favorite broker, with the earnest assurance that Mr. Beverly is not meant for him.’”—Dial.
Dial. 43: 421. D. 16, ’07. 80w.
N. Y. Times. 12: 653. O. 19, ’07. 60w.
* Wister, Owen. Seven ages of Washington: a biography. **$2. Macmillan.
7–38230.
An elaboration of a Washington address by the author. It is “a full-length portrait of Washington with enough of his times to see him clearly against.” Mr. Wister shows how the unfreezing of Washington began by Irving, but that he went at it gingerly; “to-day,” he says “we can see the live and human Washington full length. He does not lose an inch of it, and we gain a progenitor of flesh and blood. The seven ages are Ancestry, The boy, The young man. The married man. The commander, The president, and Immortality.”
“His portrait is thoroughly convincing.”
+ Dial. 43: 424. D. 16, ’07. 140w.
N. Y. Times. 12: 666. O. 19, ’07. 20w.
Witt, Robert Clermont. How to look at pictures. **$1.40. Putnam.
3–15103.
Descriptive note in Annual, 1906.
“There is no better book of the kind.”
+ + A. L. A. Bkl. 3:86. Mr. ’07.
Wolfe, Albert Benedict. Lodging-house problem in Boston: published from the income of the W. H. Baldwin, jr., 1885 fund. (Harvard economic studies, v. 2.) **$1.50. Houghton.
6–45064.
While for two years holding the South End house fellowship Dr. Wolfe collected the material which he has presented here. His treatise 483“deals with the class of dwellings that are known in many cities as rooming-houses or furnished-room houses, and with the mercantile employees and skilled mechanics who are sheltered in these houses. Oddly enough, it appears that there has never been, heretofore, anything like an adequate investigation of lodging-house conditions in any of our great cities.” (R. of Rs.)
“Societies which aim to promote the wellbeing of young people of this class will find here materials and methods of investigation of highest value.” C. R. Henderson.
+ Am. J. Soc. 13: 275. S. ’07. 100w.
“The author has made an important contribution to our knowledge of home (?) life of the great class in our communities, and his volume, and its suggestions, should be carefully studied.”
+ + Ann. Am. Acad. 29: 227. Ja. ’07. 450w.
“The author is disappointing in not being more convincing and conclusive in some of the salient points he has raised; he has left vital issues related to the subject for others to investigate and develop.”
+ − Ind. 63: 399. Ag. 15, ’07. 420w.
“Taking the volume as a whole, the student of social conditions will find in it much to interest him, and he will certainly credit the author with much conscientious industry. At the same time, he will hardly avoid the conclusion that valuable time and energy have been sacrificed to microscopic detail of trivial importance and leading to nowhere in particular.” E. R. Dewsnup.
+ − J. Pol. Econ. 15: 179. Mr. ’07. 590w.
+ Nation. 84: 105. Ja. 31, ’07. 320w.
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 72. F. 2, ’07. 250w.
“While somewhat academic, Dr. Wolfe’s discussion of immediate and ultimate means for the betterment of lodging-house conditions is written broadly and judicially.”
+ Pol. Sci. Q. 22: 569. S. ’07. 330w.
“Dr. Wolfe has gone into the subject very thoroughly.”
+ + R. of Rs. 35: 382. Mr. ’07. 180w.
Wood, Robert Williams. Physical optics. *$3.50. Macmillan.
6–5702.
“While the book hardly claims, perhaps, to be a complete treatise, it covers a great deal of ground, and in particular deals with a number of matters, such as the laws of radiation, dispersion, fluorescence, and the optics of moving media, which are not so fully treated in some other recent works. A student commencing the study of optics would perhaps hardly begin with this book; he would find, however, in its pages when he came to read them some most instructive views of the subject.”—Nature.
“It is full of instruction clearly conveyed, is instinct with intelligence and is uncommonly interesting, because it is largely about the author’s own work. Some day we shall have a better proportioned book, but that it will be a more serviceable one is not so certain.”
+ + − Nation. 83: 99. Ag. 2, ’06. 170w.
“The theoretical treatment of the matter is perhaps less satisfactory.”
+ + − Nature. 74: 509. S. 20, ’06. 1150w.
“It would be difficult to collect a more instructive and interesting group of experiments in optics than that presented. In quite a number of places the notation does not agree with the figures. Apart from these slight defects the book is an inspiration to students and teachers and will be a great aid in rescuing physical optics from the absurd mathematical symbolism which sometimes seems to throttle progress in this fruitful field of investigation.” J. S. Shearer.
+ + − Phys. R. 25: 303. O. ’07. 240w.
Wood, Walter Birbeck, and Edmonds, James Edward. History of the Civil war in the United States, 1861–1865. *$3.50. Putnam.
5–35776.
Descriptive note in December, 1905.
“It is enough to say that the book can be read with pleasure, but we have to read slowly and closely.” J. E. Morris.
+ − Eng. Hist. R. 22: 386. Ap. ’07. 1560w.
Wood, William. Fight for Canada; a sketch from the history of the great imperial war. Definitive ed. $2.50. Little.
6–15420.
A new edition which includes revisions and additional notes. The author gives much detail concerning the personnel and technical equipment of the army and of the navy, and emphasizes particularly the part played by the naval forces in the campaign against Quebec.
+ Am. Hist. R. 11: 973. Jl. ’06. 100w.
“The author writes with clearness and force. His characterizations are often presented with succinct and epigrammatic phrase. One defect in the author’s treatment is that all men are either black or white; none are, to use Professor Morse Stephen’s illuminating phrase, pale gray. The author’s strong convictions on present-day subjects ... show a lack of judicial restraint.” S. J. McLean.
+ + − Ann. Am. Acad. 29: 438. Mr. ’07. 680w.
Wood, William Wallace. Walschaert locomotive valve gear. $1.50. Henley.
6–46770.
A practical treatise on the locomotive valve actuating mechanism, originally invented by Egide Walschaert, with the history of the development by American and European engine designers, and its evolution into the mechanically correct locomotive valve gear of the present day.
“The work is clear and explicit in the manner of handling the subject, and it should give any careful reader an excellent idea of the principles and application of the Walschaert gear, together with much important relative information of practical value to the engineman and master mechanic.” Arthur M. Waitt.
+ + Engin. N. 57: 307. Mr. 14, ’07. 440w.
* Woodberry, George Edward. Great writers. **$1.20. McClure.
7–33931.
Essays of a critical nature upon three prose writers and three poets: Cervantes, Scott, Montaigne; Virgil, Milton and Shakespeare.
“The peculiar critical genius of G. E. Woodberry is seen to exceptional advantage. He approaches high matters with a subtle simplicity that lends a dignity to the texture of his prose, and reinforces his humane imagination with a singularly concrete and vivid sense of the individuality of historical periods. The essays upon the prose writers are perhaps a little more interesting and satisfactory than those upon the poets.”
+ + − Nation. 85: 498. N. 28, ’07. 550w.
“Carefully wrought and singularly beautiful, Mr. Woodberry is so much of a poet in temperament that his prose sometimes exchanges simplicity and clear definition for a vagueness which gives the atmosphere of the critic’s mind rather than the fullness of his ideas.”
+ + − Outlook. 87: 766. D. 7, ’07. 470w.
Woodberry, George Edward. Ralph Waldo Emerson. **75c. Macmillan.
7–3927.
The life of Emerson written for the “English men of letters” series. “‘The process of a soul in matter’ was his biography,” says Mr. Woodberry. The life is sketched thru the following chapters: The voice obeyed at prime, “Nature,” 484and its corollaries, “The hypocritic days.” The essays, The poems, and Terminus.
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 106. Ap. 16, ’07. S.
Current Literature. 42: 288. Mr. ’07. 1410w.
“The volume is charmingly written—the style so distinctive, the ideas so often luminous and so generally fascinating.”
+ Lit. D. 34: 548. Ap. 6, ’07. 180w.
“In our opinion this is the best of the American volumes that have so far appeared in the series, and it is about the best work of its author. But if the book as a whole deserves high praise, there are still grave reservations to be made. There is altogether too much repetition; certain ideas, such as Emerson’s relation to the clergy and the pulpit, come up with needless frequency. And again, there are a few apparent contradictions that call for reconciliation, such as the varying portraiture of Emerson now as practical and now as unpractical. Graver than these are the lapses in scholarship.”
+ + − Nation. 84: 179. F. 21, ’07. 950w.
“It is a book by which we may be content to have our Emerson and his critics judged on the other side of the Atlantic.” Edward Cary.
+ + N. Y. Times. 12: 90. F. 16, ’07. 1260w.
“More serviceable to the student than any previous biography or criticism, because it expounds Emerson from the inside out instead of from the outside in. Professor Woodberry’s study is a triumph of sweet reasonableness; but it is planned without abandonment and executed without ecstacy.” Clayton Hamilton.
+ + No. Am. 185: 83. My. 3, ’07. 1040w.
“It is altogether the best among recent additions to the ‘English men of letters series’—indeed, quite the most satisfying interpretation of Emerson which has been offered.” H. W. Boynton.
+ + Putnam’s. 3: 107. O. ’07. 1050w.
“Professor Woodberry’s treatment of Emerson is adequate and dignified.”
+ R. of Rs. 35: 756. Je. ’07. 40w.
Woodburn, James Albert, and Moran, Thomas Francis. American history and government: a text-book for grammar schools on the history and civil government of the United States. *$1. Longmans.
6–9273.
An attempt “to combine in a single grammarschool text-book the related subjects of American history and civil government.... The combination consists of ... the interpolation, just after the account of the adoption of the constitution, of seven chapters descriptive of the skeleton of national and state governmental forms.”—Nation.
“The style of the historical chapters is not attractive; the subject-matter is too condensed to be interesting. In the main the spirit of the book is eminently fair and judicial.” Archibald Freeman.
+ − Am. Hist. R. 13: 196. O. ’07. 690w.
Dial. 42: 118. F. 16, ’07. 60w.
“The historical narrative, while devoid of literacy merit, is, as a whole, accurate and well proportioned, and shows skill in selecting important incidents.”
− + Nation. 84: 411. My. 2, ’07. 320w.
− Spec. 97: 207. Ag. 11, ’06. 190w.
“The author is admirably successful in bringing his subject down to the level of those for whom he writes. The style is simple and picturesque. In a few instances, however, he seems to forget that he is writing a condensed, general account.” E. D. Fite.
+ − Yale R. 16: 101. My. ’07. 310w.
Woodrow, Nancy Mann Waddel (Mrs. Wilson Woodrow). Bird of time: being conversations with Egeria. **$1. McClure.
7–15323.
“Contains a series of essaylike conversations on the subject of the many-sided phases and attractions of the typical person who came to be generally known a dozen years ago as ‘the new woman.’” (N. Y. Times.) “Sitting with Egeria and her friends in her ‘sweet, sedate, secluded’ garden, or around her birchwood fires, the reader may hear much good talk on subjects as old as the story of Joseph and as new as the balefulness of woman’s economic dependence.... A pretty wisp of story binds all the parts together.” (Nation.)
A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 138. My. ’07.
“Short crisp chapters of conversational give and take.”
+ Dial. 42: 345. Je. 1, ’07. 290w.
“These conversations of Egeria and her friends are thoroughly delightful. The pages sparkle. Epigram is kept within bounds, and the style is natural and pure. The book is of the sort that makes waste paper of whole shelves full of ‘smart-set’ fiction.”
+ + Lit. D. 34: 640. Ap. 20, ’07. 280w.
“A book by a woman largely about ‘us women’ naturally contains a good deal about ‘you men.’ But never does it fall into the humor-lacking acridities of its class. The proof-reading leaves very much to be desired.”
+ − Nation. 84: 292. Mr. 28, ’07. 380w.
“A series of clever conversations.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 173. Mr. 23, ’07, 470w.
Outlook. 86: 258. Je. 1, ’07. 90w.
Woodrow, Nancy Mann. New missioner. il. †$1.50. McClure.
7–33209.
“In this story the central figure is Frances Benton, a missionary to the mining camp of Zenith, and around her is woven a story of much originality and some force. Here, if we are not mistaken, blackmail as a missionary’s weapon is introduced into fiction for the first time. Miss Benson’s advent is not welcomed by the feminine population of Zenith, and her existence there is not an enviable one.”—N. Y. Times.
N. Y. Times. 12: 654. O. 19, ’07. 20w.
“The author’s delineation of character is clean cut and sympathetic, and her restraint in the use of thrilling situations, in which most western stories are too prolific, is commendable.”
+ N. Y. Times. 12: 711. N. 9, ’07. 260w.
“It is an unusual piece of fiction, and more than once really touches the heart.”
+ Outlook. 87: 745. N. 30, ’07. 50w.
Woods, Francis Henry. For faith and science. *$1.20. Longmans.
7–29070.
“The author’s purpose ... is to indicate how science as a whole is actually influencing Christian faith and the attitude of intelligent minds towards Christian faith.... There is a good discussion on the limitations of the Bible as the standard of faith and morality.... The main interest is in the third part of the book, which discusses such problems as ‘Is evolution consistent with the Bible?’ ‘Has science any valid ground of objection against miracles?’ and so forth.”—Ath.
“We confess that, amid much that is scholarly and sound, we find a certain lameness in apologetic works of this class.”
+ − Ath. 1906, 2: 696. D. 1. 850w.
Ind. 62: 505. F. 28, ’07. 20w.