The Cumulative Book Review Digest Devoted to the Valuation of Current Literature Digests of reviews appearing in January—December 1905, magazines (continued 18)
Reading edition
A mystery surrounds the house of Merrilees. Its master dies suddenly, his body disappears and with it his fortune which he had converted into jewels. The mistress of Merrilees had died abroad some years before, and it was given out that their infant son died with her. A young cousin takes possession of both the estates and the mystery and discovers the real heir in the person of his best friend. There is also a love interest.
236“Mr. Marshall has conceived a sufficiently ingenious plot for his novel of mystery; but he does not succeed in gripping the attention and holding it from the start to the gasp of satisfied excitement at the finish.”
+ — Acad. 68: 198. Mr. 4, ‘05. 200w.
“This is an excellent story of a mystery so well and so artistically concealed that the final disclosure gives rise to a feeling of pleasure, not only at the nature of the surprise, but also at its inevitableness.”
+ + Ath. 1905, 1: 555. My. 6, 180w.
* “It all makes exciting reading.”
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 861. D. 2, ‘05. 260w.
* “Is surprisingly good reading.”
+ Pub. Opin. 39: 700. N. 25, ‘05. 90w.
“Mr. Marshall is quite entertaining, his imagination is lively, and possibly he may regard the novel as a huge joke.”
+ Sat. R. 99: 745. Je. 3, ‘05. 260w.
“The book will while away an unoccupied hour very pleasantly.”
+ Spec. 94: 718. My. 13, ‘05. 160w.
Marshall, Beatrice. Queen’s knight errant. †$1.50. Dutton.
A romance of the days of Raleigh and the virgin queen. A little girl is washed ashore in Devon on the land of a recluse alchemist named Vidal. A neighboring esquire takes charge of the child and brings her up with his own sons. The romance of this waif who turns out to be Vidal’s sister, and one of these sons is woven about Raleigh’s love affair with Mrs. Throgmorton, their secret marriage, and the anger of the queen.
+ — N. Y. Times. 10: 204. Ap. 1, ‘05. 660w.
“Too high-flown in style to suit the present taste.”
— Outlook. 79: 452. F. 18, ‘05. 20w.
* Marsland, Frank. Occupations in life; a fund of practical information and business advice for boys and young men. $1.50. C. E. Fitchett, 57 Warren st. N. Y.
The author who is a mercantile reporter with the Bradstreet company, draws easily upon his fund of professional experience in offering business counsel to young men. The advice emphasizes an early selection of life work, a careful use of spare hours for promoting interests along special lines of work, and a better understanding of conditions in the business world and the world of occupations.
* + N. Y. Times. 10: 586. S. 9, ‘05. 300w.
Martin, Edward Sanford. Courtship of a careful man. †$1.25. Harper.
“A collection of short stories of New York life, having a peculiar quality of their own. Quite modern in effect, they have a background of good breeding distinctly American. The conversations among different members of the families represented are clever, and exhibit a complete and happy knowledge of the world.”—Outlook.
“In this latest book we find Mr. Martin in rather lighter vein than is his wont, but as always, excellent company.”
+ Bookm. 21: 545. Jl. ‘05. 240w.
* “Clever and disappointing book.” Frances Duncan.
+ — Critic. 47: 454. N. ‘05. 260w.
“Few writers of fiction can be reproached with too light a touch, but we should say that Mr. Martin is one of them.”
— + Nation. 80: 378. My. 11, ‘05. 470w.
“The entire collection of stories is delightfully light, breezy, and easy and attractive reading.”
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 272. Ap. 22, ‘05. 310w.
“Both the author’s style and his characters may be fitly described as alluring.”
+ Outlook. 79: 1058. Ap. 29, ‘05. 60w.
+ — Pub. Opin. 39: 93. Jl. 15, ‘05. 100w.
+ R. of Rs. 31: 759. Je. ‘05. 60w.
Martin, Mrs. Elizabeth Gilbert. Homer Martin; a reminiscence. *$1.50. W: Macbeth, N. Y.
This beautiful memorial gives us but a slight glimpse into the life of the author’s artist husband, whose landscapes, into which he has put his best self, she feels are better able to interpret him than she. It is illustrated by half tone reproductions of Martin’s better known paintings.
“In the distinction of its perfect English, its reserve where there might have been enthusiasm, and its sincerity where there was room for flattery, it is a very model for biographers.”
+ + Cath. World. 80: 550. Ja. ‘05. 150w.
“This little sketch was well worth doing. While very modestly done, Martin’s claims to greatness are fully presented.”
+ R. of Rs. 31: 252. F. ‘05. 70w.
Martin, Helen Reimensnyder. Sabina, a story of the Amish. $1.25. Century.
Sabina, a pretty Amish maid with wistful eyes, is haunted by a face of strange ugliness which appears from time to time as a warning of impending disaster to herself or family. A young artist comes to her home as a summer boarder, and Sabina falls in love with him. Everything points towards tragedy, but the face and her infatuation for the artist are alike banished by a fever, and she returns to her people and her Amish lover. The real charm of the story lies in the Pennsylvania-German dialect and the local color.
+ — N. Y. Times. 10: 644. S. 30, ‘05. 260w.
+ Outlook. 81: 336. O. 7, ‘05. 120w.
“Although the characters of Sabina and Tillie are similar, although there is practically the same atmosphere and environment, the second book does not equal the first.”
+ — Pub. Opin. 39: 573. O. 28, ‘05. 130w.
Martin, Hiram, ed. See Smet, Father Pierre-Jean de. Life, letters and travels of.
Martindell, Mrs. Charlotte S. Diary of a bride. **$1. Crowell.
“If I must choose between dusting unread books and reading undusted ones, may the wise fates help me always to choose the latter. I hate dusty, grimy books and shall make a desperate effort both to read and dust.” So says this bride, and she is as good as her word to establish in her home making and her heart-keeping an admirable poise.
Martineau, James. Tides of the Spirit. *$1. Am. Unitar.
“Selections from the writings of James Martineau. The book is edited by the Rev. Alfred Lazenby, who contributes a sympathetic introduction—an essay on ‘the master who first opened mine eyes to the spiritual realities of life and taught me to see the divine within the human.’”—Dial.
Dial. 38: 396. Je. 1, ‘05. 60w.
Marvin, Frederic Rowland. Companionship of books, and other papers. **$1.50. Putnam.
The author has collected in this volume many papers upon as many subjects all of which show the touch of one who has lived a scholar’s life. The title essay calls the reader’s attention to the author’s chosen friends in the world of books, then follows an essay on autograph treasures, and one called Modern builders of air-castles, which treats of the Brook farm experiment. Papers upon matters historical, literary, and religious, follow. The varied subjects and the brevity of their treatment make the book 237one which may be profitably picked up in odd leisure moments.
* “It is a frightful hodge podge of subjects, but one may find a number of things of more or less curious interest in the heterogeneous mass.”
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 917. D. 23, ‘05. 300w.
* Mary the queen. 50c. Benziger.
A story of the virgin Mary for little people.
Maskell, Alfred. Ivories. $6.75. Putnam.
A notable addition to the “Connoisseur’s library.” The author traces his subject to every land in every period. He discusses the achievement of the earliest dynasties of Assyria and Egypt, shows the high place of the Byzantine work, devotes a chapter to Japanese and Chinese ivory sculpture, treats some of the technical phases of carving, and concludes with a chapter on the nineteenth century and present day products of the art. There are numerous beautiful illustrations in photogravure and half tone.
+ + + Ath. 1905, 2: 247. Ag. 19. 1540w.
“The first compendious account in any language of the progress of ivory carving thru-out the world’s history. A high standard of excellence is set in this book; it cannot fail to take rank at once as the authoritative work upon the subject of which it treats.” Frederick W. Goodkin.
+ + + Dial. 39: 239. O. 16, ‘05. 1750w.
“The present volume will be found satisfactory and very comprehensive.”
+ + Ind. 59:696. S. 21, ‘05. 240w.
“If he could have trusted our capacity and interest a little further he would have given us both less and more, and his book might perhaps have gained something in coherence, completeness, and proportion.”
+ + — Lond. Times. 4: 284. S. 8, ‘05. 1120w.
“While our praise, therefore, cannot be very hearty, this still remains the largest book of the sort, with the most complete display of pictures.”
+ — Nation. 81: 171. Ag. 24, ‘05. 1070w.
+ + N. Y. Times. 10: 466. Jl. 15, ‘05. 500w.
“In all his chapters, however, along with much technical information, Mr. Maskell enlightens the reader with keen and original observations on the significance of the various epochs.”
+ + Outlook. 80: 693. Jl. 15, ‘05. 170w.
“One of the excellent features of this learned book is the manner in which the information has been presented. Clearness of thought and arrangement is to be found throughout.”
+ + + Spec. 95: 18. Jl. 1, ‘05. 1490w.
Mason, Alfred Edward Woodley. Truants. $1.50. Harper.
An exciting story of London life in which the truants are a young married couple living with the rich and domineering father of the husband. To escape this tyranny the young man leaves his wife and sets forth to carve a new fortune for her and for himself. He at last joins the Foreign legion in Africa and wins distinction, but is called home by the news that his foolish young wife has fallen into the clutches of an adventurer. The real interest lies in the character of Pamela Mardale and her lover who protect and assist the truants and thereby find their own happiness.
“There is a good deal of variety about this romance, but it is not a very organic piece of work. The best part of it is that devoted to the Foreign legion, of which the author seems to have made a special study. It is fairly new ground for the average reader.” W. M. Payne.
+ Dial. 38: 17. Ja. 1, ‘05. 270w.
“He writes in a prosaic manner of the most romantic passions.”
— Ind. 59: 216. Jl. 27, ‘05. 80w.
“‘The truants’ is a departure from two established canons of art: that the heroine must be interesting, and the motif adequate. The author’s style has distinction, color and restraint; his product is fiction to be read, not fiction manufactured to be sold.”
+ + Reader. 5: 254. Ja. ‘05. 420w.
“Sure to awaken the reader’s interest.”
+ R. of Rs. 31: 120. Ja. ‘05. 120w.
Mason, Arthur James. Historic martyrs of the primitive church. *$3.20. Longmans.
The author “has aimed to present nothing which may not be relied upon as historically true.... He has endeavored, he writes, to present the stories of the acts of the martyrs during the first three centuries of Christianity in a plain and straightforward manner, with only such explanations and illustrations as the ordinary reader may require; he has omitted lengthy discussions, unnecessary dates, questions of genuineness, etc.”—N. Y. Times.
+ + Acad. 68: 473. Ap. 29, ‘05. 230w.
Am. Hist. R. 10: 938. Jl. ‘05. 90w.
“The narratives are set forth in graphic form, and Dr. Mason has accomplished a most interesting task.”
+ + Ath. 1905, 1: 653. My. 27. 460w.
“Mr. Mason writes of them with tender sympathy, devout veneration, and scholarly competence.”
+ + + Cath. World. 81: 397. Je. ‘05. 210w.
N. Y. Times. 10: 224. Ap. 8, ‘05. 160w.
“Has brought together in a sifted and trustworthy form the chief records of the passion of the primitive martyrs.”
+ + Sat. R. 99: 810. Je. 17, ‘05. 1270w.
“A most valuable contribution to the history of Christian life.”
+ + + Spec. 95: 198. Ag. 5, ‘05. 340w.
Mason, Daniel Gregory. Beethoven and his forerunners. **$2. Macmillan.
Dr. Mason, who sent out his “From Grieg to Brahms” two years ago, has now rendered the musical world another distinct service. “It has been said of Dr. Daniel Gregory Mason that he often ‘expresses what one has felt, but never quite formulated.’” The book “opens with a chapter on ‘The periods of musical history,’ touches on ‘Palestrina and the music of mysticism’ and ‘The principles of pure music,’ followed by biographical and critical studies of Hadyn, Mozart, and Beethoven.” (Dial.)
“Displays that firm grasp of the subject which makes it interesting as well as valuable reading for the student. There is a chord of sincerity in all that Dr. Mason writes; and while he is never pedantic, his work shows remarkable insight into the origin and development of musical works.” Ingram A. Pyle.
+ + Dial. 38: 237. Ap. 1, ‘05. 390w.
“The book itself is altogether a better book—a more creditable piece of writing than its predecessor.”
+ + Ind. 59: 41. Jl. 6, ‘05. 410w.
“The author has a happy gift of turning a phrase so that it is easily remembered, and a still more valuable gift of a right judgment, which makes his phrases helpful and not misleading.”
+ + Lond. Times. 4: 195. Je. 16, ‘05. 300w.
+ + Nation. 80: 380. My. 11, ‘05. 170w.
“It is doubtful if this book of Mr. Mason’s will prove as valuable or find as wide acceptance as his earlier one. Mr. Mason ... gives much that is valuable in the contemporary discussion of music.” Richard Aldrich.
+ + — N. Y. Times. 10: 308. My. 13, ‘05. 530w.
“One of the few writers of to-day who can see the philosophy of musical development in its relation to the general progress of the world, and can, moreover, write about this in an entertaining way. The touch is that of one who not only knows but feels his theme in its greatness.”
+ + R. of Rs. 31: 252. F. ‘05. 110w.
238* Masson, Thomas Lansing (Tom Masson). Corner in women. **$1.60. Moffat.
“A collection of more or less humorous sketches furnished to periodicals, and especially to ‘Life,’ in recent times, and well supplied with short stories, fables, epigrams, squibs, jokes, and humorous verse, with a Gibson girl cover and many other pictures.”—Outlook.
* + Critic. 47: 579. D. ‘05. 20w.
* “All the ‘follies’ are clever, and there is plenty of variety in both subject and manner of treatment.”
+ Dial. 39: 389. D. 1, ‘05. 80w.
* + + Ind. 59: 1383. D. 14, ‘05. 90w.
* N. Y. Times. 10: 765. N. 11, ‘05. 160w.
* “Like all other books of its kind, this volume suffers from what might be called unstable humorous equilibrium, but it contains many really funny things.”
+ Outlook. 81: 834. D. 2, ‘05. 70w.
* Masterman, Charles Frederick Gurney. In peril of change: essays written in time of tranquility. *$1.50. Huebsch.
“Mr. Masterman ... attempts to describe the tendencies of English civilization, to estimate the nature of its dominant ideals, and to point out recent changes which have occurred in these, the nature of the foundation upon which they rest, and the likelihood of catastrophes in the future. That he is also filled with a passionate sense of the injustice of the system which both creates and evangelizes the slums, and with a hatred for the idols of the marketplace, is evident on every page and lends pathos to much of his writing.”—Ath.
* “A good deal of it is mere journalism. With the modern journalist’s eye for effect and instinct for phrasing, Mr. Masterman has also a good deal of his love of sweeping statements. It is just this lack of balance, this emotionalism, which we think injures the writer’s style. His rhetoric is too monotonous, and his pathos too recurrent, to be effective. In our opinion, then, the book is clever, interesting, and useful, but hardly great. At the same time we welcome its appearance.”
+ — Ath. 1905, 2: 38. Jl. 8. 1430w.
* “He has studied the life of the poor closely, and has pleaded their cause with passionate conviction. He has moreover all the gifts of a very persuasive writer, and his style, always easy and attractive, rises sometimes to heights of a real eloquence. Mr. Masterman’s defects are the defects of his qualities.”
+ + — Sat. R. 100: 376. S. 16, ‘05. 1480w.
* “Nobility of temper; catholicity of personal; literary, and religious, though hardly of political appreciation; and frequently a striking felicity of phrase are among the notes of Mr. Masterman’s essays.”
+ + Spec. 95: 355. S. 9, ‘05. 1260w.
Matarazzo, Francisco. Chronicles of the city of Perugia, 1492-1503, tr. by Edward S. Morgan. *$1.25. Dutton.
“Matarazzo tells the story of Perugia under the rule of the Baglioni, that clan of full-limbed men and lovely women, whose delicate complexions and golden locks filled and dazzled him with such a sense of their more than human beauty that he almost forgot their crimes in his fervid, well-nigh amorous, worship of their splendor and their strength. Such is the chronicle which Mr. Morgan has ventured to do into English; and it is hardly too much to say that the English is as good as the Italian.”—Nation.
+ + + Acad. 68: 634. Je. 17, ‘05. 1250w.
* “Mr. Morgan’s translation, as a piece of English, is most admirably done; the archaic flavor he has imparted to the story has a distinct charm. There is one complaint to be lodged against him, however: we think he should have put his readers in a position where they would be better able to judge of Matarazzo’s veracity.”
+ + — Cath. World. 82: 412. D. ‘05. 530w.
“A fascinating picture of the moral, social and religious conditions of society in a typical Italian city during the Renaissance.”
+ + Ind. 59: 816. O. 5, ‘05. 190w.
“We have never seen a translation which has more completely caught the spirit of the original.”
+ + + Nation. 80: 522. Je. 29, ‘05. 140w.
N. Y. Times. 10: 365. Je. 3, ‘05. 270w.
“A careful English translation.” Walter Littlefield.
+ + N. Y. Times. 10: 588. S. 9, ‘05. 170w.
“In these chronicles, Matarazzo ... displays a clear, picturesque style. He is sometimes garrulous, it is true, but seldom prolix.”
+ Outlook. 80: 642. Jl. ‘05. 110w.
Mather, Persis. Counsels of a worldly godmother. †$1.50. Houghton.
“We cannot imagine a goddaughter who would not turn a grateful ear to the tactful ‘Counsels of a worldly godmother,’ by Mrs. Mather. The witty and diplomatic woman of the world, who here attempts to direct a debutante to the right path to genuine social success, is not in any undesirable sense of the word ‘worldly.’ She stands for the best that Society with a large S is capable of producing, and she points to the way of attaining that best and of escaping the pitfalls of sham, snobbery, notoriety, and ostentation. While her counsels are addressed primarily to those who are striving to get on in society, they can be followed with advantage by all aspirants to sweet and gracious womanhood.”—Pub. Opin.
“No less wise than witty are these ‘Counsels of a worldly godmother.’”
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 724. O. 28, ‘05. 550w.
“While she never appeals to a particularly high motive or sets up a lofty ideal, the common sense and the sparkle of her curtain lectures may attract notice when more serious writing would fail.”
+ Outlook. 81: 428. O. 21, ‘05. 100w.
+ Pub. Opin. 39: 636. N. 11, ‘05. 180w.
Mathew, Frank. Ireland; painted by Francis Walker; described by Frank Mathew. *$6. Macmillan.
Subjective views of the country taken by an artist in colors and another in words. The book “is no more than a quiet introduction to Ireland” without statistics and without wrangling. “We find a sympathy with the poor, a love of wild nature, an appreciation of modest perfections, an absence of all ill-temper or rancour which are rare and refreshing in a book about Ireland.” (Ath.)
“On the whole the geography is accurate, and the painter’s sketches are in their outline so also. We cannot lay down this interesting book without the feeling that it is in many senses over-coloured.”
+ + — Ath. 1905, 2: 216. Ag. 12. 840w.
“Ireland is a sadder, grayer country than Mr. Mathew has described or Mr. Walker painted.”
+ — Nation. 81: 201. S. 7, ‘05. 460w.
N. Y. Times. 10: 399. Je. 17, ‘05. 360w.
R. of Rs. 32: 125. Jl. ‘05. 130w.
“He is not always accurate. But he knows his history, and he makes it interesting to others.”
+ — Sat. R. 99: 813. Je. 17, ‘05. 280w.
Mathews, Frances Aymar. Billy Duane. †$1.50. Dodd.
A story of politics and society in New York, which concerns an estranged couple. Billy Duane, the mayor, turns his Madison avenue house into political headquarters in his wife’s absence. Mrs. Billy objects to rough politicians and cigar stumps, but is fond of roulette at any cost and is discovered at the game when a dress-making establishment is raided by the police. The affairs of the Duanes and numerous friends of their type form the plot, which 239works out happily, ending with a reconciliation.
“With the flashes of inspiration characteristic of this writer. The book is written on a more pretentious scale than its author’s ability in character-drawing seems to warrant.”
+ — Critic. 46: 478. My. ‘05. 30w.
+ — N. Y. Times. 10: 173. Mr. 18, ‘05. 570w.
N. Y. Times. 10: 393. Je. 17, ‘05. 150w.
“A style that is a composite of ‘The duchess’ and certain more modern and strenuous American writers.”
+ Outlook. 79: 758. Mr. 25, ‘05. 70w.
“It lacks neither rapid movement nor interesting central theme, but is written in an irritating staccato style ... which makes it hard to read.”
+ — R. of Rs. 31: 759. Je. ‘05. 70w.
Mathews, Frances Aymar. Marquise’s millions. **$1. Funk.
An American girl in France, direct heir to her aunts’ immense estate, learns that it has been the life long intention of these relatives to bequeath their millions to “The Nineteenth Louis” when he should return to France and to his rights. She contrives with the aid of an ambitious mother and a scheming lover to have the latter impersonate the long absent Louis and win the fortune. Finally, her honor asserts itself, she discloses the intrigue, and starts out to battle with life alone.
* “This is a romantic little tale of devotion to the Bourbon cause, light, readable and effective rather than well written.”
+ Acad. 68: 1033. O. 7, ‘05. 310w.
Critic. 47: 94. Jl. ‘05. 60w.
“This is a sprightly tale.”
+ — N. Y. Times. 10: 342. My. 27, ‘05. 490w.
“An original situation which the author has devised and cleverly made much of.”
+ Outlook. 80: 141. My. 13, ‘05. 80w.
“A really delightful story.”
+ + R. of Rs. 31: 760. Je. ‘05. 60w.
Mathews, Shailer. Messianic hope in the New Testament. *$2.50. Univ. of Chicago press.
“The messianic hope of the Pharisees is formulated as a criterion for historical interpretation. With its aid a study is made of the messianic ideas of Jesus, the New Testament doctrine of judgment and justification through faith; the messiahship of Jesus as the basis of the apostolic theodicy; the messianic age and its forerunner the gift of the spirit; the resurrection of the body; the coming of the kingdom; the ‘consummation.’ As a conclusion there is shown the distinction between the essential and the formal elements of historical Christianity made possible by such an investigation.”—Pub.’s note.
* “A very able treatment of this theme, conservative in spirit, yet thoro in research.”
+ + Ind. 58: 1160. N. 16, ‘05. 50w.
“Is the best monograph on the subject with which we are acquainted.”
+ + + Outlook. 80: 982. Ag. 19, ‘05. 620w.
+ + Pub. Opin. 39: 220. Ag. 12, ‘05. 360w.
Mathot, R. E. Gas engines and producer gas plants. tr. from the French by Waldemar B. Kaempffert. $2.50. Henley.
A practical treatise setting forth the principles of gas engines and producer design, the selection and installation of an engine, conditions of perfect operation, producer gas engines and their possibilities, the care of gas engines and producer gas plants, with a chapter on volatile hydrocarbon and oil engines.
“The original is very clearly written and the translator has succeeded in preserving this clearness.” Storm Bull.
+ + + Engin. N. 53: 527. My. 10, ‘05. 280w.
Matthews, (James) Brander, ed. American familiar verse. See Wampum library of American literature. v. 3.
Matthews, (James) Brander. Recreations of an anthologist. **$1. Dodd.
Eleven brief papers, by-products of the author’s work upon his four anthologies. There are essays upon “Unwritten books.” “Seed corn for stories,” “American epigrams,” “Carols of cookery,” “Recipes in rhyme,” “The uncollected poems of H. C. Bunner,” and “The strangest feat in modern magic.”
+ Critic. 46: 96. Ja. ‘05. 50w.
“A volume of pleasant literary essays.”
+ + Dial. 38: 54. Ja. 16, ‘05. 70w.
“Entertaining little volume.”
+ Nation. 80: 197. Mr. 9, ‘05. 600w.
Matthews, Mary Anderson. Love vs. law. $1.50. Broadway pub.
The interestingly sketched career of a young Wellesley graduate who returns to her Missouri home and determines to study law. This fair Portia is admitted to the bar, conducts many a successful case, becomes an advocate of equal rights, but withal loses not for a moment her girlish winsomeness nor womanly courage. Eventually she becomes wholly reconciled to the part that Cupid plays in staying the progress of her profession.
Mauclair, Camille. Auguste Rodin; the man, his ideas, his work. $4. Dutton.
In this account of the sculptor and his work, the sculptor speaks for himself and his admiring biographer speaks for him; between them we are given a view of the methods of Rodin, and his valuable views upon the education of other sculptors.
“Though M. Mauclair is rather the advocate than the critic, his book, if only for the many quotations from the master’s conversations, is of genuine interest.”
+ + — Ath. 1905, 1: 407. Ap. 1. 1360w.
“A precise though rather over-eulogistic statement of Rodin’s personality and work, and a study of the artist’s psychology and its application to his personal ideas upon the technical principles of sculpture and his methods of work.”
+ + — Critic. 46: 563. Je. ‘05. 160w.
“M. Mauclair is ... a violent partisan.”
+ + — Nation. 80: 439. Je. 1, ‘05. 590w.
“M. Camille Mauclair does not leave us with the feeling that we know the man Rodin.” Charles de Kay.
— + N. Y. Times. 10: 257. Ap. 22, ‘05. 1630w.
“From its pages a just appreciation of the artist can be gained.”
+ + Spec. 95: 227. Ag. 12, ‘05. 1340w.
Maude, Aylmer. The Doukhobors. $1.50. Funk.
Mr. Maude, who made the arrangements with the Canadian government which led to the migration of the Doukhobors to Canada, and who thru his keen sympathy with the work of Tolstoi was early drawn into a close study of this peculiar people, is especially fitted to write such a work. It contains a history of the Doukhobors, and traces their connection in the past with the Lollards, Anabaptists, Quakers and other sects. It also gives a vivid account of their migration to Canada, and of the famous “pilgrimage” in 1902, which was finally checked by the Canadian government. The author finds in the waywardness of so strange a sect, in their lack of appreciation of the favor granted by the Canadians, a proof that Tolstoi, sincere and earnest and far-seeing as he is, is yet not infallible in point of judgment. Incidental to his account of “The Christian commune of universal brotherhood” Mr. Maude also takes a stand for individual ownership of property. The book, he says, is a public apology for his having 240helped, however unwillingly, to mislead the Canadian government as to the nature and religion of the people he has settled among them.
Acad. 68: 608. Je. 10, ‘05. 810w.
“To Mr. Elkinton’s book that of Mr. Maude may justly be looked upon as a pendant.”
+ + Ath. 1905, 2: 103. Jl. 22. 1190w.
“The disconnectedness and lack of sequence in his chapters ... and the large amount of irrelevant matter make the book something of a conundrum to the reader until he reaches the final chapter.”
+ — Ind. 59: 213. Jl. 27, ‘05. 460w.
“At last we have a work from which the student of sociological experiments and systems, as well as the ordinary laymen, can obtain a fair, clear, and sufficiently complete conception of the truly ‘peculiar’ Russian sectarians about whom so much that is prejudiced or erroneous has been written.”
+ + Nation. 80: 212. Mr. 16, ‘05. 2180w.
N. Y. Times. 10: 69. F. 4, ‘05. 1470w. (Abstract of book).
“Although not very well put together, is an extremely interesting study of ‘a peculiar people.’”
+ — Outlook. 79: 401. F. 11, ‘05. 410w.
“His book is not so good as it should be from a deficiency in the need of perspective; or perhaps a readiness to use up old material.”
+ — Sat. R. 99: 635. My. 13, ‘05. 700w.
Spec. 94: 519. Ap. 8, ‘05. 560w.
Maule, Francis I. Only letters. **$1. Jacobs.
“In the approaching season of the American exodus to Europe, this gay record of pleasant travel, written by an intelligent man to his brother, will prove a welcome addition to the books set aside to read on the steamship. From England, Russia, Egypt, and here and there between, the writer gathered impressions.”—Outlook.
“He is gifted with an extraordinary vocabulary, keen perceptions, and a vast treasury of real American humor, sometimes a trifle exasperating, but never by any chance dull.”
+ Outlook. 79: 961. Ap. 15, ‘05. 80w.
Maurer, Edward R. Technical mechanics. $4. Wiley.
“The author shows close sympathy with the point of view of the beginner, and appreciation of the fact that at certain points the conventional treatment of fundamental principles fails to meet the need of the ordinary student. As features of Maurer’s book may be mentioned the emphasis everywhere given to the vector nature of the qualities dealt with, the parallel treatment of graphical and analytical methods in statics, the admirable chapter on work and energy, and the satisfactory treatment of the subject of units.”—Science.
“As a sound and practical text-book for the use of students of engineering Professor Maurer’s book possesses high merit. The exposition is nearly always concise. The soundness of the logic is rarely open to question.” L. M. Hoskins.
+ + + Science, n.s. 21: 302. F. 24, ‘05. 1300w.
Maxwell, Donald. Log of the Griffin: the story of a cruise from the Alps to the Thames. **$2.50. Lane.
The adventures on land and sea of a strange craft built in the Alps, and carried by wagon to Lake Zurich. She sailed the Rhine, and the East Scheldt, and arrived at the mouth of the Thames on board a steamer. The log is illustrated by a hundred or more sketches of the unique cruise.
“An agreeable novelty in the well-worn ways of European travel.”
+ + Critic. 46: 286. Mr. ‘05. 70w.
“Without being in any way a serious work, the narrative commends itself as well-told, veracious, original; while in its artistic aspect the book is beautiful.” Wallace Rice.
+ Dial. 38: 89. F. 1, ‘05. 200w.
“The account of the evolution of the queer craft and of its adventures cannot fail to amuse, if it does not instruct.”
+ Int. Studio. 25: 180. Ap. ‘05. 130w.
“Capital reading.”
+ + Nation. 80: 78. Ja. 26, ‘05. 340w.
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 16. Ja. 7, ‘05. 370w. (Condensed narrative.)
Maxwell, Joseph. Metapsychical phenomena, tr. by J. I. Finch. $3.50. Putnam.
The method and observation of “physical” manifestations are given chiefly, such as “table-turning,” “rapping,” and “levitation.” There is a preface by Charles Richet, and also an introduction by Sir Oliver Lodge. An additional chapter gives a complex case by Professor Richet, and an account of some recently observed phenomena by the translator.
“One leaves Dr. Maxwell’s book with a perfect conviction of his honesty, some hesitation about his logic, and entire certainty that his records will have no weight with sceptics; but then he does not seem to expect to produce any effect on them.” Andrew Lang.
+ — Acad. 68: 898. S. 2, ‘05. 1210w.
— Ath. 1905, 1: 693. Je. 3. 1570w.
“It should be said that, in spite of its size, Dr. Maxwell’s book is eminently readable, although the translator has admitted a good many disfiguring gallicisms.”
+ + — Nation. 81: 285. O. 5, ‘05. 780w.
“Modern in its research. It has a well-balanced scientific skill.” Pendennis.
+ + N. Y. Times. 10: 429. Jl. 1, ‘05. 1200w.
“Interesting as is his book, it cannot well be deemed a weighty addition to the literature on this fascinating but elusive subject.”
+ — Outlook. 80: 694. Jl. 15, ‘05. 210w.
“The effect produced on the mind is mainly cumulative, but by reason of the manifest sincerity of the author and his competency and experience as an observer, its importance as a contribution towards the study of this neglected Cinderella among sciences is unquestionably very high.”
+ + Sat. R. 100: 249. Ag. 19, ‘05. 1220w.
— Spec. 95: 496. O. 7, ‘05. 2230w.
Maxwell, W. B. Ragged messenger. **$1.20. Putnam.
“A sensational novel, in which the hero, a minister of the church, for the sake of his conviction, gives up his parish and preaches on the street and in the slums of London. A large fortune comes to him, all of which he gives to the poor. He is unrewarded for his sacrifices. The heroine, a beautiful woman, is an adventuress”.—Bookm.
“The book is carefully written, both in matter of style and development of the plot. The idea of the story is original, and the book as a whole is unusually vigorous and impressive.”
+ + Critic. 46: 189. F. ‘05. 80w.
“The reader gets the impression that he is listening to a man talking to himself.”
+ — Ind. 58: 786. Ap. 6, ‘05. 300w.
“As a study in modern phases this story must be considered something more than remarkable. The phases themselves are more than remarkable, the motive almost fantastic in spite of the realistic modern London setting. The yeast of fate brews and works in the whole, and makes of these elements a climax so melodramatic as to seem almost inspired. But it is melodrama pathologically inevitable. One may read the books and ponder on the meaning of faith, science, and common sense, or one may think chiefly of the story—one of humanity probed pretty deep—one somewhat daringly 241planned, but one which shows strength and a seeing eye.”
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 70. F. 4, ‘05. 520w.
“A powerful story.”
+ R. of Rs. 31: 120. Ja. ‘05. 50w.
Maxwell, W. B. Vivien. †$1.50. Appleton.
“The story is told entirely from the point of view of the heroine.... The hero of the book is a cheerfully profligate earl (the villain being gloomily profligate), who is awakened to the seriousness of life when the heroine repels his advances, and he succeeds to a dukedom.... At the end of five hundred and fifty closely printed pages the duke repents of his sin and marries the heroine, who is discovered to possess ‘the golden current, the divine fire,’ which can apparently only be derived from ancestors whose names are in the peerage.”—Spec.
“Mr. Maxwell has other admirable qualities, notably a keen instinct for character, a sense of humour, and many craftsmanlike devices for rendering that humour effective.”
+ Acad. 68: 856. Ag. 19, ‘05. 890w.
“The first half of the story is better than the last, for in the last we approach very close to sentimental melodrama. It rings feminine.”
+ — Ath. 1905, 2: 267. Ag. 26. 640w.
“In general, Mr. Maxwell seems to miss the finer point of characterization. For all that, there are passages in his book, even in the fairy tale part of it, which stir the feelings. He has humour; he is master of his words, and he can retain his reader’s attention through a very long and unevenly handled story.”
+ — Lond. Times. 4: 262. Ag. 18, ‘05. 340w.
“Another story almost as extraordinary and possibly even more intense in its holding power [than ‘The ragged messenger.’]” H. I. Brock.
+ + N. Y. Times. 10: 760. N. 11, ‘05. 1160w.
“A novel of more than usual interest and strength.”
+ + Outlook. 81: 684. N. 18, ‘05. 90w.
“It is the product, not of a philosopher, but of a clever reporter, an emotional wordy piece of work owing its success to cheap sentiment, a fine journalistic style, highly coloured and verbose, effective characterisation, and detailed and no doubt accurate accounts of life.”
+ — Sat. R. 100: 378. S. 16, ‘05. 410w.
“The book is fluently written, and judged by its own standard, is clever.”
+ — Spec. 95: 323. S. 2, ‘05. 330w.
Maybrick, Florence Elizabeth (Chandler). Mrs. Maybrick’s own story. **$1.20. Funk.
The author tells the story of her life from the time of her arrest for the murder of her husband, through the course of her trial, and the fifteen years imprisonment which terminated December, 1903. The recital is womanly and pathetic without a trace of bitterness. A legal digest of the case is appended.
“Such a tale cannot help being morbid, but in the main it rings true. To those who have an interest in prison life it will not fail to be of value, yet for the ordinary reader it would be a book worth while avoiding.”
+ Critic. 46: 92. Ja. ‘05. 80w.
Nation. 80: 32. Ja. 12, ‘05. 130w.
+ + New England Magazine, n.s. 31: 622. Ja. ‘05. 5830w. (Condensed narrative of book.)
“There is no bitterness in the book, but it is a strong indictment of British justice, and points out the crying need for a British court of appeals in criminal cases.”
+ R. of Rs. 31: 127. Ja. ‘05. 220w.
Meeker, Royal. History of shipping subsidies. *$1. Published for the American economic association by the Macmillan co.
Part one deals with shipping subsidies historically under the sub-divisions: Great Britain; France; Germany; Italy; Austro-Hungary; Japan; Other countries; and United States. Part two concerns the Theory of subsidies and is divided into: Theoretical arguments; Popular arguments for subsidy; Political arguments for subsidy; and Ethical considerations. There is also a bibliography and an index.
Meigs, William Montgomery. Life of Thomas H. Benton. **$2. Lippincott.
A life of a distinguished statesman of the middle period by one who has made a thoro study of his career. The biography contains accounts of the many historical events with which the great Missourian was connected, such as the admission of his state into the Union, and the election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency. His service as United States senator, his love of the Union, and his personal influence upon the Democrats of his state are dwelt upon.
“A readable account of the Missourian’s career.”
+ Am. Hist. R. 10: 947. Jl. ‘05. 20w.
“Meigs appeals to the student by a more judicial and critical attitude. There is hardly an overstatement or a serious error to be found.” W. H. Mace.
+ + Am. Hist. R. 11: 176. O. ‘05. 650w.
“This must be reckoned the most complete and authoritative biography of Benton.”
+ + + Critic. 47: 95. Jl. ‘05. 60w.
“The author has consulted most of the available authorities on Benton, and has gathered much material from hitherto unknown sources. The work is the best life of Benton yet produced.”
+ + + Dial. 38: 239. Ap. 1, ‘05. 600w.
“It is a highly praiseworthy study of the great Missourian, sincere, thorough and judicial.”
+ + Ind. 59: 214. Jl. 27, ‘05. 170w.
“Lacking in dramatic arrangement and wanting in painstaking accuracy of statement.”
+ — Ind. 59: 1156. N. 16, ‘05. 60w.
“Mr. Meigs’s narrative is diffuse but vivacious, and abounds in anecdote and illustration. It gives an unusually clear and comprehensive survey of a signally useful and pure-minded man.”
+ + — Lit. D. 21: 94. Jl. 15, ‘05. 640w.
“There was distinctly room for a one-volume biography of Senator Benton. [Mr. Roosevelt’s biography in the American statesmen series] gives a picture of Benton superior to any which can be found in Mr. Meigs’s book. The greatest praise that we can award the latter is to say that it is the result of painstaking and laborious investigation and it will be of considerable value to students of history. The material, unfortunately, is put together with very little literary skill, and the style is certainly not such as to attract the general reading public. It is highly regrettable that Mr. Meigs cannot make us take the interest in the character of his picturesque subject which he tells he himself feels.”
+ — N. Y. Times. 10: 67. F. 4, ‘05. 1080w.
“More ambitious in scope than successful in accomplishment. Altogether, we have read the work with distinct feelings of disappointment, the disappointment being heightened by the reflection that the author has undoubtedly grasped Benton’s historical importance, and that had he but bestowed on the execution of his task the care evident in gathering of materials, he would have given us a biography well worth while.”
+ — Outlook. 79: 400. F. 11, ‘05. 400w.
R. of Rs. 31: 249. F. ‘05. 150w.
Meili, Frederick. International civil and commercial law as founded upon theory, legislation and practice, tr. by A. R. Kuhn. **$3. Macmillan.
“The author was a delegate from Switzerland to the Hague international conferences, and this very thorough discussion was at least in part suggested by those conferences. The book of course deals with international private law as distinguished from international public law, 242and is in the main concerned with the continental views of this branch of jurisprudence.” (Outlook). “Mr. Kuhn has not only translated the work, but has supplemented it with additions from American and English law. Very useful lists, annotations, and bibliographies complete the work.” (R. of Rs.)
“It is a convenient, if not very skilfully planned survey of the whole field. The information which it furnishes as to bibliography is not the least recommendation of the book. But the omissions are far from few.”
+ + — Lond. Times. 4: 270. Ag. 25, ‘05. 340w.
“Its exactness of method and thoroughness of research evidently make it a work of lasting value to the jurist accustomed to deal with large legal topics in a scientific manner.”
+ + Outlook. 80: 444. Je. 17, ‘05. 100w.
“Professor Meili has written a very useful book for students of comparative politics, as well as for lawyers.”
+ + + Pub. Opin. 39: 351. S. 9, ‘05. 500w.
“A very handy and valuable legal work.”
+ + + R. of Rs. 32: 126. Jl. ‘05. 110w.
Mellor, J. W. Crystallization of iron and steel: an introduction to the study of metallography. *$1.60. Longmans.
“It is certainly a convenience to possess such a book.... In six short and lucid chapters—originally lectures delivered in 1904 to the engineering students of the Staffordshire county technical classes of the Newcastle high school—we are taken from a well-put statement of what is known respecting the solidification and cooling of alloys in general to the consideration of the phenomena recognized in iron and steel in particular, and, lastly, to practical directions for the due preparations of specimens for microscopic examination.”—Ath.
“It must be regarded as an ‘ad interim’ report only. Looking at Dr. Mellor’s little volume in this light, we have nothing but praise to award it.”
+ + Ath. 1905, 2: 310. S. 2. 540w.
* “This second chapter is the only unsatisfactory one of the book. Confining himself to limited space, the writer has sacrificed conciseness to mere brevity. The two predominant features of the book as a whole are the great concentration of information into a small space, and the interesting manner in which it is presented, which latter never fails to attract. This clouding of the main issue by the introduction of data not absolutely necessary is one of the principal weaknesses of the book. When all has been said, this book is the best popular introduction to the study of metallography that we have.”
+ + — Engin. N. 54: 528. N. 16, ‘05. 1690w.
“The presentation is without bias, and each theory and method is described and examined as clearly and fairly as the author’s evident lack of practical acquaintance with the subject as a whole will permit.” A. McWilliam.
— + Nature. 72: 532. S. 28, ‘05. 610w.
Melville, Lewis. Thackeray country. $2. Macmillan.
A volume in the “Pilgrimage series.” “Mr. Melville treats of those localities which are of primary interest to those who are acquainted with the life and writings of the great novelist. He deals with Thackeray’s London homes and the features and associations of their neighborhood; his homes in Paris, and other places on the European continent, and in America. Special attention is paid to those places that form a background of the scenes of Thackeray’s novels. Biographical information is also supplied connected with the novelist’s residences from his arrival in England from India at the age of six until his death in 1863. The volume contains fifty full-page illustrations mostly from original photographs by C. W. Barnes Ward.” (N. Y. Times.)
“The author has not tackled his task in the right spirit or performed it in the right way; all that he has given us is a rather disconnected short life of Thackeray. There are many distinct mistakes. A large portion of the book has not anything to do with its supposed subject. It is a poor production.”
— — Acad. 68: 84. Ja. 28, ‘05. 230w.
N. Y. Times. 10: 105. F. 18, ‘05. 370w.
“He has written an interesting book, which will please the reader the more, the better he knows the author.”
+ Spec. 94: 223. F. 11, ‘05. 190w.
Menpes, Dorothy. Brittany. *$6. Macmillan.
“The latest of the ‘Menpes books’ is devoted to ‘Brittany.’ Mr. Mortimer Menpes has made a specialty of traveling with a water-color box and a literary daughter, and the results of these travels appear each year in time for the holiday trade.” (Nation.) There are some seventy-five illustrations, and they show different parts of Northern France—peasants, scenes in the markets, street scenes, etc.
“Her best descriptions, her brightest sketches, are spoilt for the reader by unnecessary blots of sloppiness.”
+ + — Ath. 1905, 2: 312. S. 2. 160w.
“Text and illustrations have a common facility and a common lack of seriousness which is welcome, or the reverse, according to one’s point of view.”
+ — Nation. 81: 279. O. ‘05. 240w.
N. Y. Times. 10: 501. Jl. 29, ‘05. 260w.
Meredith, Katharine Mary Cheever (Johanna Staats). Wing of love. †$1. McClure.
“A charming child in this book, and a nice young journalist chap, her staunch friend from the day she and her mother find their way to the top floor of the New York lodging house where he and two other bachelors have their abode. This friendship is quite disinterested, the mother receiving only courteous attentions from him, his heart being in another’s keeping—facts concerning which subsequently develop very prettily to connect them with his romance.”—Outlook.
“The chief fault in its development lies in the fact that, instead of making it a short story, she has padded her little tale until it has lost much of its charm.”
— + N. Y. Times. 10: 380 Je. 10. ‘05. 310w.
+ Outlook. 80: 144. My. 13, ‘05. 80w.
Merington, Marguerite. Cranford: a play. $1.25. Fox.
A comedy in three acts made from Mrs. Gaskell’s well-known story of the same name. The full charm of the story is retained in the dramatization.
* “Written with Miss Merington’s usual sprightliness.”
+ Critic. 47: 579. D. ‘05. 40w.
“A not unskillful dramatization for amateur theatricals of Mrs. Gaskell’s ever fresh and delightful tale.”
+ Outlook. 81: 333. O. 7, ‘05. 15w.
Merriman, Charles Eustace. Self-made man’s wife: her letters to her son: being the woman’s view of certain famous correspondence. †$1.50. Putnam.
“In her letters the mother advises her son on the treatment of his wife, on the retention of his ideals, on the writing of books and on the reading of them, on quarreling and making up, on the fallacy and folly of aphorisms, adages, and other epigrammatic usages, on economy in households, and a number of other living topics, and aptly illustrates her points by instances taken from her own domestic experiences or observations of the experiences of her neighbors.”—N. Y. Times.
243“Upon the whole these letters are tedious and disappointing.”
— Acad. 68: 473. Ap. 29, ‘05. 150w.
+ Ath. 1905, 1: 591. My. 13. 300w.
“A cup of cambric tea is this book.”
— Critic. 47: 94. Jl. ‘05. 90w.
“If they are not as entertaining as those of her husband it is only perhaps because the reader has already consumed two volumes of his epistolary lore and is perhaps a trifle satiated.”
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 300. My. 6, ‘05. 530w.
“The number of old jokes and the weary waste of platitudes in this book are positively depressing.”
— Outlook. 79: 909. Ap. 8, ‘05. 50w.
“The letters have a masculine ring. They exhibit a terse expression, a worldly acumen, a sense of humor, and an anecdotal wealth, that strongly resemble the style of the self-made man.”
+ + Reader. 6: 118. Je. ‘05. 440w.
Merriman, Mansfield. Mechanics of materials. $5. Wiley.
A tenth edition, re-written and enlarged, of this text-book which “deals with the elastic and, to a limited extent, with the plastic properties of materials of construction and the application of the laws of strength of materials to the simple machine parts and structures. The treatment is essentially theoretical.”—Nature.
* “The present book is in some respects an excellent treatise. The first point which strikes a reader is the great looseness of terminology. The author has an aggravating way of describing a thing at first very crudely and inaccurately, but without any reservations, giving a revised statement much later on and a further revision later still, and this in the case of quite simple matters.”
+ + — Nature. 73: 25. N. 9, ‘05. 1180w.
Merriman, Mansfield, and Jacoby, Henry Sylvester. Text-book on roof and bridges, pt. 1, Stresses in simple trusses. $2.50. Wiley.
“Those ... who are familiar with the first edition of this book, published in 1888, will hardly recognize the present volume as being a revision of the same book.... We now have the dead load stresses, the live load stresses and the stresses due to wind and other causes treated in separate chapters for the common forms of simple trusses. The fifth chapter takes up the consideration of long-span bridges.... Chapter VI. discusses portal bracing, sway and lateral bracing and plate girder design. Chapter VII. treats of deflections.... The final chapter takes up cranes, bents, towers, viaducts, and other miscellaneous structures. A notable feature of the new edition is the extensive use of illustrations, including half-tone views of notable truss bridges, folding plates and numerous text drawings.”—Engin. N.
Engin. N. 53: 184. F. 16, ‘05. 230w.
* Mertins, Gustave F. Storm signal. $1.50. Bobbs.
Two intertwined love stories provide the romantic interest in this story of the South and the negro. The conditions in the South after the Civil war are vividly presented, the good old negro type is well drawn, but the real story is that of the negro uprising, when black fiends, driven to desperation by the recital of their wrongs in their secret meetings, attack and are repulsed. There are strong dramatic scenes and characters which, tho unpleasing, are strikingly portrayed.
* Merwin, Samuel. Road builders. †$1.50. Macmillan.
“To make an achievement in railroad building dramatic and exciting and to hold the reader’s interest in suspense from beginning to end is a feat in fiction writing which few men would attempt.... The young engineer who with bulldog determination and ever-ready invention puts his engineering feat through on time, in the face of cunning enemies, natural obstacles, and stupid and criminal employees, is a type, but he is also a rousing good fellow.”—Outlook.
* “There is no lack of well contrived incident, and on the whole the book is true to life.”
+ + Engin. N. 54: 534. N. 16, ‘05. 60w.
* “The tale is clear-cut, terse and thrilling. Altogether the book is an industrial romance bristling with human interest.”
+ + Outlook. 81: 710. N. 25, ‘05. 150w.
* “More important than the adventures and incidents of the feat that is finally accomplished, is the evidence Mr. Merwin gives of his own growth in character delineation. Each man is different from every other, and all are real, whether good or bad.”
+ + Pub. Opin. 39: 601. N. 4, ‘05. 260w.
Metcalf, Maynard Mayo. Outline of the theory of organic evolution. *$2.50. Macmillan.
A series of lectures given by Professor Metcalf before the Woman’s college of Baltimore, expanded and put in book form. It is not a technical biological book, but it is an introductory survey of the biological theory of evolution and is intended for the general reader. It gives well established facts in their general outlines, and deals with some of the most striking phenomena of anatomy.
“It is a treatise so clear, simple and fascinating withal, that the subject can not only be readily grasped by the most slow-thinking reader, but few who peruse the opening pages will be content to lay it aside. This book is precisely the work that general readers need. It is a volume that should be read by every young man and woman in America.” Amy C. Rich.
+ + + Arena. 33: 335. Mr. ‘05. 450w.
“Presents in a clear and simple style the fundamental principles of organic evolution in a form very well adapted to the needs of the general reader and to those who wish an outline of the theory of Darwinism. Perhaps the most striking feature of the book is the wealth of clear and very well selected illustrations.”
+ + + Bot. G. 39: 301. Ap. ‘05. 160w.
“Two features of the book are especially praiseworthy: first, the clearness and distinctness with which essentials are presented; second, the wealth of illustration. It is safe to say that no previous popular treatise on evolution has been so completely and so well illustrated as this. The chief criticism to be made regarding the book as a whole is its failure to give any adequate account of the important results of many of the recent investigations in the field of evolution.”
+ + — Dial. 38: 92. F. 1, ‘05. 540w.
“The volume under consideration will find its own place, because it is far better than the least technical books on evolution previously published. It will form an excellent introduction to the classical books on evolution. The author has very successfully attempted to write in a non-technical and popular style. No other book in the same field is so lavishly illustrated. Without hesitation the reviewer recommends the book to those who want information about the theory in its non-technical bearings.”
+ + + Ind. 58: 323. F. 9, ‘05. 520w.
“This is one of the best popular accounts of the theory of evolution that have come under our notice. An excellent feature of the book is its wealth of pictorial illustration. A few points call for criticism.”
+ + — Nature. 71: 509. Mr. 30, ‘05. 450w.
R. of Rs. 31: 256. F. ‘05. 70w.
* Metchnikoff, Elie. Immunity in infective diseases; tr. from the French by Francis G. Binnie. *$5.25. Macmillan.
Metchnikoff’s theory “is familiar enough now to the reading public with its protective forces in the body; leucocytes ready to mass together 244to repulse the assault of germ organisms as well as their toxic products; but the work is not primarily on macrophages and microphages, but on the great question of immunity from infection. This extends through immunity of protozoans, metazoans (multicellular plants), and finally of animals—immunity either natural or acquired. The ramifications of the work extend over a vast area of experimentation and citation of contemporaneous work, but the immunity always is attributed, in one way or another, to the protective activity of the leucocytes. This makes the work a very agreeably unified one, and clearly drawn colored illustrations of the leucocytic activity do much to enhance the value of the treatise.”—Pub. Opin.
+ + + Engin. N. 54: 646. D. 14, ‘05. 600w.
* “The present book, however, justifies itself adequately from a purely practical point of view.”
+ + Lit. D. 31: 966. D. 23, ‘05. 600w.
* “While the work is primarily for scientific use, there is no reason why an intelligent layman should not acquire from its reading a very clear and comprehensive idea of immunity in its varied forms.”
+ + Pub. Opin. 39: 603. N. 4, ‘05. 330w.
Meyer, Rev. F: Brotherton. Epistle to the Philippians; a devotional commentary. *$1. Union press.
The author has not attempted mere criticism, but has “endeavored honestly to ascertain the meaning of the epistle, and to beat out but pure and unalloyed gold.” Each chapter covers a few verses, the commentary is full and clear and the verses covered are noted in the margin of each page.
* Meyer, Hugo Richard. Government regulation of railway rates; a study of the experience of the United States, Germany, France, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Australia. **$1.50. Macmillan.
“Professor Meyer, in his preface, declares that he ‘has become firmly convinced of the unwisdom of government regulation of railways or their rates’; and he has hurried into print with this book lest Congress ‘may be led to enact ill-considered laws granting dangerously enlarged powers to the Interstate commerce commission.’ Part I. of the book describes Prof. Meyer’s studies of the state-owned and operated railways in Europe and Australia.... In part II. Prof. Meyer takes up conditions in the United States.”—Engin. N.
* + — Engin. N. 54: 533. N. 16, ‘05. 520w.
* + Outlook. 81: 936. D. 16, ‘05. 330w.
* “Apart from the matter of personal opinion on this subject, however, Professor Meyer’s book contains much valuable material, which is summarized in a way which cannot fail to interest all students of the railroad question, whatever may be their views as to the expediency of federal legislation.”
+ R. of Rs. 32: 637. N. ‘05. 200w.
* Meyrick, Rev. Frederick. Memories of life at Oxford and experiences in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Germany, Spain, and elsewhere. *$3.50. Dutton.
“The most noticeable feature of this book is in the sidelights it throws on the ‘Tractarian movement’ at Oxford, in 1833-41, as well as on the ‘Old Catholic reform movement’ on the continent, and incidentally on this history of the Church of England during the last fifty years or so.... Aside from this, the book contains a considerable fraction of entertaining matter connected with university social life at Oxford.”—Critic.
* “We recommend a revision of the index: for several names and incidents demanding mention the reviewer has been compelled to hunt laboriously through the pages of the book.”
+ — Ath. 1905, 1: 741. Je. 17. 1920w.
* + Critic. 47: 574. D. ‘05. 90w.
* “We cannot rate his book very high, even in the class to which it belongs, for it is neither very interesting nor very good-natured.”
+ — Lond. Times. 4: 225. Jl. 14, ‘05. 500w.
* “The real value of the book lies not so much in the impressions, the appreciations or depreciations, which are given of Newman and Pusey, of Keble and Gladstone, and other well-known and great figures, as in the incidental vignettes of persons of less note whose portraits are more seldom drawn.”
+ Spec. 95: 469. S. 30, ‘05. 1120w.
Miall, Louis C. House, garden and field. $2. Longmans.
This collection of short nature studies by Professor Miall of the University of Leeds covers a multitude of subjects and gives a wealth of useful and interesting information upon fresh air, the dog, the cat, birds, bookworms, flies, trees, and whatever chances to attract his attention at the moment. The book seems to open our eyes to an interested observation of the things around us.
“It is packed with scientific facts, with clear and practical suggestions for class room and study club, and with eye-opening and thought-stimulating questions. No arrangement or lack of arrangement can destroy the value of the good sense and clarity with which these and all the other subjects are treated.” May Estelle Cook.
+ + — Dial. 38: 386. Je. 1, ‘05. 220w.
“There is no attempt to be consecutive, and he writes concerning whatever for the moment strikes his attention. The object in view is to teach teachers rather than pupils.”
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 37. Ja. 21, ‘05. 1360w. (Survey of contents.)
Michael Angelo Buonarroti. Sonnets; now first tr. into rhymed English by J. Addington Symonds. 2d ed. *$1.25. Scribner.
The second edition of J. A. Symonds’ translation of Buonarroti’s sonnets, with the Italian in alternating pages. The notes following the text explain the circumstances, as far as known, in which the sonnets were written, and make note of the various manuscript versions over which Buonarroti worked.
— Nation. 81: 103. Ag. 3, ‘05. 320w.
“Such as they are, [the translations] are ingenious word renderings, which, while not entirely devoid of fine lines, for the most part lack color and lightness of rhythm.”
+ — N. Y. Times. 10: 199. Ap. 1, ‘05. 270w.
“The volume in which they are placed represents both dignity and taste.”
+ Outlook. 79: 761. Mr. 25, ‘05. 180w.
Michael, Oscar Stewart. Sunday-school in the development of the American church. *$1.50. Young ch.
“The ‘American church’ of the title is the church of which the author is a minister—the Protestant Episcopal.... The book will be of interest to persons engaged in Sunday-school outside as well as within the Episcopal church. It brings especially emphatic testimony to the value of Sunday-schools as propagators of churches.”—Outlook.
“He gives an adequate and interesting account of the Sunday-school work of a great church which has always espoused warmly the cause of Christian nurture.” William Byron Forbush.
+ Bib. World. 26: 394. N. ‘05. 140w.
Outlook. 79: 145. Ja. 14, ‘05. 200w.
245Michaelis Karin (Katharina Marie Bech Brondum). Andrea, the tribulations of a child; tr. by John Nilsen Laurvik. $1. McClure.
The famous Danish author has written the story of a young girl whose father and mother are unhappily estranged. The little heroine devotes her life to bringing them together and her tribulations and soul struggles as revealed in her diary finally accomplish this end, when her parents read the pitiful little book together after her untimely death.
“The book has been rendered into ungrammatical American. This story, though quite short, contains proof that Karin Michaelis is an artist.”
+ — Acad. 68: 128. F. 11, ‘05. 280w.
“The story is a classic.”
+ — Ind. 58: 327. F. 9, ‘05. 450w.
Michelson, Miriam. Madigans. †$1.50. Century.
Six high-spirited, clever, mischievous youngsters, whose very names—among them Split, Sissy, Bep and Fom—suggest the hostile brevity that often characterizes the sisterly relations, riot in the foreground of this family stage, while a father deep in too-much-for-me perplexity, and an irresponsible aunt figure in the rear. Tho there are slights, digs and taunts, deep down in the heart of each is an untrained affection for the other, and staunch loyalty. It is a lively story for young readers, many of whom will discover a fellow feeling for some Madigan. Mr. Orson Lowell’s illustrations are happily in keeping with the author’s portrayal.
“Their escapades are brightly told and they are very human.”
+ Critic. 46: 93. Ja. ‘05. 30w.
“Miss Michelson’s humor has rare freshness and charm.”
+ + R. of Rs. 31: 120. Ja. ‘05. 100w.
* Mifflin, Lloyd. Collected sonnets of Lloyd Mifflin; revised by the author. *$2.60. Oxford.
Over 200 selections of verse are included in this volume which contains, in addition to work which has previously appeared in the author’s various books of poetry, several new sonnets which appear for the first time in this collection.
* “A little of Mr. Lodge’s sincerity of passion would have helped Mr. Mifflin’s book. Yet no recent collection of verse has been more instinct with poetic love of beauty or has shown more ability at communicating it in verse.”
+ — Nation. 81: 508. D. 21, ‘05. 390w.
* “In spite of inevitable lapses from the simplicity and strength of the best examples there is a remarkable uniformity of excellence in both the technical achievement and the dignity and interest of the phases of feeling expressed.”
+ + — N. Y. Times. 10: 863. D. 2, ‘05. 50w.
* “Written on any conceivable subject, they rarely rise above the platitudinous, and at their best are sonorous without being in any way impressive.”
— Spec. 95: 761. N. 11, ‘05. 60w.
Mifflin, Lloyd. Fleeing nymph and other verse. **$1. Small.
A group of about fifty poems whose themes include life, love and nature. “None of the shorter pieces in Mr. Mifflin’s volume is very notable. All have the grace that comes from the sparing, delicate use of words, many are picturesque and pleasing in conception; but there is a certain softness of tone in them that is not wholly a pleasant softness.” (Nation.)
+ — Critic. 47: 384. O. ‘05. 170w.
“There is much delicate art in these songs, and they are freighted with a rich burden of thought.” Wm. M. Payne.
+ Dial. 39: 67. Ag. 1. ‘05. 130w.
“Mr. Mifflin’s poetry is distinguished by its admirable technical qualities.”
+ + Ind. 59: 458. Ag. 24, ‘05. 150w.
“On occasions he is out in his scansion and in his grammar. But this is to show Mr. Mifflin at his worst. His best, though never quite free from the intrusion of the second-best word, shows a power of sympathetic description, usually sad, that leaves its mood behind it.”
+ — Lond. Times. 4: 224. Jl. 14, ‘05. 300w.
“If there is a lack of pith and fibre in Mr. Mifflin’s lyrics that makes against the permanence of the impression left by them, his narrative poetry ... is, after all, admirable.”
+ — Nation. 81: 17. Jl. 6, ‘05. 360w.
“‘The fleeing nymph, and other poems,’ by Lloyd Mifflin, have the light and graceful touch characteristic of their author.”
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 585. S. 9, ‘05. 210w.
Mighels, Philip Verrill. Ultimate passion: a novel. †$1.50. Harper.
An honest young politician with high ideals accepts the support of a corrupt political ring in his race for the presidency in order that he may learn their methods and thus combat them. Three women come into his life, the foolish daughter of the “boss”, an adventuress, and a real woman who arouses the “ultimate passion” which survives when his political campaign fails.
“If you want a good example of the book which overreaches itself by deliberate exaggeration, you will find it in ‘The ultimate passion.’” Frederic Taber Cooper.
— Bookm. 21: 602. Ag. ‘05. 420w.
“Mr. Mighels has the meagrest equipment as a novelist, and his performance as a whole is so crude that it is scarcely worth while to consider its details.”
— Critic. 47: 285. S. ‘05. 90w.
“Has style (of a sort), an interesting framework, and characterizations of no mean order of merit. This is a very vigorous book, inspired by genuine passion, and making a skilful progress to its logical conclusion.” Wm. M. Payne.
+ + Dial. 39: 115. S. 1, ‘05. 240w.
“Mr. Mighels’s work seems to us faulty in conception as well as execution, and to serve no particular purpose.”
— Ind. 59: 452. Ag. 24, ‘05. 30w.
N. Y. Times. 10: 320. My. 13, ‘05. 150w.
“A hysterical novel of political corruption.”
— Outlook. 80: 542. Je. 24, ‘05. 6w.
“Is a masterpiece among political novels.”
+ + + Pub. Opin. 39: 94. Jl. 15, ‘05. 180w.
Miles, Eustace Hamilton. Boy’s control of self expression. *$2. Dutton.
“The introductory chapters are written chiefly for those who have the care of boys.... These are followed by chapters on ‘Physical and external helps’ toward self-control, mental helps; and the book closes with some general remarks, the ‘opinion of a mother,’ a letter to a boy, ‘A defense of Latin—rightly taught,’ and ‘A theory about excessive blood pressure.’ The volume has illustrations and diagrams.”—N. Y. Times.
+ — Nation. 80: 436. Je. 1, ‘05. 330w.
N. Y. Times. 10: 297. My. 6, ‘05. 230w.
+ — N. Y. Times. 10: 376. Je. 10, ‘05. 290w.
“There are valuable ideas and suggestions in this book on the training of boys, but the author attempts to cover so much ground, and does it in so haphazard a way, that it is almost impossible to separate the wheat from the chaff.”
+ — Outlook. 80: 244. My. 27, ‘05. 40w.
+ — Spec. 94: 788. My. 27, ‘05. 280w.
246Millar, A. H. Mary, Queen of Scots. *$1. Scribner.
In establishing the reasons for difficulty in understanding Queen Mary’s character, the author says: “Any natural determination toward tolerance which Mary’s character may have originally possessed was warped and distorted by her early education; and her disposition, once gentle and confiding, may have been changed by her experience of the faithlessness of mankind into that form of stolid distrust which suspects the truest friend and questions the least interested motives.” His biography is based on this view of things. “Mr. Millar believes and most readers will believe, that the errors committed by Mary Stuart were more of the heart than of the head.” (Outlook.)
“Mr. Millar’s book is a careful presentation of facts, with a due regard for the bearing of the political questions of the time. It is, in truth, a well-written piece of history. He is not her partisan through thick and thin.”
+ + N. Y. Times. 10: 633. S. 30, ‘05. 1140w.
“Well written volume.”
+ + Outlook. 81: 281. S. 30, ‘05. 200w.
Miller, Rev. James Russell. Beauty of kindness. **30c. Crowell.
This volume in the “What is worth while series,” sets forth the beauty of kindness, “the small coin of love.” It is a plea for the unselfish service, for simple kindness in daily life and in little things.
Miller, Rev. James Russell. Inner life. *50c. Crowell.
In this new volume in the “Chiswick series,” Dr. Miller shows that if the heart be given to Christ, if the inner life be made beautiful, this beauty will show in the deeds of our outer life and the world for us will be re-created.
Miller, Rev. James Russell. When the song begins. **65c. Crowell.
Another of Dr. Miller’s devotional books. Its object is to help people in learning how to live more beautifully, more victoriously, more usefully. It contains twenty chapters upon, The mystery of suffering, The joy of the cross, Friendship with Christ, Courage to live nobly, Under the All-seeing Eye, and other similar subjects.
Outlook. 81: 580. N. 4, ‘05. 60w.
* Miller, Olive Thorne, pseud. (Mrs. Harriet Mann Miller). Kristy’s surprise party. †$1.25. Houghton.
“On her birthday Kristy’s uncles and aunts, and some adult friends besides, call in a body, and each in turn relates a story, which Kristy enjoys very much, and which other little girls may enjoy also.” (Outlook.) “In one is a stirring picture of a girl in the Chicago fire, another describes a western blizzard and a young girl’s rescue of a schoolmate. A good Indian story and sundry others of domestic adventure.” (Nation.) The volume is well illustrated by Ethel N. Farnsworth.
* Ind. 59: 1388. D. 14, ‘05. 50w.
* “A group well written, full of interest, and suited to middle youth.”
+ Nation. 81: 406. N. 16, ‘05. 80w.
* + N. Y. Times. 10: 911. D. 23, ‘05. 140w.
* “The stories are clean, bright, and of considerable variety.”
+ Outlook. 81: 629. N. 11, ‘05. 50w.
Miller, Peyton Farrell. Group of great lawyers of Columbia county, New York. Priv. ptd. De Vinne press.
Mr. Miller, a lawyer of Hudson, has filled a volume with “interesting reminiscences and gossipy personal sketches of such men as Martin Van Buren, Samuel J. Tilden, Robert Livingston, Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, Edward Livingston, and others. It also contains a brief account of the Anti-rent war.” (Am. Hist. R.)
Am. Hist. R. 10: 722. Ap. ‘05. 60w.
“An entertaining series of personal sketches. Members of the bar of New York state will find Mr. Miller’s pages crowded with interesting reminiscences of the great lawyers of the past.”
+ + R. of Rs. 31: 249. F. ‘05. 110w.
Mills, Edmund James. Secret of Petrarch. *$3. Dutton.
“The volume is the work of a literary scholar of analytic type who has turned his lenses upon certain disputed points in the lives of the lovers and has brought forward various proofs to attest his own theories.” (Dial.) “A series of prose studies supplemented by some translations and some original verse interpretative of the life and genius of Petrarch. The prose consists of small but rather discursive chapters touching various points in connection with Laura, her identity, her birthplace, her character, and incidents in her relations with Petrarch.” (Outlook.)
“The reader can hardly accept all the author’s conclusions.”
+ — Dial. 38: 239. Ap. 1, ‘05. 340w.
“To one acquainted with ... ‘My secret’ ... Mr. Mills’s book is a sad disappointment. We suspect that the critical discussions were only designed to introduce the drama.”
+ — — Nation. 80: 180. Mr. 2, ‘05. 460w.
“Has quite unconsciously given false values to internal evidence. He found in Petrarch’s verse what he wished to find there, and where twist, quibble, and distortion fail him he sets down his theory as a self-evident truth. Candor forces us to praise Mr. Mills’ ingeniousness rather than his scholarship. We can freely applaud his poetry, however, which gives a far stronger illusion of reality than do Landor’s Conversations between the same persons.”
+ — N. Y. Times. 10: 38. Ja. 21, ‘05. 320w.
“The volume lacks coherence.”
+ — Outlook. 79: 197. Ja. 21, ‘05. 190w.
Mills, Edmund Mead. Only a profession and other sermons. (Methodist pulpit. 2d ser.) *50c. Meth. bk.
Eight sermons including, besides the title sermon, How to know, The all-conquering Christ, The nation’s memorial, As he thinketh in his heart, What makes a nation great? Unconscious deterioration, and A withered hand.
* Mills, Weyman Jay. Caroline of Courtlandt street. **$2. Harper.
“A highly idealized story of New York life when the eighteenth century was young. Caroline of Courtlandt street, the daughter of an actress, yearns for her mother’s profession and by way of proving her right to enter it plays a pretty little comedy in which her father’s aristocratic and snobbish relatives take unconscious but highly important parts. The stage fails to gain her in the end, but in the meanwhile she has furnished us with a diverting little drama.”—Pub. Opin.
* “A slight but spirited novelette.”
+ Dial. 39: 388. D. 1, ‘05. 140w.
* “An elaborately decorated romance, both as to the narrative and setting. The style is flowery.”
+ — Outlook. 81: 833. D. 2. ‘05. 120w.
* + Pub. Opin. 39: 733. D. 2, ‘05. 60w.
Milyoukov, Paul. Russia and its crisis. *$3. Univ. of Chicago press.
In interpreting the Russian present by the Russian past, the author produces the results of long years of study. Professor Milyoukov is a representative of the branch of the liberal party known as the “Intellectuals,” and his work for freedom has already brought him calumny, imprisonment and exile. The aim of 247his discussion is to reveal the internal crisis in Russia as an outgrowth of the historical circumstances under which Russian civilization has developed. The author has explained the permanent and lasting elements in the political, social and religious life of a great world-power.
“Our pleasure at the thought and learning displayed in the lectures of which this volume is composed is marred by the extraordinary fancies of its author on the transliteration of names.”
+ + — Ath. 1905, 2: 435. S. 30. 810w.
“With ample knowledge, training, and evident fairness, he is the best available guide to a knowledge of present conditions in Russia from the historical point of view.” Charles H. Cooper.
+ + + Dial. 39: 268. N. 1, ‘05. 760w.
+ + — Lond. Times. 4: 309. S. 29, ‘05. 1040w.
“A strong book—one that will not appeal to the general reader, but will reach rather the serious and thoughtful.”
+ + + N. Y. Times. 10: 556. Ag. 26, ‘05. 1430w.
“A masterly portrayal of the factors which have determined the present constitution of the Russian state, as well as the elements of leaven and fermentation at present working in that state.”
+ + Pub. Opin. 39: 446. S. 30, ‘05. 200w.
* “A very valuable addition to the literature on the subject of Russian conditions.”
+ + R. of Rs. 32: 636. N. ‘05. 200w.
Minor, Benjamin Blake. Southern literary messenger, 1834 to 1864 by Benjamin Blake Minor, editor and proprietor from 1843 to 1847. *$2. Neale.
“A history of a magazine which for so many years held the chief place in the periodical literature of the South and an honorable one in that of the country, written by the gentleman who was its editor and proprietor from 1843 to 1847, and who now at the good old age of eighty-six, is perhaps the only survivor of those who were personally connected with its fortunes. It will have a special interest for cultivated people in the South, and incidentally for all students of American literary history.”—Critic.
+ Critic. 47: 382. O. ‘05. 90w.
“In spite of obvious faults (and partly because of them) Dr. Minor’s book has both permanent value and contemporary interest.”
+ + — N. Y. Times. 10: 494. Jl. 29, ‘05. 1350w.
Mitchell, Charles Bayard. Noblest quest, and other sermons preached in the First Methodist Episcopal church, Cleveland, O. *50c. Meth. bk.
Eight stirring sermons including, besides the title sermon, The Supreme Master, A shameless Jew, The dignity of labor, Remember thy Creator, A deserted grave, Life’s Jerusalem, and The impartial God.
Mitchell, S. Weir. Constance Trescot. $1.50. Century.
The tragic story of a young northern wife who goes with her husband to St. Ann, Missouri, where he is agent for a large estate. He becomes involved in a law suit, and is the prey of the prejudices and misconceptions so common to the reconstruction period. After his murder, Constance lives only to avenge herself upon his slayer, and the story becomes a strong psychological study of the charming woman’s selfish cruelty. It is a masterly book, unusual, and real, both in theme and characters.
“It is told in a masterly fashion.” Richard W. Kemp.
+ + — Bookm. 21: 386. Je. ‘05. 1640w.
“A novel of dignity and importance out of material that if treated less intelligently would be simply sensational.” C. A. Pratt.
+ + Critic. 47: 185. Ag. ‘05. 470w.
“It is a great triumph, thus out of commonplace materials, and by the use of strictly legitimate methods, to produce a work of such singular power, and Dr. Mitchell deserves the warmest congratulations upon his success.” Wm. Morton Payne.
+ + + Dial. 39: 42. Jl. 16, ‘05. 490w.
“The second section of the book is, in fact, open to this dilemma. If Constance is in her right mind, the story of her revenge is inexplicable and impossible. If she is not, her madness removes it out of the range of subjects capable of being made to appeal to the imagination of the reader by means of the art of the novelist.” Herbert W. Horwill.
— — + Forum. 37: 104. Jl. ‘05. 1000w.
+ + Nation. 80: 441. Je. 1, ‘05. 600w.
“This is a good story.”
+ + Ind. 58: 1011. My. 4, ‘05. 630w.
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 299. My. 6, ‘05. 540w.
“It is a tale wherein the psychological element, however, does overcloud the romantic interest.”
+ + N. Y. Times. 10: 391. Je. 17, ‘05. 100w.
“The motif ... is an extremely unpleasant one, and in hands less skilled than those of Dr. S. Weir Mitchell the story would be too painful. The story is a study of character of a very unusual kind, full of insight, experience and skill.”
+ + — Outlook. 79: 772. Ap. 1, ‘05. 180w.
“It is undeniably powerful. The workmanship is of a high order.”
+ + Pub. Opin. 38: 713. My. 6, ‘05. 140w.
+ Reader. 6: 239. Jl. ‘05. 390w.
“Impressive as the book is, one wonders inevitably whether Constance was, after all, worth this expenditure of literary power on the part of Dr. Mitchell.”
+ — R. of Rs. 31: 760. Je. ‘05. 200w.
Mitchell, Silas Weir. Youth of Washington: told in the form of an autobiography. †$1.50. Century.
To think the thoughts of Washington as he thought them, to express them as he might have expressed them, in a word, to command a view of men and things as this general and statesman of Mount Vernon looked upon them, has been a unique task, to say nothing of the daring implied. But Dr. Mitchell has only reversed the great process of dramatization. Instead of fitting an actor to the mold of some great writer’s conception, as the stage continually does, he starts with the man and suits his thoughts and speech to the individual. Years of study, fresh enthusiasm, and keen insight into human nature have been brought to bear on his unusual task.
“Dr. Weir Mitchell has added another to the melancholy examples of Washingtonion dullness. It is sedate, detailed, conscientious and very dull.”
— Acad. 68: 63. Ja. 21, ‘05. 320w.
“May be judged as history or as fiction, according to the taste of the reader, and possesses high merit in either aspect. It would be possible to criticize some of Dr. Mitchell’s statements, and the conception of Washington’s mother is too harsh and even contradictory in detail to be either true or pleasing.” Worthington Chauncey Ford.
+ + — Am. Hist. R. 10: 444. Ja. ‘05. 430w.
“Only a Weir Mitchell or his equal could have accomplished successfully the daring feat of personating George Washington. But in this book the great George has proven a worthy son of himself, and it is hard to realize that the quaint, formal phraseology is not indeed his own. His criticisms of his family and himself are frank and delightful.”
+ + Critic. 46: 283. Mr. ‘05. 240w.
Mitton, G. E. The dog. $2. Macmillan.
The autobiography of Scamp, a dog of the streets, who finds a good home and a loving mistress and is trained into a first-class retriever. He is caught in a trap while hunting, comes 248into the hands of poachers and counterfeiters, sojourns in the London streets and the dog pound, and eventually finds his way back to his former mistress to end his days in luxury.
“The book on the dog deals too much with one particular dog and his fortunes, and might almost pass as an entirely fictional tale.”
+ — Acad. 68: 35. Ja. 14, ‘05. 250w.
“Attractive for the children for whom it was written. Scamp was just a dog. The author has not attempted to endow him with human or supernatural attributes.”
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 43. Ja. 21, ‘05. 610w.
“Cleverly written story. It is a story that will delight boys and girls, touching older hearts as well.”
+ Outlook. 79: 349. F. 4, ‘05. 60w.
* Mitton, G. E. Jane Austen and her times. *$2.75. Putnam.
Not only Jane Austen herself but the society that she drew so skillfully is pictured in this volume. Miss Mitton considers Jane Austen “more wonderful as a product of her times than considered as an isolated figure.” She has therefore aimed “to sketch the men and women to whom she was accustomed, the habits and manners of her class, and the England with which she was familiar.”
* “In short, it is a richly human book, for which we owe all the praise (except what is due to the reproductions from Reynolds, Morland, Hoppner, Bunbury, Romney, and others), and little of the blame, to the author.”
+ + Acad. 68: 1170. N. 11, ‘05. 980w.
* “Is the next best thing to reading one of Miss Austen’s own stories.”
+ Critic. 47: 574. D. ‘05. 80w.
* “A prose and pedestrian piece of book-making, which nevertheless has something of the interest that attaches to an interesting subject.”
+ — Nation. 81: 484. D. 14, ‘05. 150w.
* Mitton, G. E. Normandy: painted by Nico Jungman. *$3. Macmillan.
“Miss Mitton begins with a chapter ‘In general,’ and proceeds to tell the stories of the Norman Dukes and the ‘mighty William.’ Then we have a full description of Rouen, and chapters on Caen, Falaise, Bayeux and the smaller towns, and then a chapter of the greatest interest on the famous tapestry, Mont St. Michel, The Cotentin, Dieppe and the coast, and a journey up the Seine from Honfleur to Vernon.”—Acad.
* N. Y. Times. 10: 728. O. 28, ‘05. 270w.
Mitton, G. E. Scenery of London. *$6. Macmillan.
“Miss G. E. Mitton, an expert in London lore, furnishes the text, while the pictures are reproductions of paintings by Herbert Marshall.... There are seventy-five in all capitally reproduced in colors.”—N. Y. Times.
“As illustrations to a book, to be looked at closely and not over long, Mr. Marshall’s pictures are excellent, because they come from a fine artist, and yet present a variety of moods and likings which are entirely suited to such books as these. She has aimed high and done some interesting and some pleasing work, and made a readable book.”
+ + Acad. 68: 779. Jl. 29, ‘05. 1000w.
“Both artist and author have succeeded in producing what is a real addition to the literature of London.”
+ + Ath. 1905, 2: 363. S. 16. 900w.
Lond. Times. 4: 255. Ag. 11, ‘05. 530w.
“Of the many recent books about London the best to look at is that called ‘The scenery of London.’ Miss Mitton discourses agreeably as is her wont.”
+ + — N. Y. Times. 10: 608. S. 16, ‘05. 280w.
Monroe, Paul. Text-book in the history of education. *$1.90. Macmillan.
“The framework upon which Dr. Monroe has built his well-written work is clear and hardly to be improved upon. Each chapter is headed in the table of contents with a phrase expressing the psychological tendency of the time or movement which it represents, and these are divided and subdivided in an unusually able manner. Facts are made additionally easy of location by the index by Miss Scott. Dr. Monroe’s ‘Text-book’ is hardly what its name implies, but rather a foundation work for those who desire to ‘work up’ from it, as the references indicate.”—Pub. Opin.
“A very solid book on the history of education.”
+ + N. Y. Times. 10: 725. O. 28, ‘05. 630w.
* “It is diligent in research, copious in information, clear in analysis, philosophic in trend, and sound in deduction; and, although there are passages in it that are somewhat hard reading, occasional grammatical lapses, and a needless and sometimes wearisome repetition of certain scientific terms ... it is distinguished throughout for purity, precision, and force of diction. The treatment of its theme is the most exhaustive yet essayed by an American author.” Charles Elliott Fitch.
+ + — N. Y. Times. 10: 909. D. 23, ‘05. 2510w.
“This must be rated as a work of the first rank in its class.”
+ + Outlook. 81: 431. O. 21, ‘05. 410w.
“A finished, well-unified and arranged work.”
+ + Pub. Opin. 39: 574. O. 28, ‘05. 350w.
* “The work is broad in range, and provides an immense accumulation of data.”
+ + R. of Rs. 32: 640. N. ‘05. 120w.
Monroe, Paul. Thomas Platter and the educational renaissance of the 16th century. **$1.20. Appleton.
This sketch which gives the life of an educator just at the turning point in educational history between the mediæval and the modern, is important because “The autobiography furnishes such concrete information in regard to two phases of the education of the sixteenth century: first, the life of the wandering scholar; and, second, the spread of the humanistic ideas until they dominate the educational activities of the times.”
“Is a valuable volume which throws a great deal of light on a critical and seldom dealt with period of the history of education.”
+ + Pub. Opin. 38: 136. Ja. 12, ‘05. 130w.
* Montague, Margaret Prescott. Poet, Miss Kate and I. **$1.50. Baker.
Miss Kate is a small chestnut mare, I am Miss Dorothy, and the poet is David Selwyn, successful and thirty-two, whom his doctor has given but twelve months more of life. He determines to spend that twelve months bravely, and rents a house in the Alleghanies so that he may “write, write, write until the finale,” unhampered by his old New York surroundings. Here he meets Dorothy and enjoys his last summer until he finds that his growing love for her makes the thought of death more bitter; then he runs away. But of course the author does not let him die, and the reader feels thruout the pretty, cheery little story that all is to be well with him.
* “The plot is slight, but the nature sketches, the character study, and a very piquant way of putting things, give the book a decided charm.”
+ Dial. 39: 389. D. 1, ‘05. 140w.
* + Outlook. 81: 942. D. 16, ‘05. 50w.
Montgomery, David Henry. Elementary American history, *75c. Ginn.
This textbook, the latest of the “Montgomery series,” has been prepared to meet the demand for a short continuous narrative history of our 249country, suited to the wants of elementary pupils.
“Compared with other textbooks of its kind, it has merit. The language is simple, and there are many illustrations and maps. This is only another example of a book constructed on the college plan, with shorter paragraphs and more simple language.” H. O. Gillett.
+ — El. Sch. T. 5: 518. Ap. ‘05. 160w.
Montgomery, David H. Student’s American history. $1.40. Ginn.
For this latest edition the work has been thoroly revised and many facts have been rewritten, including questions of political and constitutional history, the opening of the West and its influence on the division of the nation. References have been made more complete, and some new maps added.
“It has all the teaching apparatus of the best type of the modern high-school book, and may be cordially recommended.”
+ + Dial. 38: 423. Je. 16, ‘05. 60w.
* “In attractiveness of presentation and clearness of diction it compares favorably with such manuals as McMaster’s and Channing’s.”
+ N. Y. Times. 10: 758. N. 11, ‘05. 130w.
Moody, William Vaughan, and Lovett, Robert Morrs. First view of English literature. *$1. Scribner.
“This adaptation of the author’s more advanced ‘History of English literature,’ based on the suggestions of many high school and academy teachers, is a class-room manual of practical value. Features that especially commend the volume are the historical introductions to each epoch, dwelling on political and social conditions, important for their effect on literature, and the full review outlines given in the form of simple and illuminating questions.”—Outlook.
“The book is a highly finished work, and we commend it.”
+ + N. Y. Times. 10: 396. Je. 17, ‘05. 420w.
“The book is lucid and concise, noticeably so in its discussion of the Renaissance and of Romanticism.”
+ + Outlook. 80: 591. Jl. 1, ‘05. 120w.
“There is much valuable geographical, descriptive, and annotative matter.”
+ R. of Rs. 32: 254. Ag. ‘05. 50w.
* More, Charles Herbert. Character of renaissance architecture. **$3. Macmillan.
“Prof. Moore has reduced the mere descriptions of buildings to a minimum, having provided many illustrations—twelve photogravure plates and 139 drawings and photographs—to make the discussions clear. He writes in his introduction about the character of the fine arts of the renaissance, the mixed influences actuating the artist of the time—the painter’s habits of design, etc. This followed by chapters on the dome of Florence, St. Peter’s dome, Renaissance architecture in the erection of churches and palaces in Rome and Florence and the North of Italy, carving, and architecture of the renaissance in France and England.”—N. Y. Times.
* “It is a book of strong convictions and solid thought.”
+ + Int. Studio. 27: sup. 34. D. ‘05. 360w.
* “He is a man of profound and strongly held convictions, and hardly allows a page or a half-dozen pages to pass from under his hand without a reassertion of the most important of them.”
+ + Nation. 81: 385. N. 9, ‘05. 980w.
* N. Y. Times. 10: 713. O. 21, ‘05. 270w.
* “In the ‘Character of renaissance architecture’ we have the same creative and scholarly qualities of artist and investigator which characterized ‘Development and character of Gothic architecture.’ But where the latter was synthetical the former is analytical almost to the verge of iconoclasm.”
+ + N. Y. Times. 10: 781. N. 18, ‘05. 850w.
* “This volume is admirably adapted to be a text-book for advanced classes in our universities and a reference book for readers generally. We are glad to note that the index to the volume is specially copious and exhaustive.”
+ + Outlook. 81: 628. N. 11, ‘05. 290w.
Moore, Frank Frankfort. Love alone is lord. †$1.50. Putnam.
Another novel of which Lord Byron is the hero. It concerns his early love for his cousin, Mary Chaworth and, altho many chapters are devoted to his affair with Lady Caroline Lamb, the book gives him a semblance of constancy by making him return to his first love and their tragic parting the climax, and end of the book. Madame de Stäel, Sheridan, Moore, and other well known people of Byron’s time enter into the story.
* “Mr. Moore has increased our dislike to positive hatred; all the worst qualities of this pernicious breed of book are accentuated in his present novel.”
— Acad. 68: 1032. O. 7, ‘05. 310w.
* “Mr. Moore’s is one of the books worth reading.”
+ Lit. D. 31: 754. N. 18, ‘05. 380w.
* + — Lond. Times. 4: 315. S. 29, ‘05. 540w.
“Somehow the book leaves us cold.”
— N. Y. Times. 10: 759. N. 11, ‘05. 290w.
“As a novel the book has vigor and interest; as a presentation of Byron the poet it is a failure.”
+ — Outlook. 81: 281. S. 30, ‘05. 120w.
“Mr. Moore has written an interesting story, but it has nothing to do with the hero and heroine, Lord Byron and Mary Ann Chaworth.”
+ — Pub. Opin. 39: 573. O. 28, ‘05. 160w.
* “Byron’s character is sketched sans prudishness by an author whose every book guarantees a few hours’ lively entertainment.”