An Italian School Boy's Journal. By EDMUND DE AMICIIS. Translated from the 39th Italian edition by Isabel F. Hapgood. 12mo. $1.25. In this delightful volume, so unconventional in form, so fresh and energetic in style, Signor de Amiciis has given not only the heart-history of an Italian lad, but also a very vivid and attractive picture of modern life in Italy. He is a genuine boy who is supposed to write the story, and all the events, incidents and observations are seen through a boy's bright young eyes. The descriptions of school experiences, of festivals and public ceremonies, of scenes in city and country, are all full of color and charm, and are inspired by a genuine love for humanity. SIGRID. An Icelandic Love Story. Translated from the Danish of JON THORDSSON THORODDSON. 12mo. $1.25. A quiet, unpretentious story, noteworthy for its artlessness, its careful delineation of scenery and character, its variety of interest, and the refined humor in the author's quaintly fruitful portrayal of the primitive and picturesque life of the inhabitants of Ultima Thule. The fortunes of Sigrid and Indride make an idyllic love tale which attracts because it is true to the instincts of finer natures the world over. Nearly every phase of contemporary manners in Iceland is touched upon, and revealed with the skill of the true artist. THE PICTURE OF PAUL. (The Disciple.) [VOL. VIII., No. 85.] TERMS $1.50 PER YEAR. Ask Your Bookseller for Mark Twain's Scrap Book, and Take No Other. MARK TWAIN'S PATENT ADHESIVE-PAGE SCRAP BOOK BOOK Has become a universal favorite, and bids fair to supersede all other Scrap Books. It is a combination of everything desirable in a Scrap Book. The convenience of the ready-gummed page, and the simplicity of the arrangement for pasting, are such that those who once use this Scrap Book never return to the old style. To travelers and tourists it is particularly desirable, being Scrap Book and Paste Pot combined. In using the old-fashioned Scrap Book, travelers have hitherto been compelled to carry a bottle of mucilage, the breaking of which among one's baggage is far from pleasant. This disagreeable risk is avoided by the use of the Mark Twain Scrap Book. The ungummed page Scrap Book is at times of no service whatever, it paste or mucilage be not at hand when wanted. With a Mark Twain no such vexatious difficulty can possibly occur. By the Rev. H. R. HAWEIS, M.A. The fourth vol- HAMMANN & KNAUER'S ume of Christ and Christianity. 12mo. $1.25. The Literary World says: "Mr. Haweis contends for a rational estimate of the New Testament records as distinct from an absolute divine and infallible book, a posi tion which we hasten to say need in no way imply that he is other than a profound and loving believer in the New Testament." INITIALS AND PSEUDONYMS. A Dictionary of Literary Disguises. By WILLIAM CUSHING, A.M. 8vo. Cloth, $5.00. FINE GRADES OF Offenbach Photograph Albums, ALSO CARD AND AUTOGRAPH ALBUMS, Scrap Books, Portfolios, Binders, Writing Desks, Chess Boards, Etc. KOCH, SONS & Co., NEW YORK, IMPORTERS. Our goods are sold at the principal bookstores. The Trade supplied by the leading jobbers. DESIRABLE NEW BOOKS. Taken by Siege. A Novel. Handsomely issued in 12mo form, with clear, large type, fine paper, and attractive binding. Price, $1.25. "The story deals with the living forces and events of to-day, and is one of the most vital and strong and keenly interesting of late novels. "Boston Evening Traveller. My Recitations. CORA URQUHART POTTER. (Mrs. James Brown Worth Winning. Potter). 12mo, extra cloth, $1.00. gilt edges, $1.25. Cloth, Mrs. Potter's recitations have a world-wide reputation, and in compliance with numerous requests for copies of her selections, she has gathered and published them under one cover. A handsome phototype of the fair elocutionist makes a fitting frontispiece.' "-Baltimore American. The Story of Don Miff, As told by his friend, JOHN BOUCHE WHACK- "It is unquestionably a remarkable book, and far away out of the common order. It is evidently out of the very heart of an able and genial man, and makes literature that will live. There are honest tears and happy smiles awaiting the reader of 'Don Miff,' and they are evoked by the touch of no skilless hand."-New Orleans Picayune. Authorized Version. By Mrs. H. LOVETT CAMERON, author of "In a Grass Country," "Pure Gold," etc. 16mo, half cloth, 50 cents. Paper cover, 25 cents. On Both Sides. Con By Miss FANNY COURTENAY BAYLOR. "No such faithful, candid, kindly, brilliant and incisive presentation of English and American types has before been achieved. The wit of the story is considerable. It is the best international novel that either side has hitherto produced. It is written by an American woman who really knows both countries, and who has shown that she possesses powers which ought to put her in the front ranks of fiction."-New York Tribune. Half-Hours with the Best American Authors. Selected and arranged by CHARLES MORRIS. Four crown 8vo volumes. Cloth, gilt top, $6.00; half morocco, $10.00; three-quarters calf, $13.00. The best samples from every American author of note in history, poetry, art and philosophy, are grouped here, so that the reader can take up any one of the four volumes, and turning at random, find something particularly meritorious to entertain him. PRACTICAL LESSONS IN NURSING. NOW READY: 1. The Nursing and Care of the Nervous and the Insane. BY CHAS. K. MILLS, M.D. 12mo, extra cloth, $1.00. In no class of cases is it more important for a nurse, care-taker or companion, to have good principles of action and clear notions of practice, than among patients suffering from nervous or mental affections. Many of these unfortunates require prolonged and elaborate treatment, much of which necessarily must be carried out in the absence of the physician. This, together with information as to the care of such patients, also as to the use of massage, electricity, bathing, etc., by nurses, this book endeavors to give. IN PRESS AND TO FOLLOW SHORTLY: II. MATERNITY; INFANCY; CHILDHOOD. JOHN M. KEATING, M.D. J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY deal largely in Foreign and Domestic Books, which they offer as low as any other house in the country. Orders by mail receive special attention. J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, Publishers, 715 and 717 MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA, JUST READY: CYCLING. BY VISCOUNT BURY AND G. LACY HILLIER. The new volume in the Badminton Library of Sports One volume, crown 8vo, 472 pages. NEW EDITION OF Kugler's Italian Painting. HANDBOOK OF PAINTING, THE ITALIAN SCHOOLS. Based on the Handbook of Kugler, originally edited by Sir Charles L. Eastlake. Fifth Edition, thoroughly revised and in part rewritten by AusTEN HENRY LAYARD, G. C. B., D. C. L., Corresponding Member of the Institut de France, Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, Trustee of the National Gallery, etc., author of "Nineveh and its Remains," with nearly 250 illustrations. London, 1887, 2 vols., crown 8vo, cloth, $12.00. NEW BOOKS IN THEOLOGICAL LITERATURE. The Growth of Church Institutions. By the Rev. EDWIN HATCH, M.A., Bampton Lecturer for 1880. 12mo. $1.50. Future Retribution, VIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF REASON AND REVELA- By the Rev. SAMUEL Cox, D.D. 8vo. $2.25. By the Rt. Rev. W. PAKENHAM WALSH, D.D. A concise, popular account of the marvellous discov eries made in Chaldea, Egypt and Palestine, which have thrown such light and corroboration around the Bible narrative. A book of fascinating and permanent interest. Job and Solomon; By the Or, THE WISDOM OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. "Mr. Cheyne's work is in many respects one of the most noteworthy of our day."-N. Y. Times. Through the Fields with Linnæus. Sermons for Children. A CHAPTER IN SWEDISH HISTORY. By MRS. FLORENCE CADDY, author of "Footsteps of Jeanne d'Arc," etc. With 6 illustrations and 2 maps. 2 vols., crown 8vo, cloth, $4.50. The work is a very important contribution to biography, and will be found of great interest by the lovers of out-door life, as well as by those engaged in botanical studies. It is written in clear, beautiful English, and is the first adequate memoir of the great botanist. "Deeply interesting volumes-the first biography of Linnæus in the English language written in this century. Viewed simply as interesting literature, 'Through the Fields with Linnæus' is far more attractive and infinitely more profitable than is a novel."-The Beacon. A NEW BOOK BY THE AUTHOR OF "HINTS ON ADVOCACY." Before Trial: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE BY CLIENT, SOLICITOR AND COUNSEL, from a barrister's point of view. With a Treatise on the Defence of Insanity. By RICHARD HARRIS, Barrister-at-law. 12mo, cloth. 300 pages. $1.50, net. ALSO JUST READY, THE 8TH EDITION OF Hints on Advocacy: CONDUCT OF CASES CIVIL AND CRIMINAL, CLASSES OF WITNESSES, and Suggestions for Cross-Examining them, etc. By RICHARD HARRIS. 12mo, cloth, $1.50, net. IMPORTED AND PUBLISHED IN AMERICA BY LITTLE, BROWN & CO., 254 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTON. THE BIRD'S NEST AND OTHER SERMONS FOR CHIL DREN OF ALL AGES. By SAMUEL Cox, D.D., late editor of "The Expositor." 12mo. $1.50. A collection of sixteen charming addresses to the young, each of which is full of the freshness, force and freedom for which the distinguished author is so widely noted. By far the best volume of children's sermons we have ever seen."-Sunday Magazine. Bread in the Desert, AND OTHER SERMONS. By RANDOLPH H. McKIM, D.D., Rector of Trinity Church, New Orleans. 12mo. $1.50. "Dr. McKim is a popular preacher, and in this volume will be found the secret of his success; he discusses live questions in a live way, and addresses himself to the hearts and consciences of men."-The Churchman. A Manual of Christian Evidences. By the Rev. C. A. Row, M. A., Bampton Lecturer for 1877. (First Volume "Theological Educator.") 16mo. 75 cents, net. An Introduction to the Textual Criticism of the New Testament. By the Rev. Prof. B. B. WARFIELD, D.D. (Second Volume "Theological Educator.") 16mo. 75 cents, net. A Hebrew Grammar. By the Rev. W. H. Lowe, M.A. (Third Volume "Theological Educator.") 16mo. 75 cents, net. For sale by all leading booksellers. THOMAS WHITTAKER, 2 and 3 Bible House, NEW YORK. D. APPLETON & CO. WILL PUBLISH EARLY IN MAY: I. Lecky's History of England in the Eighteenth Century. VOLUMES FIVE AND SIX. These volumes cover for England the period from the acknowledgment of the independence of the United States in 1784 to the declaration of war with France in 1793; for Ireland they include the early days of Grattan's Parliament and the foundation of the Society of the United Irishmen. II. John Sevier, the Commonwealth Builder. A sequel to "THE REAR GUARD OF THE REVOLUTION." By JAMES R. GILMORE ("Edmund Kirke "). In one vol., 12 mo, cloth. Price, $1.50. III. Roundabout to Moscow. An EPICUREAN JOURNEY. BY JOHN BELL BOUTON. JUST PUBLISHED: Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit. SELECTED FROM THE WRITINGS AND SAYINGS OF HENRY WARD BEECHER. Revised in part by Mr. BEECHER, and under revision by him at the time of his death. 12mo, cloth, gilt top. Price, $1.00. The work of selecting the characteristic sayings by the Rev. HENRY WARD BEECHER contained in this volume was begun nearly ten years ago, at Mr. BEECHER'S suggestion and under his guidance. After its completion the manuscript was in his hands, and he from time to time revised and corrected it. When his ministry came to a close, he had gone patiently over about onethird of it, making many alterations, additions, and erasures. The remaining proverbs stand in the words in which Mr. BEECHER originally clothed them. PART CONTENTS: I.-PUBLIC BORROWING AS A FINANCIAL POLICY. PART II.-NATIONAL DEFICIT FINANCIERING. Financial PART III.-LOCAL DEFICIT FINANCIERING. Comparison of Local with National Debts; State Indebtedness between 1830 and 1850; Munic. ipal Indebtedness; Policy of Restricting Governmental Duties. For sale by all booksellers; or will be sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of price. D. APPLETON & CO., Publishers, HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN & CO.'S NEW BOOKS. THE POETICAL AND DRAMATIC 8vo, GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE LIBRARY. Vol. 7. ROMANO-BRITISH REMAINS, Part I. $2.50; Roxburgh, printed on hand-made paper, $3.50; Large-paper edition, Roxburgh (50 copies), printed on hand-made paper, $6.00. The two volumes in this Library devoted to RomanoBritish Remains will unquestionably be among the most important and interesting of the whole. The Gentleman's Magazine was the repository of a vast amount of information on this subject, and in these volumes it is ar. ranged topographically. The editor prefaces this first volume with an elaborate Introduction. CHRISTIANITY AND HUMANITY. By T. STARR KING. With a Memoir by E. P. Whipple. New edition. 12mo. Price reduced to $1.50. This is unquestionably one of the noblest volumes of sermons ever published in this country. In thought, in insight, in eloquent utterance, Starr King was one of the foremost preachers America has produced, and his illustrious patriotism endears his memory to every true. hearted citizen. ZURY: The Meanest Man in Spring County. A Novel. By JOSEPH KIRKLAND. With Frontispiece Illustration. 12mo, $1.50. This is a striking story of the rugged pioneer era of Illinois, and depicts in strong lines the vigorous, stern life of the early settlers. It includes noteworthy types of character, careful studies of social conditions, deeply interesting incidents and situations, and is told with marked power. For sale by all booksellers. Sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of price by the publishers, 1, 3 AND 5 BOND STREET, NEW YORK. HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN & CO., Boston. MAY 7 1837 THE DIAL Mrs. Silsbee's Half Century in Salem.-Dawson's Life of James Hannington.-A Club of One.-Cas. sell's Complete Pocket Guide to Europe.-Bascom's Sociology.-Bowen's The Conflict of East and West in Egypt.- Ballou's Due North.-Ab. bott's Waste-Land Wanderings.-Rawlinson's The Story of Ancient Egypt.-Mrs. Dodd's Cathedral Days. Wilson's Quiet Observations. Bailey's Possibilities.-Burnley's The Romance of Inven. tion. Mrs. Rider's Real Fairy Folks.-Miss Larned's Village Photographs.-Peters's The Children of the Week. -- LITERARY NOTES AND NEWS TOPICS IN MAY PERIODICALS BOOKS OF THE MONTH MR. HAGGARD'S ROMANCES. 5 7 10 11 15 19 21 24 26 26 Some of the current criticism of Mr. Haggard's books recalls the whimsical criticism Cervantes made of himself: "This Cervantes has long been my friend. His book does, indeed, display a little power of invention; it aims at something but it reaches nothing." One reviewer says that Mr. Haggard "has but a rudimentary ability to delineate character, which is the chief function of the novelist," yet concedes that "Jess" "is certainly interesting." If, in the surfeit of books palling all tastes now, any story is interesting, must it need be that before we grant a grace to the author he must show that he can delineate character as some other writers do who are tiresome enough? Another critic notes that in 66 King Solomon's Mines" the crescent moon in full bow rises over Kukuanaland from the east a little after sunset; the next evening it has suddenly become full; and the following day after it has become full it totally eclipses the sun. The critic justly doubts whether even in Kukuanaland moon and sun should play such hocus-pocus arts with astronomy. And even the least exacting reader will be more than once annoyed by the crudeness of many of Mr. Haggard's sentences. But it takes more and greater faults than these to damn a writer if his work is vital and strong. The world of readers are used to good writing. Never in the world were there so many good writers and so much good writing as now. That Mr. Haggard could be so much read and seem to so many readers to be worth their attention and commendation makes a strong presumption that he has distinctive and marked merits despite any and all shortcomings in his performance. But the history of literature shows that novelty alone may secure many readers and a wide and transient reputation. The history of criticism teaches its professors to make a modest and doubtful estimate of their forecasts. They are not prophets or children of prophets and their judgments are not likely to be prescient. For our own part we shall make a very moderate and misgiving estimate of Mr. Haggard as he seems to us. He has shown the old distinction between the novel and the romance. In the former the imagination pictures what is: in the latter it invents what is not. The novel dealing with the actual but slightly transposed has come in these latter days to an almost unmixed realism. In the degree it has become realistic we were all outgrowing romance. While we are all in this mood Mr. Haggard surprises us with romances as fantastic as those that Cervantes caricatured to immortal death. He chose his line with deliberation. Here is a scene from one of his first stories: "Well, Ernest,' she said, 'what are you thinking about? You are as dull as as the dullest thing in the world, whatever that may be. What is the dullest thing in the world?' 'I don't know,' he answered, awakening; 'yes I think I do: an American novel.' 'Yes, that is a good definition. You are as dull as an American novel' And in the outset 66 of The King Solomon's Mines" Allan Quatermain promises: "This history won't be dull, whatever else it may be." Thus Mr. Haggard has entered the lists against the dulness of the American fashion in novels, and resolute to keep you awake as one of his prime purposes. He writes both novels and romances. second story he published, "The Witch's Head," is a novel with the witch's head introduced unexpectedly to entertain the company with a by-play of parlor magic. It is a deus ex machina fabricated outright to scare the reader into wakefulness and differentiate Mr. Haggard's story from those American novels whose dulness is to his thought a pleonastic euphemism for a good honest yawn in the presence of one's lady-love. Mr. Haggard is secure in his invention: there is no witch's head nor anything like it in the American novels that we read. Lest we be too much humiliated by such contrasted pov |