LITERATURE AND ART.
Reading edition
The value of town histories is a subject which has been editorially considered more than once in this magazine. Recognizing the importance of these local histories in their relations to New England history in general, it always gives us pleasure to note the additions which are made from time to time to this department of historical literature. Such an addition has recently been made in consequence of the centennial anniversary of the town of Heath, Franklin county, Mass., which was observed on the nineteenth of August last, the historical addresses with other matter having been just published in a neat volume[G] of about one hundred and sixty pages.
Heath, which was named from General William Heath, is a striking example of the decadence of the New England hill towns, its population having fallen from eleven hundred and ninety-nine in the year 1830, to five hundred and sixty-eight at present. The site of old Fort Shirley is in the township. Fifty years ago, the town afforded an unusual proportion of its population to the professional ranks, and was noted for its religious and educational influence and patronage. The two principal addresses given in the book are by John H. Thompson, Esq., of Chicago, and Rev. C. E. Dickinson, of Marietta, Ohio, and will be found valuable to the general reader, as well as to the native of the town. Excepting some typographical errors, the book is a model of such a work, and reflects credit on the editor, Mr. E. P. Guild.
Leaves from a Lawyer's Life, Afloat and Ashore, contains some very interesting personal reminiscences of the War of the Rebellion, and aims to supplement and correct the too meagre and often inaccurate accounts of "the naval and military forces whose services, sufferings, and sacrifices" are there passed in review. The theme is popular and inspiring, and the story is vigorously and eloquently told. The author adopts a style of narrative admirably adapted to preserve the "many honorable recollections" he records, and rescue from oblivion a number of interesting facts which he complains "are fast vanishing into gloom." The opening chapter, written from fulness of knowledge, and with a clear perception of the relative value and importance of facts, will repay careful perusal, notwithstanding all that has recently appeared in popular American serials on the subject of the Civil War. In the account it gives of the blockade of the Atlantic and Gulf ports, after the notification of Flag Officer Pendergast, at Hampton Roads, April 30, 1861, we have a splendid illustration of the manner in which, in a great national crisis, a lack of resources is made up for by energy, bravery, and businesslike despatch. The account of the chase of the gold-laden steamer R. E. Lee, under the command of the daring Captain Wilkinson, by the Federal steamer Iroquois, is very exciting; and the charm thus felt at the outset is evenly distributed and remarkably well sustained throughout the book. Mr. Cowley's work is valuable, as supplying a place not filled by any of the larger and more pretentious histories of the late war. Full of vivid description, spicy detail, felicitous citation, and sparkling anecdote, Leaves from a Lawyer's Life is sure to prove a genuine source of pleasure to a wide circle of readers.
The Origin of Republican Form of Government.[H] This book discusses in an historico-philosophical vein the genesis, growth, and development of the constitution of the American Republic, and the exposition attempted in its pages, if not exhaustive, is yet lucid, masterly, and suggestive. While unable to admit the soundness of some of the author's premises, or to acquiesce in all his conclusions, we are glad to recognize the high value of his contribution to the literature of a profoundly interesting subject, which hitherto can hardly be said to have monopolized the attention and thought of American historians. The author is probably wrong in thinking that in the pages of his interesting little book he is pursuing an almost entirely untravelled path, but there can be no doubt that considerable credit is due to him, for pointing out the exceeding fruitfulness of a too much neglected field of historical inquiry. The chapters on the political and religious causes of the Revolution are worthy of a careful reading, and indeed we cordially commend the book as a whole to all who wish to know the "record of their country's birth," and the constitutional guaranties of their personal "peace, liberty and safety."
Battle of the Bush,[I] by Robert B. Caverly, is a series of historical dramas published in pamphlet form, to be subsequently consolidated, according to the advertisement of the publisher, "into a neat volume of about three hundred and fifty pages." To those in love with the curious legends and romantic incidents of early colonial history this work in its present attractive form will be especially welcome. The simplicity as well as savagery of Indian life is here placed in conjunction and contrast with the sober domestic manners and customs, high-toned morality and religion of the early Pilgrim people. The various relations between the two, incident to neighborhood, trade, and intercourse,—relations sometimes of friendship and sometimes of conflict,—are often strikingly exhibited, and the author succeeds in awakening a genuine interest in those old-time affairs. The beautiful illustrations which enrich the work give it an additional attraction and value.
Railroad Transportation; its History and its Laws,[J] by Arthur J. Hadley, is worthy of careful study, and is likely to attract some attention, discussing, as it does, questions of railroad history and management which have become matters of public concern, and aiming to present clearly the more important facts of American railroad business, to explain the principles involved, and to compare the railroad legislation of different countries and the results achieved. Mr. Hadley's book admirably supplements the extant literature on the subject, prominently presenting and ably discussing many hitherto neglected features of importance. The book will prove valuable to railroad stockholders, to statesmen desirous of a fuller understanding of a question of great national interest, and to the American public generally.