B (continued 2)
Reading edition
“Were a boy to put into execution all the admirable directions given by Mr. Beard he would be such a pioneer as one would imagine Boone himself dreamed of being.”
+ Lit. D. 39: 1016. D. 4, ’09. 150w.
Bearne, Mrs. Catharine Mary. Royal quartette. *$3. Brentano’s.
9–13597.
In the lives of four women is traced the history of France from the reign of Louis XIV thru the first third of the nineteenth century. The heroines of the quartet are Marie Adélaïde de Savoie, Duchess of Burgundy; Madame Adélaïde, daughter of Louis XV, granddaughter of the earlier Adélaïde; Marie Luisa, Infantà of Spain, daughter of Carlos IV; and Marie Amélie Thérèse of Naples, wife of Louis Philippe, King of the French.
“Although the author has the command of several languages, a certain familiarity with the Continent, and some facility in narration, she seems to possess little or no powers of concentration or sense of perspective.”
− + Ath. 1901, 2: 65. Jl. 17. 930w.
“Mrs. Bearne, as always, has a good scent for the telling anecdote, and in the present arrangement, especially, there is an added interest in the historical changes of such lives as we pass from the autocratic court of Louis XIV to the Paris of Louis Philippe.”
+ Nation. 87: 601. D. 17, ’08. 140w.
“She has gathered her material from the most authentic sources and enlivens her recital by vivid pictures of the times of which she writes.”
+ N. Y. Times. 13: 704. N. 28, ’08. 200w.
Beaumont, Francis, and Fletcher, John.[6] Works. Variorum ed. v. 3. *$3.50. Macmillan.
v. 3. Contains five plays as follows: “The faithful shepherdess”; “The mad lover”; “Rule a wife and have a wife”; “The loyal subject”; and “The laws of Candy.”
“The high standard of scholarship and accuracy, to which we called attention when we had our first opportunity of welcoming this edition of Beaumont and Fletcher, is well maintained in the third volume lately published.”
+ Sat. R. 107: 435. Ap. 3, ’09. 330w. (Review of v. 3.)
“Set forth in all the perfection of careful scholarship and charming form.”
+ Spec. 102: 420. Mr. 13, ’09. 800w. (Review of v. 3.)
Becker, Carl H.[9] Christianity and Islam; tr. by H. J. Chaytor. (Harper’s lib. of living thought.) **75c. Harper.
A comparison of Christianity with Mohammedanism, of interest to the missionary, the ecclesiastic and the inquirer, which traces the course of analogous development and the interaction of influence for the purpose of increasing one’s knowledge of religion.
“The subject is one with which English readers are not very familiar, and it will be found exceedingly suggestive.”
+ Sat. R. 107: sup. 5. My. 22, ’09. 100w.
Becquer, Gustavo Adolfo.[10] Romantic legends of Spain; tr. by Cornelia F. Bates and Katharine L. Bates. **$1.50. Crowell.
9–23730.
A mother and daughter have here rendered into English a score of short stories by a latter-day Spanish writer. The tales are romantic and imaginative, full of such delicate mystery that they cannot have lost much in translation. They tell of such things as a young noble who spent years following the trailing robe of an illusive vision whom he thought he loved only to become a hopeless pessimist on finding her a moonbeam; or of a hunter who pursues a strange white doe hoping to stay it to gain his mistress’ favor but when his arrow flies true he finds to his despair that he has slain the loved one herself; or again, of the wronged maiden whose love was gone to the wars and after her death her unburied hand bearing his bethrothal ring warns him of dangers. The volume is illustrated with photographs of Spanish scenes.
“Tales containing some of the morbid elements which distinguish Poe’s stories. However, their delicate imagery, close observation and tendency to mystery and symbolism establish a closer kinship to Hawthorne.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 89. N. ’09.
“His writings are well worth reading and are given to the public in excellent form in the volume before us.”
+ Ind. 67: 1209. N. 25, ’09. 100w.
“It is a real service to literature which Prof. Bates and the late Mrs. Bates have performed, in giving us this admirable translation of the work of a powerful and poetic spirit.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 550. S. 18, ’09. 570w.
Bedell, Frederick, and Pierce, Clarence Albert.[12] Direct and alternating current testing. *$2. Van Nostrand.
9–26810.
“A manual for use in the electrical engineering laboratories of technical schools, and in conjunction with standard texts on electrical engineering.... The book consists of a carefully selected series of typical tests on direct and alternating apparatus.”—Engin. D.
+ Engin. D. 6: 429. N. ’09. 180w.
“A little book of great general and practical interest. The study of the actual working of electrical machinery, together with a continuous interlacing of theoretical exposition, as found in this book, is immensely valuable reading, apart from its purpose as a hand-book for the testing floor. The description of test procedure is clear and thorough.”
+ Engin. Rec. 60: 693. D. 4, ’09. 150w.
Beeching, Henry Charles.[6] William Shakespeare: player, playmaker, and poet: a reply to George Greenwood. *$1. Lane.
9–18622.
A small volume “containing three lectures, the first a direct series of arguments against Mr. Greenwood’s ‘Shakespeare problem restated.’ 33The two others ‘endeavour to set out the player’s life as simply as possible, and show the congruity of what is recorded of his character with the impression made upon our minds by the dramas themselves.’”—Ath.
“That it would have been well if Canon Beeching had cut himself adrift from his lectures, and spent a little more time and trouble on his work. Nevertheless, even in this little volume there are collected some very hard problems for Mr. Greenwood’s ‘replication.’ There is unfortunately no index.”
+ − Ath. 1909, 1: 143. Ja. 30. 450w.
Reviewed by Edward Fuller.
+ Bookm. 29: 633. Ag. ’09. 50w.
Nation. 89: 147. Ag. 12, ’09. 40w.
“Somewhat more coherent and saner than most of its predecessors.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 302. My. 15, ’09. 630w.
“But full of interest as these pages are, most readers will probably be of opinion that so fine and scholarly a critic has done too much honour to a ‘weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable’ theme. The value of Canon Beeching’s essay lies in the opportunity which it affords him of discussing several curious and obscure points connected with Shakespeare’s biography.”
+ − Spec. 102: 185. Ja. 30, ’09. 770w.
Beer, George Louis. Origins of the British colonial system, 1578–1660. *$3. Macmillan.
8–29307.
A full account of the origins, establishment and development of the British colonial system up to the outbreak of the dissension that resulted in the revolution. The author “gives an account of the laws of trade and navigation as they prevailed in the reigns of Henry VII, Elizabeth, under the Stuarts, and during the Commonwealth. He goes deep enough into his subject to treat of the general fiscal system of England as far as it concerned the colonies.” (Lit. D.)
“The chapters which contain the exposition of his main thesis are the most important portions of his book.” C: M. Andrews.
+ − Am. Hist. R. 14: 808. Jl. ’09. 1150w.
“The first comprehensive and scholarly treatment of this subject, based on records heretofore generally neglected.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 71. Mr. ’09.
“Several of the more political chapters contain much that is both valuable and new.” C: H. Hull.
+ Econ. Bull. 2: 123. Je. ’09. 350w.
“If present-day politicians were willing to learn lessons from history, no publication could be more timely for the tariff reformers and imperialists of England than Mr. George Beer’s two volumes on British colonial policy.” A. G. Porritt.
+ Forum. 41: 605. Je. ’09. 2500w.
“He is obliged to tread the same ground again and again, until the repetition becomes a little wearisome. Still, altho this may detract somewhat from the readableness of Mr. Beer’s present volume, it does not lessen its value as a contribution to the history of the British empire.”
+ − Ind. 67: 198. Jl. 22, ’09. 430w.
“Writers, especially those in this country, undoubtedly have too long overlooked or failed fully to appreciate the [British] side of the issue, and we are under no slight debt to Dr. Beer for the admirable way in which he is developing it.” C. W. Wright.
+ J. Pol. Econ. 17: 303. My. ’09. 1100w.
“The author sets about the task of elucidating his points with praiseworthy accuracy and lucidity.”
+ Lit. D. 38: 103. Ja. 16, ’09. 280w.
“Mr. Beer’s style lacks grace and charm of presentation, and his treatment is rendered heavy by excessive detail and by a lack of clearness of exposition. His book would have been more readable if he had introduced more summaries and generalizations to show the bearing of his facts and statistics. He has, however, performed a very important work, and future volumes will be awaited with interest.”
+ − Nation. 88: 632. Je. 24, ’09. 900w.
“His laborious compilation of authorities is rather a marshaling of facts than of thoughts.” E: A. Bradford.
+ N. Y. Times. 13: 719. D. 5, ’08. 1350w.
“No student of this or any other period, whatever his predispositions, can fail to welcome a work which is so effective and so satisfying in its conclusions as this.” H. L. Osgood.
+ Pol. Sci. Q. 24: 127. Mr. ’09. 1400w.
“Not only does credit to his patience in research, but is also a most readable volume.”
+ Spec. 102: 940. Je. 12, ’09. 380w.
Beethoven, Ludwig van.[5] Letters; a critical edition, with explanatory notes by A. C. Kalischer; tr. with preface by J. S. Shedlock. 2v. *$7.50. Dutton.
9–18573.
Tho deficient in the “deliberate niceties of composition” Beethoven’s briefest note is “characteristic of his deep, sincere, and passionate nature.” These letters furnish an insight into the soul-struggle of a great genius. Dr. Kalischer “does not profess to give us all Beethoven’s letters, but a complete and carefully collated collection of all those which have already appeared in book form, plus a considerable number which have not hitherto been printed. To the English edition Mr. Shedlock has added a few more new letters and a brief introduction.” (Spec.) There are indexes to the references to Beethoven’s works in his letters, and to the names mentioned in the portraits; facsimiles, etc.
“Of small service to the average public library, and less readable than the standard biographies but a valuable addition to large reference collections.”
+ − A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 1. S. ’09.
“It is not too much to say that no other man was so well fitted as Mr. Shedlock to edit and add to this collection.”
+ − Ath. 1909, 2: 162. Ag. 7. 2000w.
“For students of Beethoven, this edition of the letters is now the only one. His annotations and commentary give his work the character of a biography, and it is brought up to date.” L: J. Block.
+ Dial. 47: 15. Jl. 1, ’09. 1900w.
“His letters constitute perhaps the best biography of this titanic genius of the tone world, certainly the basis of all that we know of his life and character.”
+ Ind. 67: 255. Jl. 29, ’09. 470w.
“All that was really worth reading could have been easily held in one volume of 400 pages.”
+ − Nation. 88: 470. My. 6, ’09. 1200w.
“The letters are endless in their suggestions of characteristics of the great composer, and their interest for admirers of the man and his music is far reaching. The English edition is not free from misprints—in fact, they are rather surprisingly frequent.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 14: 254. Ap. 24, ’09. 1650w.
“Of actual new material there is not much in these volumes, and the new portion is not of very great musical interest. Mr. Shedlock has done his work of translation extremely well on the whole, and that fact renders his occasional lapses the more surprising.”
+ − Sat. R. 107: 663. My. 22, ’09. 850w.
“Where Dr. Kalischer differs from Nohl, Thayer, and other experts as to dates or the identity of Beethoven’s correspondents, he does so on good grounds, and his notes, though somewhat ponderous in expression, show a pleasant combination of careful research, good feeling, and enthusiasm.” C. L. G.
+ − Spec. 102: 665. Ap. 24, ’09. 1600w.
34Belabre, Baron de.[5] Rhodes of the knights. *$9.75. Oxford.
“Six years’ residence in the island as French consul has given [the author] special facilities for his task; he has been allowed to inspect several buildings hitherto closed to scholars, and he has produced a very complete account of the walls, public edifices and shields of the knights, profusely interspersed with excellent photographs. He does not profess to deal with the history of the island, except where it is necessary for the explanation of the monuments, but he gives a brief historical introduction with a list of the Grand masters who held office in Rhodes, and he has carefully read the works of his predecessors, whom in several cases he is able to correct.”—Eng. Hist. R.
“We must be grateful to Baron de Belabre for a most valuable collection of views and plans of Rhodes, which make his monograph a work of permanent value. A few slips in dates deserve correction.” W. M.
+ Eng. Hist. R. 24: 400. Ap. ’09. 430w.
“A scholarly publication. Most of the photographs with which the book is illustrated are unique and were taken from places to which access is usually denied.”
+ Nation. 89: 184. Ag. 26, ’09. 200w.
“An elaborate and amply illustrated account.”
+ Spec. 102: sup. 644. Ap. 24, ’09. 240w.
Bell, John Joy.[5] Oh! Christina! 2d ed. **60c. Revell.
9–8994.
A new edition of a story which has for its heroine an irresistible child of the Glasgow streets. This little girl, an orphan, goes to live with a prim aunt who keeps a shop. The child’s perspicacity in matters pertaining to store management is exceeded only by her intense enjoyment in grown-ups’ love affairs. She is a refreshing little creature near of kin to the author’s Wee Macgreegor.
A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 185. Je. ’09.
“Scotophobes and other dull folk are warned off, but most people will, we think, appreciate the sterling and winning character that underlies the little rough husk of the Glasgow ‘keelie’ of twelve.”
+ Ath. 1909, 1: 528. My. 1. 140w.
“Christina and her nonsense are likely to be much laughed at and quickly forgotten, which is, of course, laying more to her credit than to her discredit.”
+ Nation. 88: 607. Je. 17, ’09. 230w.
“‘Christina’ will help to pass a very enjoyable hour.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 371. Je. 12, ’09. 130w.
“The book may be read in an hour, and that hour at least will be one of jollity.”
+ Outlook. 92: 21. My. 1, ’09. 80w.
Bell, John Joy. Whither thou goest: a romance of the Clyde. **$1.20. Revell.
8–30130.
An unspoiled, unselfish girl left at her father’s death with a fortune becomes the victim of a jealous, ambitious aunt’s cunning and cruelty. The niece discovers the woman’s perfidy in time to save from her doom a cousin who had been auctioned off to the highest bidder on the matrimonial slave block, and to woo back her own happiness at the expense of pride and fortune.
“An interesting story of average merit.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 90. Mr. ’09. ✠
“The story is chiefly remarkable for the careful drawing of the minor characters.”
+ Ath. 1908, 2: 756. D. 12. 180w.
“A sweet, simple story, sweetly and simply told.”
+ Nation. 88: 443. Ap. 29, ’09. 180w.
“‘Whither thou goest’ is a much better piece of work [than ‘Thou fool’], closer and finer in construction, its interest better managed, its characterization more vivid. It shows the hand of a man with a native gift for story telling growing stronger and more skillful with practice.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 131. Mr. 6, ’09. 370w.
“The story is not on ordinary lines; it is most skillfully constructed and includes a variety of characters which make it bright and unfailingly entertaining.”
+ Outlook. 91: 815. Ap. 10, ’09. 220w.
“Is full of that genial humor and kindly philosophy applied to things of everyday life that made his other stories so attractive.”
+ R. of Rs. 39: 762. Je. ’09. 80w.
Belloc, Hilaire.[12] Marie Antoinette. **$2.75. Doubleday.
9–28753.
An introductory chapter on “The diplomatic revolution” emphasizes the importance of the great alliance between France and Austria in relation to Marie Antoinette’s entire life. “Her marriage, her eminence, her sufferings, and her death were each directly the consequence of that compact; its conclusion coincided with her birth; from childhood she was dedicated to it as a pledge, a bond, and at last, a victim.” Following a lead thus established, the biographer sketches against a background of historical events, terror-wrought towards the close, the fascinating story of Marie Antoinette. The modern viewpoint and method give special force to the work.
Belloc, Hilaire. On nothing and kindred subjects. **$1.25. Dutton.
9–8424.
“Mr. Belloc’s little collection of essays and reflections is quite one to put in the pocket or portmanteau for the end of the week; and it is one to be taken out and read. But it is probably small beer compared with the stuff Mr. Belloc could brew if he chose.” (Sat. R.) “Among the topics chosen for treatment as ‘kindred’ to nothing are these: On ignorance, On advertisement, On a house, On a dog and a man also, On railways and things, On a child who died, On the departure of a guest, and On coming to an end.” (Dial.)
“The book has the air of being designed for a small circle of the elect. It is, however, the work of a clever man.”
+ Ath. 1908, 1: 320. Mr. 14. 270w.
“The book is written in a fine spirit of carelessness and spontaneity; nevertheless the author need not have pushed laxity to such an extreme.”
+ − Dial. 46: 143. Mr. 1, ’09. 280w.
“The book is passably entertaining, but it lends weight to the assertion in the fourth essay that ‘you must not take things for granted because they are printed.’”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 294. My. 8, ’09. 240w.
“His new volume is quite up to the standard; fresh, frank, versatile. It sparkles all through. He gives us here the result of his play, and a most pleasant result; but many of his admirers may be beginning to look for the result of his labours.”
+ Sat. R. 105: 343. Mr. 14, ’08. 220w.
“Of Mr. Belloc’s satire we have no very high opinion. Some one may suggest that he makes fun of things which we respect. But if we are not pleased we might at least be hurt, and we are not hurt.”
+ − Spec. 100: 545. Ap. 4, ’08. 140w.
Benedict, Clare. Resemblance and other stories. †$1.50. Putnam.
9–5526.
“Fresh and charming sentiment, care for lively and ingenious plot, faithful presentation of social life, sunny humor, convincing characterization, and graces of style” are the points that make their appeal to Miss Benedict’s audience. There are ten stories in the group. The first or titular story is an example of the suggestive method in story writing. It begins and ends in mystery of which the reader’s only inkling comes through the agitation and fear manifested by a husband and wife 35who are witnessing a performance of “Macbeth,” both of whom are further terrified by the resemblance of the wife to Lady Macbeth.
“It is a good, sensible, workmanlike fulfilment of the formula. One may read these stories with a sense of gentle satisfaction, if with no thrill.”
+ Ath. 1909, 1: 727. Je. 19. 160w.
“Miss Benedict unquestionably has great ability as a writer of delicate psychological problems. What she lacks in technique is sure to come with practice, while she starts with the possession of a quality which subtler and more finished writers, such as Mrs. Wharton, might well envy, the quality of heart.” F: T. Cooper.
+ − Bookm. 29: 319. My. ’09. 800w.
“A volume of short stories that, although of quite uneven merit, are distinctly of some importance.” Philip Tillinghast.
+ − Forum. 41: 394. Ap. ’09. 1000w.
“Miss Benedict writes gracefully, though without a great deal of distinction. Her stories are mildly interesting and belong to the class of magazine fiction which is too well-bred to be very striking.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 14: 148. Mr. 13, ’09. 300w.
Benjamin, Helen Mina (Helen Melville, pseud.), and Benjamin, Lewis S. (Lewis Melville, pseud.).[7] London’s lure; an anthology in prose and verse. *$1.25. Macmillan.
9–29607.
“An anthology of brief passages in prose and verse, classified with more than ordinary intelligence, relating to the great city, its sights and scenes, its denizens, and its natural beauties.”—Dial.
“Attractive little book.”
+ Dial. 47: 24. Jl. 1, ’09. 60w.
“The volume is delightful.”
+ Spec. 102: 786. My. 15, ’09. 140w.
Benn, Edith Fraser.[12] Overland trek from India by side-saddle, camel, and rail; the record of a journey from Beluchistan to Europe. *$5. Longmans.
A record of travel “far too rough for a lady, and still less suited to a child.” “Starting from Quetta, in Beluchistan, Mrs. Benn, after a sojourn in Seistan, made her way to Krasnovodsk, on the eastern shore of the Caspian. She crossed the Caspian to Petrovsk, and journeyed from this place to Batoum, on the eastern extremity of the Black Sea. Along the southern shore of the Black Sea her three methods of progression, side-saddle, camel, and railway, had to be given up for conveyance by sea. But of this part of her travel she takes small account. It will suffice to say that she went home by Constantinople, Sofia, Belgrade, Budapest, Vienna, and Dresden. Indeed, from Tiflis to Batoum occupies but twenty-five pages out of three hundred and fifteen.” (Spec.)
“Interesting book. Though the account is not up to date, it has the special importance of recording the state of affairs at and around Seistan before the consulate was built and the telegraph laid from Mashhad (Meshed) and Quetta.”
+ Ath. 1909, 2: 490. O. 23. 650w.
“The book is full of noteworthy things.”
+ Spec. 103: 851. N. 20, ’09. 450w.
Bennet, Robert Ames.[11] Volunteer with Pike: the true narrative of one Dr. John Robinson and of his love for the fair Señorita Vallois. †$1.50. McClurg.
9–26323.
A picture of life in Washington during Washington’s administration stands out in clear contrast to graphically described frontier experiences which include the sighting of Pike’s peak by the man whose name it was given.
“Robert Ames Bennet deserves not a little praise for the historical setting he has given to his romance of love and adventure.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 768. D. 4, ’09. 220w.
Bennett, Enoch Arnold.[11] The glimpse: an adventure of the soul. †$1.50. Appleton.
9–27998.
A Londoner, devoted to art and literature, finding that he had ceased to love his wife and that she preferred the attentions of a certain genius whom he numbered among his friends, suddenly succumbs to a stroke of apoplexy. He is left for dead when, in reality, he is conscious but unable to move. In this state he gets a glimpse of the world to come which the author amplifies with skill and imagination.
“This is not a real novel; it is a ‘tour de force,’ but there is no denying its extreme cleverness.”
+ − Ath. 1909, 2: 522. O. 30. 230w.
“Although not to be put in the same class with that author’s strong, big, and rather grim volume, ‘The old wives’ tale,’ is none the less a work of distinct originality. Whether it was really worth doing is quite another question.” F: T. Cooper.
+ − Bookm. 30: 386. D. ’09. 370w.
“There is much mysticism and some metaphysical felicity in the book, which will hardly make a strong popular appeal.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 14: 750. N. 27, ’09. 220w.
Spec. 103: 851. N. 20, ’09. 200w.
Bennett, Enoch Arnold.[9] Old wives’ tale. *$1.50. Doran.
W9–196.
“Paints in minute detail the commonplace events of a rather dull middle-class provincial English family.” (Outlook.) “Mr. Bennett takes as the subject the separate histories of two sisters, who in the first chapters of the book are in their later teens, while the curtain does not fall till they have both died as elderly women.... The other characters in the book are grouped round these two salient figures, and though they stand out from the canvas, yet do so in due subordination to the two heroines.” (Spec.)
“A story of unusual length but unfailing interest.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 54. O. ’09.
“There are very few books in English which mirror back so truly and with such a fine sense of proportion the relative amount of joy and sorrow that enter in to the average human life.” F: T. Cooper.
+ Bookm. 30: 186. O. ’09. 830w.
“A remarkable work of fiction, a book of such sincerity, truthfulness and insight as to make the ordinary novel seem hopelessly shallow and artificial by comparison.” W: M. Payne.
+ Dial. 47: 236. O. 1, ’09. 950w.
“It is a solid chunk of reality, a character study in three dimensions. Intensely interesting because the author has the uncanny power to turn ordinary people inside out so we can see what they think of themselves.”
+ Ind. 67: 548. S. 2, ’09. 200w.
“When he has ceased to speak, there remains nothing for us to learn about these people, body, mind, or soul. For the rest, it is enough to say that there is nothing about them which we are not grateful for knowing.”
+ Nation. 89: 356. O. 14, ’09. 570w.
“Not a book to be readily forgotten by those who read it with understanding.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 498. Ag. 21, ’09. 650w.
“In ‘Old wives’ tale’ Mr. Bennett has arrived. It is a great novel.”
+ No. Am. 190: 836. D. ’09. 210w.
36“To make such a book thoroughly enjoyable, as it certainly is, forms a literary ‘tour de force’ on which Mr. Bennett is to be congratulated.”
+ Outlook. 93: 7. S. 4, ’09. 130w.
“An exceedingly clever novel, and one which will well repay perusal.”
+ Spec. 101: 950. D. 5, ’08. 550w.
Bennett, William Harper.[6] Catholic footsteps in old New York. $2.50. Schwartz, Kirwin & Fauss.
9–6272.
“Covers a period from 1524 to 1808, with chapters on martyrs like Jogues, bishops like Carroll, and governors like Dongan; it rambles with Father Le Moyne up the Heere-Graft or Great Canal, now Broad Street, and calls on Dominie Megapolensis, that courteous host and would-be theological opponent of the early Jesuits; it pays a tribute to the memory of James II; exposes the fanatical bigotry of Jacob Leisler against the ‘Papists’ and gives a full picture of his downfall; portrays the hallucination of the ‘hellish negro plot,’ following which ‘the law passed against Catholic priests was only once enforced, and then to bring to death a Protestant clergyman.’”—Cath World.
“It need not be said that the author has attempted no critical analysis of movements or of personages; he cares little for sequence, and wanders in many climes, not without bringing home some of their brightness; though he has consulted very many authorities, he makes no pedantic show of learning; he is devout yet just to opponents; sometimes vigorous in style, and never dull. To the growing class of educated Catholic readers it is to be cordially commended for its intrinsic merit and for its loyal tribute to the church.”
+ Cath. World. 89: 387. Je. ’09. 500w.
“A valuable as well as a highly entertaining history.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 190. Ap. 3, ’09. 1200w.
Benson, Arthur Christopher. At large. **$1.50. Putnam.
8–30590.
Descriptive note in December, 1908.
“Quiet, reflective essays affording new and helpful viewpoints on the philosophy and meaning of life.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 4: 283. D. ’08.
“Is lighter, clearer, and much more sensible and bracing than his previous essays concerning life or things in general. Though there are several things said which have previously been said better.”
+ − Ath. 1909, 1: 99. Ja. 23. 550w.
“Whatever Mr. Benson’s titles ... the welcome thing, the thing we are sure to find, is a genial understanding of the frailties of human life along with a calm optimism, a wealth of thought, and a very fluent style enabling one to wander under any title easily away with the author from the cares that infest the day.”
+ Ind. 66: 705. Ap. 1, ’09. 170w.
“On the whole, they stand very well the test of consecutive and continuous reading, though primarily intended to be taken up at monthly intervals.”
+ Putnam’s. 5: 494. Ja. ’09. 230w.
“His new book, even if one cannot quite receive all his ideas, has the old originality and haunting charm. His thoughts are not platitudes.”
+ Spec. 101: 1105. D. 26, ’08. 500w.
Benson, Arthur Christopher. Poems of Arthur Christopher Benson. *$1.50. Lane.
9–8005.
A collection of Mr. Benson’s poems including old and new pieces. His verse shows “the same vein of quiet, wholesome sentiment that runs through his essays, the same sensitiveness to the beauty of nature and to the beauty of moral dignity and spiritual purity.” (Outlook.)
“Larger libraries having the author’s volumes of essays will find readers for this unpretentious verse, which has the same pleasing qualities.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 131. My. ’09.
“Mr. Benson’s aptness for the Laureate-like task of writing both decorously and with distinction on topics of public interest ... is also, we think, significant of his limitations.”
+ − Ath. 1909, 1: 285. Mr. 6. 700w.
“Mr. Benson is as fluent a writer of verse as of prose, and his poems are thoughtful, placid and refined, but not distinguished.” W: M. Payne.
+ Dial. 47: 97. Ag. 16, ’09. 270w.
“His work is minor in the better sense that it is unpretentious, and that it is replete with conscious reminiscences. Indeed, it might almost be sufficiently characterized by calling it a mixture of Tennyson and Matthew Arnold.”
+ Nation. 88: 256. Mr. 11, ’09. 630w.
“Mr. Benson’s verses appeal to a cultivated dilettante fancy.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 102. F. 20, ’09. 470w.
“His verse is in no sense poetry of a high order; but it shows the practiced hand of the intelligent craftsman, well trained and disciplined.”
+ Outlook. 91: 385. F. 20, ’09. 250w.
“When he is at his best and simplest there is something very gracious and soothing about his scholarly and assiduous work.”
+ Spec. 102: sup. 153. Ja. 30, ’09. 70w.
Benson, Arthur Christopher.[10] Until the evening. (What is worth while ser.) **30c. Crowell.
9–22921.
Six brief essays as follows: Prayer; The mystery of suffering; The faith of Christ; The mystery of evil; Renewal; After death; The Eternal will; Until the evening. In each the author takes a fearless stand, as, for instance, in the opening essay, he says “I confess that liturgical prayer does not very much appeal to me.... Prayer should not be relegated to certain seasons, or attended by certain postures, or even couched in definite language ... the deeper secret lies in the fact that prayer is an attitude of soul and not a ceremony.”
Benson, Edward Frederic. Climber. **$1.40. Doubleday.
9–3204.
A social climber is the central figure of this story. “Lucia Grimson, knowing that her dearest friend was on the verge of becoming engaged to X (a rich peer), carries off X. The friend marries Y. Lucia, heartily bored with X, steals the affections of Y. Exposure follows, and the carefully wrought fabric of social success goes crash. We are asked to believe that Lucia, the heartless, mercenary, treacherous, frivolous, falls so madly in love with Y that for a moment she believes the world well lost for love.” (Sat. R.)
“The evolution of the clever and at times vulgar Lucia is logical and consistent, except, perhaps, in the closing scenes. We hear much of the brilliance of intellectual and ‘smart’ gatherings and superb banquets, but something has evaporated in the telling.”
− + Ath. 1908, 2: 640. N. 21. 270w.
“Mr. Benson is a very prolific writer, but it is long since he has given us as good a story as ‘The Climber.’” M. K. Ford.
+ Bookm. 29: 93. Mr. ’09. 640w.
“Never, perhaps, has the ruthless nature of social ambition ... been more sternly unmaskt than in ‘The Climber.’”
+ Ind. 66: 698. Ap. 1, ’09. 200w.
“It is with a sense of dreariness that the reader closes the book with the question in his mind if the society life of to-day is really as bad as it is painted.”
− Lit. D. 38: 385. Mr. 6, ’09. 200w.
37“A solid book which refuses to be skimmed, and which might even bear a second reading.”
+ Nation. 88: 200. F. 25, ’09. 420w.
“An immensely clever and detailed portrait. The background of the novel is put in with dash and spirit.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 88. F. 13, ’09. 450w.
“Mr Benson in an unexpected moment of candour about his heroine observes that ‘it is hard to follow the working of so superficial and trivial a soul.’ Conscious of that by the time he has produced some twelvescore pages about her, he forbears to ask whether the attempt is worth making.”
− Sat. R. 106: 765. D. 19, ’08. 120w.
“If it is necessary to portray in great detail so unattractive a figure, it must be acknowledged that Mr. Benson’s study is eminently successful. ‘The climber’ is not an immoral book in the sense of vice being triumphant, but inasmuch as the overthrow of the heroine is due to the imprudence of being found out, it can hardly be said to be what our forefathers would have called ‘improving reading.’”
− + Spec. 101: 843. N. 21, ’08. 320w.
Benson, Edward Frederic.[10] A reaping. **$1.25. Doubleday.
9–35805.
“The record of a kind of sentimental journey through a twelvemonth of a married couple who are still on the sunny side of forty, and is mainly a chronicle of moods and reflections. We find here, besides much introspective matter, discourses on most of the author’s favorite topics: music, gardening, travel, the amenities of town and country life, with a passing touch of the supernatural. The picture of the husband and wife playing with lead soldiers, rocking-horse, and Noah’s ark, to say nothing of the dolls’-house, in the as yet unoccupied nursery appears to us a little curious.”—Ath.
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 54. O. ’09.
+ − Ath. 1909, 2: 124. Jl. 31. 140w.
Nation. 89: 487. N. 18, ’09. 350w.
“The book is a series of essays strung on a shining strand of story. More particularly it is a mood, a smiling outlook on life, to be often taken from the shelf and glanced through, remembered in quiet moments and talked over with a friend at tea.” Hildegarde Hawthorne.
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 563. S. 25, ’09. 900w.
“All this is agreeable enough to read, except that the important things touched upon—the bunkers in the course—are a little out of keeping with the small-talk.”
+ − Sat. R. 108: 323. S. 11, ’09. 170w.
Benson, Margaret.[6] Venture of rational faith. 6s. Macmillan, London.
A clear-headed, conscientious defense of orthodox Christianity.
“Though not an important book, may interest a good many. She never seems to me to touch the quick of human thought and feeling. I fear that the stuff of her book is conventional, and that the book itself is mostly dull for the reason that she nowhere gives us to see how the conventionalities which she handles have come to be to her so real. I will add that it is not a book written in a hurry, that wide reading has gone to it, and that it is clear and forcible. It has a good many memorable sentences.” H. W. Garrod.
− + Hibbert J. 7: 680. Ap. ’09. 730w.
“An able and scrupulously candid book.”
+ Spec. 102: 741. My. 8, ’09. 850w.
Benson, Ramsey.[10] Melchisedec. †$1.50. Holt.
9–24017.
To bring out strongly the un-Christlike qualities of the orthodox churches of to-day the author has chosen for his hero a child of the wilderness, a nameless quarter-blood Indian to whom civilization and convention are not even names but in whose heart glows the Christ spirit, the obsession to serve his fellowmen. Jean Valjean and St. Francis first inspire him, and, eager to be about his Father’s business, he seeks a white man’s city only to find hate in the church, sneers in organized charity and crime and selfishness in the hearts of his fellowmen. His zeal carries him from revivalists and the Salvation Army to Catholicism and the Jesuits, then in his distress of spirit he turns to the Unitarian ministry. From each new hurt he flees from man to his native woods for comfort, but always returns to his life of service until, too deeply scarred, his soul is at last martyred upon the rack of orthodoxy.
“He has written another book in the same certifying manner, the most improbable and at the same time one of the most veracious stories ever conceived.”
+ − Ind. 67: 1205. N. 25, ’09. 900w.
“There is scarcely room for question that Mr. Benson, at least, has failed in his major purpose, though he has given us a psychological study of no mean interest.”
+ − Nation. 89: 306. S. 30, ’09. 270w.
“The author has essayed a theme well out of the ordinary, and one of sufficient difficulty to test the powers of a skilled novelist. The practical handling of it has been a little too much for Mr. Benson’s capacities at this time, but it is, nevertheless, a noteworthy piece of fiction. But as a whole the tale is picturesque, unusual, and has the always gratifying quality of suggestiveness.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 14: 563. S. 25, ’09. 300w.
Bentley, Harry Clark. Corporate finance and accounting; Legal notes by T. Conyngton. $4. Ronald.
8–9769.
“The aim has been to provide a manual for the use of a corporation treasurer. Various devices and methods for procedure are described in simple, untechnical language, while the legal side has been carefully elucidated by Mr. Conyngton. The volume is divided into six parts dealing respectively with the treasurer’s duties and legal obligations; the corporate books of account; the corporate finances, including checks and dividends; negotiable instruments; corporate securities; and finally the various forms used by the treasurer or for the corporate finances and securities. For obtaining a knowledge of such things this volume should prove valuable for those interested in corporation finance. It does not attempt, however, to enter into the broader and more fundamental questions of policy in connection with this subject.”—J. Pol. Econ.
“Presents the subject in an entirely new and satisfactory manner.” W. K. Hardt.
+ Ann. Am. Acad. 33: 206. Ja. ’09. 300w.
“A reading of the text leads to the conclusion that for any other than a general purpose the author has either attempted too much, or has succeeded in doing too little.” F. A. C.
+ − Econ. Bull. 2: 46. Ap. ’09. 240w.
“In the selection of materials judgment has been used to give to the uninformed a complement of ideas that may be useful, but in no part is the work systematic. The book possesses considerable pedagogical value for a school offering a ten weeks’ course in business practice, but has contributed nothing to scientific literature.” F: A. Cleveland.
+ − Engin. N. 59: sup. 648. Je. 11, ’08. 220w.
+ J. Pol. Econ. 16: 465. Jl. ’08. 150w.
“[There is] a failure, in the presentation of the subject, to distinguish properly between principles and their application by ‘methods’ to specific cases. A manual easy of access and worthy of a prominent place on every business man’s desk.” B: F. Wright.
+ − Pol. Sci. Q. 24: 327. Je. ’09. 580w.
Benton, Elbert Jay.[7] International law and diplomacy of the Spanish-American war. $1.50. Johns Hopkins.
8–9495.
“A history of the relations of the United States and Spain during the Cuban insurrection 38and the resulting Spanish-American war. Especial emphasis is given to the controverted points of international law which were passed upon during the conflict. Though the sources used do not include the Spanish material on the subject, the viewpoint throughout is judicial. Some of the author’s conclusions are, that the ‘reconcentrado’ policy was a justifiable means of warfare; that the refusal of arbitration offered by Spain in the Maine case was a mistake; that McKinley did not exhaust the resources of diplomacy before turning the conduct of affairs over to Congress; and that the intervention of the United States on humanitarian grounds was not good practice in international law. The decisions of the courts in prize cases and allied subjects are reviewed in detail.”—Ann. Am. Acad.
Ann. Am. Acad. 32: 440. S. ’08. 180w.
“The material is well organized and clearly and compactly presented. The author’s judgments are generally fair and impartial.” G. W. Scott.
+ − Pol. Sci. Q. 24: 341. Je. ’09. 700w.
Bernard, Auguste.[7] Geofroy Tory, painter and engraver; first royal printer reformer of orthography and typography under François I; an account of his life and works; tr. by George B. Ives. *$37.50. Houghton.
9–10130.
“A translation of M. Auguste Bernard’s account of Tory’s life and work, supplemented by scholarly notes and by a large number of designs, which represent, however, only a very small part of the immense amount of work accomplished by Tory’s fervid industry.”—N. Y. Times.
“The main value of this book is, then, due to its perfect reproduction of the best work of Geofroy Tory.”
+ Ath. 1909, 2: 90. Jl. 24. 550w.
Reviewed by Laurence Burnham.
+ Bookm. 30: 194. O. ’09. 930w.
“This beautiful volume is creditable in the highest degree to the author, the translator, the printer, and the publisher.” F: W. Gookin.
+ Dial. 46: 401. Je. 16, ’09. 2100w.
“Mr. Ives’s rendering of the French text is accurate and painstaking, but now and then leaves the reader a little conscious that it is a translation.”
+ − Nation. 89: 61. Jl. 15, ’09. 1250w.
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 293. My. 8, ’09. 1650w.
Berry, Charles William. Temperature-entropy diagram. 2d ed. rev. and enl. $2. Wiley.
8–32508.
“In the revised edition of the ‘Temperature-entropy diagram’ a more extended application of the principles of the Τφ-analysis to advanced problems of thermodynamics has been made than was possible in the limited scope of the previous edition. The chapter on the flow of fluids has been entirely rewritten and treats at length various irreversible processes. A graphical method of projecting from the ρυ- into the Τφ-plane has been elaborated for perfect gases and its application illustrated in the chapters on hot-air engines and gas-engines. The various factors affecting the cylinder efficiency of both gas- and steam-engines have been thoroughly discussed. One chapter has been devoted to the thermodynamics of mixtures of gases and vapors, and another to the description and use of Mollier’s total energy-entropy diagram.”—Preface.
Engin. D. 5: 56. Ja. ’09. 230w.
Engin. N. 60: sup. 695. D. 17, ’08. 320w.
“It is evident that the author has put an Immense amount of work into the revision and brought out one of the most complete books that we have on the subject.”
+ Engin. Rec. 58: 652. D. 5, ’08. 200w.
Berry, John B. N. Some assurances of immortality. 50c. Fenno.
9–7954.
A slight book of sixty-six pages whose short chapters discuss the modern acceptance of Who and what is God? Where is the soul? Man’s immortality; Spiritism; Materialization; Faith; Intuition and conscience; Prayer; Love; Trust; and Hope.
R. of Rs. 40: 256. Ag. ’09. 30w.
Berry, W. Grinton. Bishop Hannington and the story of the Uganda mission. **$1. Revell.
A book designed for mission study classes which “tells the romantic story of Bishop Hannington, not without detail, but still within a moderate space, and so makes it more accessible. James Hannington was a veritable Moses. His name is connected, and rightly connected, with Uganda, and yet he never set foot within its borders. Nevertheless he achieved much. Things seemed hopeless enough when he met his end; yet there is no part of the world where missionary effort has achieved a more distinct success. Hannington was martyred on October 29th, 1885,—he was but thirty-seven years old; twelve years afterwards there were six hundred and fifty-nine Christian lay-agents and four thousand four hundred and forty-two baptisms, nearly half as many as those recorded in all the Church missionary society stations throughout the world. The story of the struggle by which these results were won is singularly interesting.” (Spec.)
“He has seized upon the essentials of the great tale and leaves us stirred with a new wonder at the Gospel which could inspire such devotion and win such triumphs.”
+ Ind. 66: 378. F. 18, ’09. 110w.
“This very handy volume will be welcome to many readers.”
+ Spec. 101: 238. Ag. 15, ’08. 200w.
Berry, W. Grinton. France since Waterloo. *$1.50. Scribner.
W9–66.
A record for the reader who has “only a vague, imperfect, and unsatisfying knowledge of what has happened in France since Waterloo.” “The ‘interpretation of facts’ is the author’s own, and he is an Englishman, but seemingly unprejudiced. He has acquired the art of visualization. He presents clear pictures of important epochs in comparatively few words.... He does not neglect the advance of science in France, the encouragement of art, the unsettled relations of church and state. He has chapters on Boulanger and the Dreyfus affair. Besides some acceptable portraits, there are maps and a chronological table, a list of rulers and chief magistrates, some genealogical tables, and a good index.” (N. Y. Times.)
“It is only fair to say that the author exhibits scrupulous care to be impartial, although his ‘limitations’ must be obvious. It is not possible to commend Mr. Berry’s treatment of recent history. The kind of reader who may be expected to peruse a condensed history will be puzzled by many passing allusions, and will not find much assistance from the index.”
− + Ath. 1908, 2: 300. S. 12. 680w.
“There is also a lack of exact statement in tracing the beginnings of the present difficulties in the first revolution.”
+ − Dial. 46: 406. Je. 16, ’09. 100w.
“He may not reach the same conclusions as other competent students of contemporary French history, but the utility of his book is unquestionable. It tells a long and involved story in a few well-chosen words. It is comparable with the best kind of journalism.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 145. Mr. 13, ’09. 560w.
39Bertholet, Alfred.[12] Transmigration of souls. (Harper’s lib. of living thought.) **75c. Harper.
9–35855.
A clear account of the doctrine of metempsychosis traced thru ancient and modern history. “The doctrine filled a considerable space in time past, and it is well to be instructed about its various forms and phases by one who has studied the subject thoroughly.” (Spec.)
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 68. N. ’09.
“This little volume is worth reading.”
+ Spec. 103: 210. Ag. 7, ’09. 170w.
Beruete y Moret, Aurelino de.[8] School of Madrid. (Library of art.) *$2. Scribner.
9–26478.
Continues and supplements the work of Señor Beruete’s father on Velasquez. The author’s task is “the exploration of that unknown country from which the figure of the great Spanish master emerges so unexpectedly. The period to be studied covers some seventy-five years from the arrival of Velasquez at the Court of Madrid in 1623 to the death of Claudio Coello at the end of the century. Of these successors of Velasquez who go to form the school of Madrid, that artist’s pupil and son-in-law Del Mazo is the protagonist and the hero of the story.” (Sat. R.)
“Is distinguished by scholarly caution and critical acumen.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 68. N. ’09.
“It is possible to dispute Señor de Beruete’s judgment in connexion with matters of which he treats only in passing fashion. On the whole the English is clear, and the style idiomatic if pedestrian.”
+ − Ath. 1909, 2: 337. S. 18. 900w.
“Valuable work.”
+ Int. Studio. 38: 328. O. ’09. 260w.
“Señor Beruete’s work is so scholarly and so serviceable that we regret to point out its obvious weakness—the failure to take into account Spanish pictures in America.”
+ − Nation. 89: 126. Ag. 5, ’09. 370w.
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 463. Jl. 31, ’09. 400w.
“To students of the Spanish school [it] should prove invaluable.”
+ Sat. R. 108: 53. Jl. 10, ’09. 300w.
Betts, George Herbert.[10] Distribution and functions of mental imagery. $1. Teachers college.
9–25433.
A study of both voluntary and spontaneous imagery whose problems divide themselves in two groups: (1) those which grow out of the power to evoke images voluntarily: and (2) those which grow out of the spontaneous use of imagery in thought.
Beveridge, William Henry.[5] Unemployment: a problem of industry. *$2.40. Longmans.
9–16585.
An inquiry into the conditions and causes of unemployment and suggestions for the problem’s solution. “The principles of future policy laid down are chiefly two: First, organized fluidity of labor through central labor exchanges, reducing to actual requirements the necessary labor reserve, instead of the existing reserve in each trade, and even for each employer; and second, the averaging of work and earnings by means of insurance against unemployment, principally through the labor unions.” (N. Y. Times.)
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 69. N. ’09.
“The author tells us, in excellent form and with singular completeness, exactly what the public wants to know at the present moment on ‘Unemployment.’ The volume is a storehouse of facts for the use of both sides in any controversy which may arise.”
+ Ath. 1909, 1: 224. F. 20. 670w.
“One of the most searching analyses of unemployment that has yet been made.” Irene Osgood.
+ + Econ. Bull. 2: 141. Je. ’09. 1200w.
“While his details are drawn from British sources and his conclusions apply more particularly to conditions in Great Britain than to those of any other country, yet his conclusions are largely applicable in any of the great industrial countries of the world.”
+ Engin. N. 62: sup. 46. N. 18, ’09. 1050w.
“No doubt the student of economics will find much to question in Mr. Beveridge’s pages. But for all that, the real value of the book is not to be questioned. It is worthy a permanent place on the bookshelf of the economist and in the hands of the reformer.” A. B. Wolfe.
+ − J. Pol. Econ. 17: 476. Jl. ’09. 950w.
“The chief value of the book—and it is a real one—is the very complete and fair presentation and analysis of the facts and the causes of unemployment.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 289. My. 8, ’09. 750w.
“If the Unemployed workmen act of 1905 had accomplished nothing more than the production of this book it would have been justified.” J: R. Commons.
+ Pol. Sci. Q. 24: 534. S. ’09. 650w.
“Not the least interesting part of Mr. Beveridge’s book is his examination of the difficulties which beset older workers in finding fresh employment. We cannot follow Mr. Beveridge in the easy view he takes of the mobility of labour.”
+ − Sat. R. 108: 570. N. 6, ’09. 880w.
“A correct analysis of the machinery of exchange as the organising principle of labour distribution is of the highest importance, and we recommend Mr. Beveridge’s contribution to the subject as one of much force and ability. We enter, however a ‘caveat’ that the author hardly realizes the influence of the existing labour exchange.”
+ − Spec. 103: sup. 485. O. 2, ’09. 210w.
Biagi, Guido.[10] Men and manners of old Florence. **$3.50. McClurg.
Five sketches that give realistic glimpses of the social life in Florence from the thirteenth to the beginning of the last century, during the age when Florence was a distinctive factor in the civilization of Europe, when, as the author says, “her native manners and customs had not yet been submerged and lost in the great stream of modern influence and fashions.” Contents: Florence within her ancient boundary; The mind and manners of a Florentine merchant of the fourteenth century; The private life of the renaissance Florentines; Tullia of Arragon; The twilight of the past; Index.
“Is not only a highly informing work but a highly entertaining one.”
+ Dial. 47: 388. N. 16, ’09. 460w.
“The author wrote the preface of a charming work upon ‘The women of Florence,’ by Isadoro del Lungo, reviewed in these columns last year, which should be read in connection with these essays.”
+ Outlook. 93: 601. N. 13, ’09. 200w.
Bianchi, Martha Gilbert.[9] Cuckoo’s nest. †$1.50. Duffield.
9–18025.
“A novel, the action of which takes place chiefly at Monte Carlo, offers well in this hour of cosmopolitan fiction. England, America, France, Poland, and Germany share the honors in providing the principal persons of the tale.... The American abroad, the gambler of noble birth, the courtesan, the brilliant and amorous amateur of the violin, the rude but sportsmanlike Englishwoman with a title, the all-conquering dragoon—these are the not unfamiliar human materials out of which the Countess Bianchi has constructed her plot.”—Nation.
“Up to the last, one has no clear idea just where the author meant to place her centre of interest. But this does not alter the fact that 40she has here and there done some surprisingly good bits of work in portraying character.” F: T. Cooper.
+ − Bookm. 30: 68. S. ’09. 950w.
“There are passages of somewhat too detailed description for the taste of Anglo-Saxondom; but the moral of the story is wholesome.”
+ − Nation. 89: 212. S. 2, ’09. 270w.
Bierce, Ambrose.[10] Shadow on the dial, and other essays. *$2. Robertson.
9–28535.
A group of essays with a wide range of subjects. They are as follows: The shadow on the dial; Civilization; The game of politics; Some features of the law; Arbitration; Industrial discontent; Crime and its correctives; The death penalty; Religion; Immortality; Opportunity; Charity; Emancipated woman; The opposing sex; The American sycophant; A dissertation on dogs; The ancestral bond; The right to work; The right to take oneself off.
“Mr. Bierce now forces the note, talks about matters he does not perfectly understand, says habitually more than he means, counts that sentence lost which contains no paradox, and contradicts himself without a blush.”
− Nation. 89: 306. S. 30, ’09. 650w.
“If Mr. Bierce does not contribute vastly to the knowledge of the world, he assuredly adds delightfully to its amusement.” Hildegarde Hawthorne.
+ − N. Y. Times. 14: 491. Ag. 14, ’09. 1600w.
“It is quite clear that what Mr. Bierce writes must be taken ‘cum grano.’ But there must be something genuine in it.”
+ − Spec. 103: 315. Ag. 28, ’09. 430w.
Bigelow, John.[12] Retrospections of an active life. **$12. Baker.
“To have lived to the ripe age of 92 years with full share of health and happiness, to have seen pass in review a great crisis in the history of one’s country, to have grown up with the great advances in science and the applications of science to commercial and industrial life, and finally to be able to sit down with pen in hand and describe these events accurately, fully, and entertainingly.” (N. Y. Times.)—this is what John Bigelow, ex-Ambassador to France has done in three volumes.
“More of his own way of looking at things, and less of his friends’ epistolary account of them, would have been welcome. The result, in the bulk and cost of the work, is not eminently satisfactory.” P. F. Bicknell.
+ − Dial. 47: 446. D. 1, ’09. 2500w.
N. Y. Times. 14: 731. N. 20, ’09. 230w.
“One ought not and one can scarcely criticise this voluminous work. But a little more careful editing would improve the quality of certain sections. For instance, one would like both sides of the correspondence more frequently in order not to lose the thread of the argument. While giving many letters written by other men, Mr. Bigelow is rather too sparing with his own letters, a sign of his never-failing modesty. The intrinsic value of the matter adduced outweighs all secondary considerations.” I. W. Voorhees.
+ − N. Y. Times. 14: 737. N. 27, ’09. 2600w.
“There is no man living to-day so fitted to write the story of the last three-quarters of a century of American life as seen by one who has actively participated in it; and the vigor of his activity is paralleled by the vigor of his narrative.”
+ Outlook. 93: 789. D. 4, ’09. 400w.
+ R. of Rs. 40: 753. D. ’09. 600w.
Bigelow, William Sturgis. Buddhism and immortality. (Ingersoll lecture for 1908). **75c. Houghton.
8–30599.
Descriptive note in December, 1908.
Am. J. Theol. 13: 496. Jl. ’09. 160w.
A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 99. Ap. ’09.
“An exceedingly well written presentation of the Buddhistic conception of immortality from the point of view of a sympathetic student of Buddhism.”
+ Bib. World. 33: 143. F. ’09. 20w.
“The result of asking us to conceive states without a subject to which these states are attributable is to render his ideas very confused and confusing.”
− Cath. World. 88: 693. F. ’09. 180w.
“As an attempt to interpret oriental ideas to western minds, the book deserves high praise. In particular, the exposition of ‘Karma’ is admirable; and the nobler side of Japanese Buddhist doctrine is brought before the reader very effectively.” E. H. Hollands.
+ Philos. R. 18: 346. My. ’09. 780w.
Bigg, Charles.[8] Origins of Christianity; ed. by T. B. Strong. *$4.15. Oxford.
9–25437.
“In this excellent work, the Christian history and literature of the first three centuries are treated with great learning and breadth of view, being constantly brought into relation with the wider history of the times. The book is thus an introduction both to the history and to the literature of the early church.” (Bib. World.) “The first chapter is a review of the Roman Empire as it was at the time, an institution usually tolerant, but coming into hostile contact with Christianity on the point of Caesar-worship. Dissent from this was high treason. Chapters follow on the foundation of the Roman church, on the fiery trials through which it passed under Nero and Domitian, and on its early teachers, the pseudo-Barnabas, Clement, and Hermas.” (Spec.)
“The style is terse, concrete, original, and often abrupt. But the story is full of interest, and exhibits a wide acquaintance with Christian and pagan literature. While the work will have no little value and interest for the student, the general reader will find it a useful introduction to the early history of the church. Professor Bigg’s views on Christian literature are not always critically based. The index is far from complete, which is the more unfortunate in view of the large range of subjects, persons, writings, and events treated.” E. J. Goodspeed.
+ − Am. J. Theol. 13: 617. O. ’09. 350w.
“On some matters Dr. Bigg has not adopted what seems the most critical view, and the later books of the New Testament, those, e. g., of Domitian’s time, might well have been included. But the book will be useful, as showing the subsequent literature vividly in its historical setting.”
+ − Bib. World. 34: 72. Jl. ’09. 100w.
“This is a disappointing book. The promise of the title is not fulfilled. Nor is the work of the quality one might expect from the Regius Professor of ecclesiastical history in Oxford, whose Bampton lectures on ‘The Christian platonists of Alexandria’ have long been well and favorably known. A more serious defect is the superficiality of treatment.”
− Nation. 89: 382. O. 21, ’09. 600w.
“Altogether, this is an awakening book.”
+ Spec. 103: 23. Jl. 3, ’09. 500w.
Bigham, Madge A.[11] Overheard in fairyland. †$1.50. Little.
9–27956.
A book of fanciful explanations of the origin and characteristics of flowers, trees and other elements of woodland life.
+ R. of Rs. 40: 768. D. ’09. 20w.
Biles, John Harvard. Design and construction of ships, v. 1. *$7.50. Lippincott.
9–11028.
v. 1. Calculations and strength.
It is divided into three parts: pt. 1 deals with areas, volumes, and centers of gravity; pt. 2 deals with ship calculations proper, such as calculations of displacement, center of buoyancy, 41metacenters, trim, etc.; pt. 3 deals with the strength of ships.
“The book could be somewhat condensed to advantage, and its value would be increased if the author had expressed more fully his own opinions and recommendations as regards some of the matters touched on.” D. W. Taylor.
+ − Engin. N. 61: sup. 1. Ja. 14, ’09. 3000w. (Review of v. 1.)
“The author’s style is clear and the method of development orderly and well arranged. The mathematical methods used in dealing with the various principles involved in the theoretical portions are not always the simplest or best. In the broad field of ship design and construction, it is a book which should prove of the highest value and it may be cordially commended to the notice both of students and of designers and practitioners in general.”
+ − Engin. Rec. 59: 223. F. 20, ’09. 600w. (Review of v. 1.)
“The arrangement of the book is excellent, its style concise and clear. For a long time there has been a need for such a book.” W. H. White.
+ Nature. 79: 454. F. 18, ’09. 950w. (Review of v. 1.)
Bindloss, Harold.[11] Greater power. **$1.30. Stokes.
9–23728.
In its wilderness setting, and in its pioneer struggle with the forces of nature this book is similar to the many that the author has written of life in the Canadian Northwest. To the intelligence and ability of the hero are united the fore-sightedness and initiative of the heroine—a combination that is bound to transform wildernesses into places of habitation.
“Readers who have liked his earlier volumes will find in ‘The greater power’ substantially the same merits and the same defects.” F: T. Cooper.
+ − Bookm. 30: 189. O. ’09. 150w.
“It makes a varied and virile tale no less deserving of praise than the half dozen of its sort that have come before.” W: M. Payne.
+ Dial. 47: 385. N. 16, ’09. 140w.
“Mr. Bindloss’s muse is always rather heavy footed, and his style, intensely realistic, lacks the imaginative spirit. But his knowledge of the country is profound, his love for it evident, and his descriptions of the wilderness and of the lives of the men who toil therein have the flavor of actuality.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 14: 456. S. 18, ’09. 480w.
“The book is a good, straightforward description of a way of living which must always have at least a vicarious attraction for readers pent in crowded towns.”
+ Sat. R. 107: 502. Ap. 17, ’09. 270w.
Bindloss, Harold. Lorimer of the Northwest. †$1.50. Stokes.
9–2261.
The Canadian northwest is the scene of this story which follows a clean, strong, young pioneer’s fight for fortune and the woman he loves. Its pages are filled with struggle, disappointment and finally the success resulting from a determined fight with the elements of opposition that face the sturdy pioneer. The ozone of the prairies gets into Mr. Bindloss’s pages.
“The way in which two women are always turning up at the psychological moment to add new complications to his difficulties, forms a tax upon our credulity which tends to discredit even that part of the story that is soberly and sincerely told.” F: T. Cooper.
− + Bookm. 29: 78. Mr. ’09. 350w.
“In his dealings with nature, as exhibited in that part of America which he has made his own, it seems to us that Mr. Bindloss is steadily growing in fineness of observation and power of description.” W: M. Payne.
+ Dial. 46: 264. Ap. 16, ’09. 260w.
Bingham, Hiram.[8] Journal of an expedition across Venezuela and Colombia, 1906–1907: an exploration of the route of Bolivar’s celebrated march of 1819 and of the battle-fields of Boyacá and Carabobo; with map and 133 il. from photographs taken by the author. *$2.25. Yale pub. assn.
9–13527.
The journal of an expedition made in the interests of history along the route of the great general Bolivar who in 1819 conducted an army across Venezuela and Colombia by a road that was regarded impassable. The record of Dr. Bingham’s undertaking along this course is of definite interest “not only to historians, but to naturalists, geographers, ethnologists and lovers of travel in general.” The book is generously illustrated.
“The text is a useful contribution to the meager literature of this region, but is not of great interest to the average reader.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 35. O. ’09.
“Had the author used the diary to refresh his memory, and written the account of his trip in regular book form, it would have made the work more readable and more valuable. Even as it stands the volume is one of great interest, and the numerous photographs are excellent.”
+ − Ind. 67: 93. Jl. 8, ’09. 200w.
“While the historical element in Dr. Bingham’s diary is always dominant, yet other interests are by no means excluded from the narrative. That Dr. Bingham is not an ornithologist may be known from his speaking of toucans as if they were horn-bills; and indeed science is throughout the story a secondary interest. Yet his observations in the fields of geography and ethnology have considerable value.”
+ Nation. 89: 328. O. 7, ’09. 560w.
“The reader will get a very good idea of the kind of country and its inhabitants.”
+ Nature. 81: 453. O. 14, ’09. 470w.
“The ordinary reader will find in this volume an interesting account of travel off the beaten track and will gain from it an insight to the manner of life of the rural populations of Colombia and Venezuela.” Forbes Lindsay.
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 479. Ag. 7, ’09. 550w.
Spec. 103: 138. Jl. 24, ’09. 300w.
Binyon, Laurence. Painting in the Far East. *$6. Longmans.
9–5221.
“The artistic unity of Asia is Mr. Binyon’s theme, and in a series of illuminating chapters he proceeds to demonstrate that it is in China that the central tradition of Asian painting is to be found. His thesis unfolds itself spontaneously like some lovely blossom, and his accompanying exposition of Oriental color, line and rhythm offers a helpful initiation to a style which few Occidentals rightly appreciate though many lay claim to that distinction. Not only is Mr. Binyon’s book specifically valuable; it is also collaterally so.”—Putnam’s.
A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 155. Je. ’09.
“His book is a notable one, comprehensive in its outlook, clear in its statements, and irrefragable in its philosophy.” F: W. Gookin.
+ − Dial. 46: 257. Ap. 16, ’09. 2300w.
“Although at a disadvantage by reason of the probable paucity of fine original examples to refer to, the author has succeeded in producing a valuable résumé of the history of art in China and Japan which is a welcome addition to our literature upon the subject. Some regret, however, will be felt by lovers of that art at the altogether unrepresentative character of the illustrations to the volume.”
+ − Int. Studio. 37: 83. Mr. ’09. 500w.
“His task has thus been comparable to that of a critic who should attempt to describe Italian art without the treasures of Italy. But 42within the limitations imposed upon him, he has made a useful and interesting volume.”
+ − Nation. 87: 637. D. 24, ’08. 700w.
“This is a work to study by heart and come back to often of works on art (and the word is said advisedly) the most important in the last decade, and the most enchanting of more than half that time.”
+ + No. Am. 190: 838. D. ’09. 130w.
“So simple and direct are his pictorial and poetical perceptions that you get at once at the secret sources of an immeasurably remote and tortuous fountain-head. Real knowledge of the subject is limited, and hence such a work as Mr. Binyon’s should find place on the shelves of almost every apostle of beauty.” Christian Brinton.
+ Putnam’s. 5: 622. F. ’09. 430w.
“Mr. Binyon’s book delights us not only by the interest of the subject, but also by the charm of its style and power of expression.”
+ Spec. 102: 541. Ap. 3, ’09. 1000w.
Birdseye, Clarence Frank. Reorganization of our colleges. **$1.75. Baker.
9–8596.
As a result of a well conducted examination of the grave abuses practised in both administration and student life departments of our colleges and the inadequacy of means used for remedial purposes the author indicates the nature of the trouble and its location in the college body, and suggests a general method of treatment—an antitoxin—capable of effecting a cure if taken in time and in the right way. He proposes the placing of college reorganization under a separate administrative department, with the active cooperation of parents and business alumni.
“The exposition of the problems is a helpful service in the cause of higher education.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 131. My. ’09.
“From a literary standpoint the book is greatly marred by its redundancy. Mr. Birdseye states that the chief duty of the college is to prepare for citizenship and therefore that the intellectual is not alone to be considered. Here he goes too far.” Carl Kelsey.
+ − Ann. Am. Acad. 34: 614. N. ’09. 530w.
“Much of the emphasis of the book is timely, and some of it commendable.”
+ − Dial. 46: 265. Ap. 16, ’09. 570w.
“An interesting and stimulating contribution to the now widespread discussion as to the conditions of American collegiate instruction.” F: P. Keppel.
+ Educ. R. 37: 526. My. ’09. 1050w.
+ Ind. 66: 1296. Je. 10, ’09. 500w.
“This is the boldest and clearest plan for improving the higher education in this country which has hitherto appeared.”
+ Lit. D. 38: 559. Ap. 3, ’09. 330w.
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 233. Ap. 10, ’09. 950w.
“He has put his finger on the most serious defect in our American colleges; he has analyzed that defect with great skill and has shown how composite it is; and he has offered, so far as we know, the only remedy that appears to be as comprehensive as the ill it is designed to cure.”
+ Outlook. 92: 149. My. 22, ’09. 900w.
+ R. of Rs. 39: 511. Ap. ’09. 150w.
“In its diagnosis of the weaknesses of the college this book is clear, and even trenchant; but it is, on the whole, fair.”
+ Yale R. 18: 220. Ag. ’09. 200w.
Bisland, Elizabeth, and Hoyt, Anne.[10] Seekers in Sicily: being a quest for Persephone by Jane and Peripatetica. **$1.50. Lane.
9–23013.
“Miss Elizabeth Bisland and Miss Anne Hoyt, masquerading as ‘Jane’ and ‘Peripatetica,’ went to Sicily as seekers for the dead body of a great civilization, using their Theocritus oftener than their Baedeker, and waiting in the cold springtime for the coming of Persephone ‘laden with leaves and flowers and the waving corn.’ Every step they took stirred up wraiths of myths and history, and reminded them of Proteus rising from the sea, and of old Triton blowing his wreathèd horn. The theatrical scenery of Taormina, the bones and stones of Syracuse, the temples of ancient Girgenti, ‘the nicest place’ in Sicily, and the land of Goethe’s ‘das land, wo die citronen blüh’n,’ Palermo, were visited in turn.”—Dial.
“The book is full of life and color, successfully interprets the spirit of the country and supplies a need for a book of popular travel devoted entirely to Sicily.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 35. O. ’09.
“Seriousness and playfulness go together in this happy visit to the fields of old renown, and provide a very readable book of travel.” H. E. Coblentz.
+ Dial. 47: 234. O. 1, ’09. 300w.
“The book is worth reading, provided that one does not attempt to read too much of it at one sitting.”
+ − Ind. 67: 823. O. 7, ’09. 270w.
“It is the usual combination of random and inaccurate information by way of crumb, with abundant facetiousness, sentimentality, or simple talky-talk by way of plums.”
− Nation. 89: 462. N. 11, ’09. 220w.
“Visitors to Sicily will find this book an exceedingly interesting and valuable companion.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 492. Ag. 14, ’09. 330w.
Bithell, Jethro.[10] Minnesingers. v. 1. *$2. Longmans.
W9–220.
A forerunner of the author’s history now in preparation which will treat of the minnesong as compared with the old lyrical poetry of Provence, Portugal and Italy. “This volume is independent of the one to come, for as the translator justly observes of its contents, ‘if they are poems, they should need no commentary; that they are poems in the original, is certain.’ We take satisfaction in saying that they are also poems in their English dress, poems to be enjoyed for themselves, with no ‘arrière-pensée’ of a philological nature.” (Dial.)
“He undoubtedly permits himself a good deal of freedom both in form and expression—occasionally with happy results, but not infrequently, we think, without adequate compensation for the sacrifice made.”
+ − Ath. 1909, 2: 236. Ag. 28. 630w.
“This volume is a real enrichment of the literature of poetic translation.”
+ Dial. 46: 408. Je. 16, ’09. 170w.
“Mr. Bithell’s translations are excellent, preserving in good measure the spirit of the originals, together with the form.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 404. Je. 26, ’09. 170w.
Black, Hugh. Gift of influence. **$1.25. Revell.
8–31998.
Sermons dealing with young men’s problems of life. “While quoting frequently from the poets, they noticeably abstain from anecdote, a resource of preachers for which Professor Black’s earnest and engaging manner is an effective substitute. All college preachers should take suggestion from their compact brevity. Dr. Black thinks that there is more of idealism among our students than of materialism. ‘No one can despair of the future who knows the splendid material the colleges of the land contain, and how eagerly men long to attempt great tasks.’” (Outlook.)
“These brief and vigorous sermons constitute real messages to students, not, indeed, as such, but as men and women with ideals and needs common to humanity.”
+ Am. J. Theol. 13: 499. Jl. ’09. 50w.
A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 131. My. ’09.
43“A volume abounding in eloquence, wisdom, and sound teaching.”
+ Educ. R. 37: 318. Mr. ’09. 40w.
Ind. 66: 428. F. 25, ’09. 100w.
Nation. 89: 439. N. 4, ’09. 150w.
“The sermons are eminently practical.”
+ Outlook. 91: 583. Mr. 13, ’09. 150w.
Blackwood, Algernon. Jimbo: a fantasy. **$1.25. Macmillan.
9–7037.
Partly allegorical, this is a study of the mind of an imaginative child whose governess introduces the first element of fear into his marvelously peopled world of thought. It further furnishes a remarkable analysis of the strange forms and weird experiences encountered during this same child’s season of delirium, in which the governess atones for the wrong done to the child by helping his astral self escape from the prison in which it was detained.
“A distinctly clever and even poetic fantasy of aviation. The total effect would be stronger if Mr. Blackwood had revealed or appeared to reveal a doctrine about fear which would uplift the reader.”
+ − Ath. 1909, 1: 284. Mr. 6. 120w.
“It is written in a simple and exceedingly graphic style, and people who like that sort of reading will doubtless enjoy the book.”
+ − N. Y. Times. 14: 130. Mr. 6, ’09. 160w.
“We do not believe it is fit for children to read, nor do we imagine its lesson would be very effective among matter-of-fact grown-ups who need the warning contained in it.”
− Outlook. 91: 815. Ap. 10, ’09. 120w.
“The book is thus incidentally a sermon to governesses, and ought to be studied by everybody who has to do with children, except children themselves, for whom the homœopathy is quite excessive. One false touch and the aerial illusion would be shattered, but the realism is maintained.”
+ Sat. R. 107: 310. Mr. 6, ’09. 500w.
“‘Jimbo’ is not a book for children, and tender-hearted parents will find it almost unbearably painful, in spite of its comparatively happy end. But as a fantastic exposition of the psychology of fright, as an attempt to illustrate the workings of the mind in the spectral world of delirium, it is of engrossing interest.”
+ − Spec. 102: 619. Ap. 17, ’09. 1650w.
Blackwood, Algernon. John Silence: physician extraordinary. $1.50. Luce, J: W.
9–12624.
Dr. John Silence is a psychic doctor-detective who in the five cases narrated by his confidential assistant tracks criminals who are not discernible by the human senses. He deals with the powers of darkness; in one case it is the discarnate soul of a woman whose evil he transforms by his spiritual alchemy; in another, personified emotions; and still another, “fire elementals” and fluidic bodies.
“The reader can take the prescribed amount of the supersensible for granted long enough to feel creepy with the victims of uncanny manifestations, and to pursue their adventures with interest to the climax of each ‘case.’”
+ Ath. 1908, 2: 400. O. 3. 150w.
“John Silence is a sort of spiritual Sherlock Holmes, a novel contribution to the gallery of autocratic specialists in various lines who tower in the pages of modern fiction.”
+ Nation. 88: 563. Je. 3, ’09. 220w.
“You do not lay down the book until it is finished; and when you do it is with distinct regret that it must come to an end at all.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 160. Mr. 20, ’09. 550w.
N. Y. Times. 14: 371. Je. 12, ’09. 130w.
“These stories are weird and thrilling, and their literary and psychological atmosphere makes that of the cleverest of ordinary detective stories appear thin. But they are too palpably impossible to produce illusion. They interest and excite, and Mr. Blackwood is ingenious, imaginative and skilful in description of persons, moods, and scenery; but they are just sensational and melodramatic.”
+ − Sat. R. 106: 426. O. 3, ’08. 320w.
Blaine, Harriet Bailey (Mrs. James G. Blaine). Letters of Mrs. James G. Blaine; ed. by Harriet S. Blaine Beale. 2v. **$4. Duffield.
8–35845.
These letters run thru Mrs. Blaine’s Washington life from 1869 to 1889, and are mostly home letters to her absent children. They show her devotion to her husband and children, cast sidelights upon Mr. Blaine’s statesmanship, furnish brief, intimate characterizations of men and women prominent in Washington society during her day, and reveal her love of service, honesty, honor, and courage.
“A judicious editing would have resulted in reducing the work by half.”
+ − A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 72. Mr. ’09.
“Why on earth should a book be issued in two volumes to inform us, for instance, that the Blaine family had liver and bacon for breakfast in November, 1876.” R: W. Kemp.
− Bookm. 29: 193. Ap. ’09. 1050w.
“Mrs. Blaine at her best was a bright and witty woman, and her letters would stand on their own merits far above many which get into print; but, after all, it is the political connection which gives them their chief interest. Hence it is the inevitable impression that they have been a little too thoroughly culled, for the sake of avoiding offense, that will be felt by many as their main defect.” W. H. Johnson.
+ − Dial. 46: 114. F. 16, ’09. 680w.
+ Ind. 66: 1033. My. 13, ’09. 600w.
“A real and extremely interesting portrait. Occasionally she shows marks of what is almost literary genius. The letters are always excellent. The volumes have an index, but it has been badly prepared.”
+ Lit. D. 38: 103. Ja. 16, ’09. 1700w.
“There is a useless index, consisting of a list of proper names, with nothing but the pages on which they are referred to. The notes are school-girlish, and not without errors.”
+ − Nation. 88: 226. Mr. 4, ’09. 1000w.
“Mrs. Beale has rendered a very important service to the American people in making public [this] collection of letters.”
+ N. Y. Times. 13: 765. D. 12, ’08. 2700w.
“In making a collection of her letters public Mrs. Beale has revealed the portrait of a characteristically American woman and has thrown new light on some recent phases of American history, and she has thus done a double service to the American people.” E. F. Baldwin.
+ Outlook. 91: 316. F. 6, ’09. 2250w.
“They show us the simplicity of life in Washington a few decades ago.”
+ Putnam’s. 5: 627. F. ’09. 420w.
+ R. of Rs. 39: 507. Ap. ’09. 130w.
Blake, Alice Elizabeth (Mrs. Warrenne Blake), ed.[5] Memoirs of a vanished generation, 1813–1855; with an introd. by the Lady St. Helier. *$5. Lane.
9–8386.
While chiefly confined to the domestic affairs of General Knox, his children and many kinsmen, these memoirs reflect the inner political and social life of the times. “There is an atmosphere of old-fashioned goodness and kindness, high morality, warm affection, all kept fresh, gay, and healthy by a keen sense of the absurd, which makes the book a charming contrast indeed to some family chronicles, French and English, one could name.” (Spec.)
“There is a sufficiency of anecdote and family incident in these memorials.”
+ Ath. 1909, 2: 66. Jl. 17. 700w.
“Not, perhaps, very exciting, but giving a true picture of the times. On the whole, these memoirs are a unique and interesting addition to our knowledge of a ‘vanished generation.’”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 38. Ja. 23, ’09. 1000w.
44“The singular, unaffected charm of the book ... is owing to Admiral Knox’s delightful and excellent character, the graceful ease with which he and his belongings accepted the troubles of a life not altogether smooth, and the light Irish humour which meant happiness for them all.”
+ Spec. 102: 618. Ap. 17, ’09. 470w.
Blake, Sir Henry Arthur.[10] China; il. by Mortimer Menpes. (Menpes crown ser.) *$1.50. Macmillan.
W9–270.
A work whose art value is of the first importance. Mr. Menpes’s excellent illustrations consist of sixteen full-page color drawings and numerous marginal line drawings. The accompanying text sketches the physical features, the manners and customs of the various peoples in China, their status in the educational affairs and their prospects for future commercial activity.
A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 69. N. ’09.
“The illustrations are excellent.”
+ Ath. 1909, 2: 490. O. 23. 700w.
“The book is an art work of merit, and (no negligible item to many buyers) of modest price.”
+ Dial. 47: 455. D. 1, ’09. 210w.
Nation. 89: 569. D. 9, ’09. 150w.
“Sir Henry Blake would undoubtedly be very interesting in conversation, but he cannot impart his first-hand knowledge or impose his valuable opinions, because simply he does not know the trick of writing.”
− No. Am. 190: 841. D. ’09. 100w.
“The text is reasonably picturesque in its description of Chinese life and customs.”
+ Outlook. 93: 318. O. 9, ’09. 110w.
“A very sympathetic, human quality runs through the illustrated story of an artist’s trip through the Celestial kingdom.”
+ R. of Rs. 40: 760. D. ’09. 60w.
“Compresses a great deal of information within his hundred and forty pages of letterpress.”
+ Sat. R. 108: 666. N. 27, ’09. 120w.
Blanchard, Amy Ella.[10] Four Corners abroad. (Corner ser.) †$1.50. Jacobs.
9–22943.
A new chapter in the lives of the four girls who, since the days of their first introduction to young readers, have enjoyed a good deal of sight seeing. The haunts of tourists take a new interest as seen thru the eyes of the enthusiastic quartette. The book furnishes plenty of amusement as well as information.
Bland, Edith (Nesbit) (Mrs. Hubert Bland).[5] Daphne in Fitzroy street. †$1.50. Doubleday.
9–4957.
A lovable, ingenuous girl without home and parents and for near relative a little sister to love and protect, is the heroine of this story. Opening in a private French school where Daphne is captain of her playfellow brigands, the scene shifts, after her father’s death, to a disagreeable aunt’s home and finally to an artist’s quarter in London where the chief events, closely linked with art and romance, transpire.
“On the whole, it is a readable and pretty book, especially for young people.”
+ Ath. 1909, 1: 340. Mr. 20. 120w.
“The story is genuinely amusing and interesting.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 672. O. 30, ’09. 250w.
Outlook. 93: 559. N. 6, ’09. 50w.
“It is a bright romance, told with the easy manner of an expert.”
+ Sat. R. 107: 502. Ap. 17, ’09. 300w.
“The book, though readable, cannot be called a great success.”
− + Spec. 102: 466. Mr. 20, ’09. 400w.
Bland, Edith (Nesbit) (Mrs. Hubert Bland). House with no address. †$1.50. Doubleday.
9–6278.
A tale which ranges from the pathetic to the gruesome, from simple motives to deeds darkly mysterious. The central figures are a dancer of the Salome dance, the idol of London, and her lover who after a long absence returns to find her enmeshed in a strange matrimonial tangle. Mystery and tragedy in which the head used in her dance plays a gruesome part are followed by an unexpected squaring of accounts in which the supposed hero is not a hero at all.
“As a sheer study in horror, the thing is well done, but it is not the sort of book that can be commended either as good art or helpful reading.” F: T. Cooper.
− + Bookm. 29: 318. My. ’09. 240w.
“‘Salome’ sensationalism cannot possibly go farther.”
− Ind. 66: 764. Ap. 8, ’09. 120w.
“A sufficiently lively essay, it will be seen, in the latest style of the blood-and-thunder romance.”
+ − Nation. 88: 562. Je. 3, ’09. 240w.
“Any amount of clever handling cannot make the preposterous persons seem real. It holds the interest, but not the convictions of the reader, and it leaves him disgusted.”
− + N. Y. Times. 14: 160. Mr. 20, ’09. 170w.
Blandin, Isabella M. E. History of higher education of women in the South prior to 1860. *$3. Neale.
9–2274.
From acts of state legislatures, catalogs of schools, data preserved in libraries of historical associations, and letters written by people connected with schools facts have been gathered to justify the South’s often misdoubted claim to an early recognition of the importance of girl’s education. The book sketches the history of the various institutions, seminaries and colleges for women that existed prior to 1860.
Bleackley, Horace.[8] Ladies fair and frail; sketches of the demi-monde during the eighteenth century. *$5. Lane.
Sketches of the following six adventuresses of the eighteenth century: Fanny Murray, Kitty Fisher, Nancy Parsons, Kitty Kennedy, Grace Dalrymple Eliot and Gertrude Mahon.
“Despite its somewhat meretricious title this careful book is a genuine contribution to serious biography. The results of Mr. Bleackley’s careful research are recorded in pleasant style, but a few slips in names and spelling need attention.”
+ − Ath. 1909, 1: 369. Mr. 27. 1600w.
“Has treated his subject in a manner at once serious and indicating a great deal of patient and painstaking investigation.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 426. Jl. 10, ’09. 170w.
Blewett, George John. Study of nature and the vision of God. *$1.75. Briggs.
8–6091.
“Concerned with a two-fold opposition of fundamental philosophic tendencies: that between idealism and mysticism, and that between abstract and concrete idealism. The first two essays deal with the main antithesis itself; the one outlining the idealistic position which in its method of apprehending the true nature of reality is made to move from the world to God, without forgetting the world from which it started: the other tracing the development of mysticism, as interpreted by Spinoza, which in its method ‘leaves the world behind.’ The history of Christendom, is considered as representing the conflicts of these two tendencies. The remaining essays are studies in the history of idealism, with reference to Plato, Erigena and St. Thomas.”—Ann. Am. Acad.
“The philosophical and theological value of this work lies in its reconciliation of the world 45as it appears to the demand that it shall be seen as framed throughout for the realization of a supreme purpose. Its theme is logically, but rather verbosely, outlined.”
+ − Ann. Am. Acad. 32: 617. N. ’08. 200w.
“These essays deserve a permanent place in the English library of philosophy. His style has the defects of its merits. It is never commonplace, and at times rises to impressive eloquence. The refined but vigorous moral enthusiasm which pervades the whole book is almost appealing. But there are few passages, especially in the first essay, which are somewhat turgid and periphrastic, and some have a slight tinge of homiletic sentimentalism.” E. H. Hollands.
+ − Philos. R. 18: 88. Ja. ’09. 1600w.
Bliss, Edwin Munsell. Missionary enterprise. **$1.25. Revell.
8–20164.
A volume which supersedes the author’s “Concise history of missions.” He has “put into this moderately sized volume the whole story of Christian missions from the early times till now, enlarging especially upon their development in the nineteenth century.” (Outlook.)
“A good, general survey of Christian missions.”
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 6. Ja. ’09. ✠
“A statesmanlike presentation of the objects for which the most progressive missionaries are working and the methods by which they are seeking to accomplish them.”
+ Ind. 67: 42. Jl. 1, ’09. 80w.
“His skill is exhibited in this volume, in which the large facts and salient principles are brought to due prominence, notwithstanding the extent of field and fact which he covers. His volume will serve to spread intelligence as to the ambitions and purposes which underlie the efforts of the more statesmanlike propagandists of the faith, and the substantial and permanent results which missionary effort is assuredly accomplishing.”
+ Nation. 88: 485. My. 13, ’09. 180w.
+ Outlook. 90: 136. S. 19, ’08. 160w.
Blomfield, Reginald Theodore.[9] Mistress art. *$1.40. Longmans.
9–5222.
“A series of critical essays varying greatly in subject, but all bearing on the author’s main contention, ‘that architecture is not mere decoration or ornamental building, but something outside and beyond the various crafts which it calls into play,’ ‘a grim intellectual art, moving amid big conceptions.’” (Ath.) Contents: The study of architecture; Design and temperament: Architecture and the craftsman; The limitations of the arts; The grand manner: Egypt and Greece; Pergamos and Hellenistic art; Rome; The grand manner: France.
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 5: 100. Ap. ’09.
“We strongly recommend it to architectural students and others, as a vivid and sane piece of criticism.”
+ Ath. 1909, 2: 187. Ag. 14. 530w.
“These lectures contain plenty of matter which is worth pondering over.”
+ Spec. 102: 61. Ja. 9, ’09. 530w.
Bloomfield, J. K. Oneidas. $2.98. Alden bros.
8–5599.
“Gives a very sympathetic and appreciative account of the career of the Oneida tribe of Indians. His chief interest is in the religious work done among them. One learns very little of the social organizations or daily life either under the older régime or to-day in Wisconsin.” (Ann. Am. Acad.) “It describes their habits, customs, and beliefs during these several periods, and devotes a good deal of attention to the development of their present degree of civilization. A particularly interesting chapter is that which gives an account of the mysterious Eleazer Williams, believed by many to have been the Dauphin, son of Louis XVI.” (N. Y. Times.)
“Much extraneous matter is introduced and there is little evidence of critical judgment in dealing with sources of evidence.”
− + Ann. Am. Acad. 32: 618. N. ’08. 70w.
“A historical document of value and a work of remarkable patience and care.”
+ N. Y. Times. 13: 160. Mr. 21, ’08. 200w.
Boardman, Edwin Augustus.[8] Small yacht. **$2. Little.
9–16854.
“A practical treatise on the building, care and management of racing boats, to which is added instruction on the strategy of the race itself. All these points, where such a thing is possible, are illustrated with photographs, designs, and diagrams. The designs include valuable plans of 18-footers of several designs, of 30-foot cruisers and racers, showing many details of construction, with many plans of sounder boats of various shapes and rigs. A complete copy of a builder’s specifications for a sounder class yacht, extending over some ten pages, is added to the section of the work which is devoted to construction.”—N. Y. Times.
+ A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 36. O. ’09.
“Amateurs and even experts will find [it] of both interest and value.”
+ Ind. 67: 42. Jl. 1, ’09. 70w.
“A book which should be of value to owners and prospective owners of small sailing craft for racing.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 452. Jl. 24, ’09. 180w.
Bode, Wilhelm.[5] Florentine sculptors of the renaissance. (Classics of art ser.) *$4. Scribner.
W9–67.
A collection of studies published six years ago to which have been added an essay on Leonardo da Vinci and on the Medallist Niccolo Fiorentino.
A. L. A. Bkl. 6: 7. S. ’09.
“The book is the most authoritative work on its subject that has hitherto appeared, and combines with much keen technical criticism a realization of the personal idiosyncrasies of the artists under review such as has been rarely achieved by the author’s fellow-countrymen who, as a general rule, lose sight of the craftsman in their vivisection of his productions.”
+ Int. Studio. 38: 78. Jl. ’09. 180w.
“There is a swarm of loose and occasionally false renderings by the translator. Professional students know how to use Dr. Bode’s writings. Others should be warned perhaps that many of his conclusions are of a tentative and most disputable sort.”
+ − Nation. 88: 369. Ap. 8, ’09. 420w.
“The critic is independent and at times aggressive, and he has undoubtedly made here an important and original contribution to the subject.”
+ N. Y. Times. 14: 336. My. 29, ’09. 850w.
“The illustrations are absolutely the next things to having a set of fine photographs, and the book is full of interest and personal charm and delightful sentiment. If this book is a little rambling, yet the stopping-places are all delightful.”
+ − No. Am. 190: 261. Ag. ’09. 400w.
“The book’s only defect is an undue vehemence in criticising other critics of sculpture.” E. F. Baldwin.
+ − Outlook. 93: 597. N. 13, ’09. 160w.
“There is rather too much of Dr. Bode and his opponents in the book, and too little about certain of the Florentine sculptors: especially about the greatest of them all, Michelangelo. It need hardly be said, of course that, taken simply as a series of essays on various aspects of the subject, the book contains much that is extremely valuable.” Laurence Binyon.
+ − Sat. R. 108: 381. S. 25, ’09. 720w.
46“Dr. Bode, as we should expect, writes an interesting study of Florentine sculpture. His knowledge is great, and his views command respect. We cannot, however, go quite so far as he does when he says that but for the remains of antique statues left in Italy, the art of that country would have developed on the same lines as in the north.”
+ − Spec. 102: 668. Ap. 24, ’09. 450w.