The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-08-16
LITERATURE.
Reviews Of New Books,


THE PICTORIAL FIELD Book OF THE WAR OF 1872:
or Illustrations by Pen and Pencil OF the History
Biography Scenery, Relics ana Traditions OF the
Last War Tor American independence By Benson
J. LOSING. With several hundred engravngs on
wood, by LOSING and Barritt, Chiefly from original
sketches by the author. New York: Harper &
Brothers, Publishers.
The first feature that will strike the readers obser-
walton OF this massive volume, covering 100 pages
Is the splendid manner in which Messrs. Harper Il
Brothers nave published 1t. The covers and binding
are hardly as substantial as they might have been
made; but they are neat and tasteful. The typo.
graphical execution OF the work is admirable, the
print being large and clear and the paper excellent
The Illustrations too, though their subjects are in
many instances almost contemplate when applied
to work OF the kind, well executed displaying
much skill and ability. Taken altogether the me-
chancal portion OF this book will compare Iavoraby
with any other American or with any European
publication, and reflects great credit upon the pub
lisners
With regard to the work ITSELF we are gratded at
being able to praise It. 1t is superior to the 'Pcto-
rial Field Book OF the Revolution" and to the epic
torial Field Book OF the Rebellion" 1t Is not fault
less, however. Mr.. LOSING frequently exhibits q
lack Of Judgment in accepting all the Information
obtained by his most praiseworthy diligence. Many
things are narrated upon which the reader cannot
place implicit reliance by OF the authorities
city we have no assurance. AS an instance OF this
opposition to accept as fact what admits of very
grave doubt we need only refer to the manner
in which the name Of Tecumseh, the cele.
brated Indian chief, has been metamorphosed
into Tecumtha on the mere statement of
an ex1ndan agent We also think the book
entirely too lengthy. Mr.. Losing appears to delight
In peOnasm. Perspicuity is not, and never was one
Of his literary merits. These Objectionable features
are not referred to in unkind spirit 1t is, how
ever necessary that they shall be noticed. Absolute
reliability is what all writers OF his tory should aim
at. Redundancy OF words mars historical records.
IL tmpartS to them an air OF romance, which lessons
their Importance Had Mr.. LOSING taken the pains,
he could have written an equally admirable history
drea pages instead Of spreading it over eleven hun
dred, as he has DONE II we ignore every other
feature open to adverse criticism, his difuseness
would be liable to objection.
But in spite OF the partial looseness with which
the book is written, we repeat that 1t is deserving Of
praise 1t is In reality history or the United States
from the close Of the Revolutionary War to the end
OF the second war with Great Britain The style in
which he writes Is clear and animated. Mr.. Los
sings battle scenes are quite vivid though simply
wOfded. Here and there only he aims at effect and
fails as do most authors who, In the narration OF
the most valuable part OF the work Is the closing
chapters. These are compiled principally from oni-
cial reports and other authentic sources, and
can be relied upon. On the whole, the student OF
American history Will be benefited by a perusal Of
production. He travelled some IL, 900 miles visiting
the various places made famous during the times
treated or and was interchangeable In his efforts to
obtain all the Information that could throw the least
light upon the events narrated. His research Is
fairly rewarded In the work he mas written. When
the whole Is so good we can readily forgive the
presence OF those Objectionable parts to WHICH we
have alluded and which were evidently not I'M
natural indiscretion, occasioned by laudable de-
sire 10 incorporate everything bearing upon the
subject or tending TO make clearer to the under
standing the movements and operations OF contend
Ing armies and political leaders.
GEMS OF GERMAN LYRICS. Translated into English
verse. BY Henry 5. Wiseman. Philadelphia: Clax
ton, Remsen Hafiel1nger.
Some of the poems in this collection are very
pretty and are worth readings others are OF indner
ent merit 1t Is pity though, that those OF value
did not ind an ADLER translator than Mr.. Wiseman.
with but few exceptions all OF the transatons are
crude and lacking in symmetry. In the poem which
he entities Gaze Into the Stream" the idea OF the
poet is not given at ALL although in the German Is
very fine. The metrlca composition Of 1.-THE Dead
Soldier, IS wretched. The same thing can be said
of a majority Of the TRANSACTIONS Here and there
we meet with little gem In which the idea OF the
P Pqce ".RP ne Dead on Bury Them 'o
and few others are well translated. We give the
last named entlre,--
Friendship ia lasting,
Therefore choose frendshp.
That doth stay.
Love bringcth roses,
Friendship brings rest,
Both having chosen,
Indeed, thou art biest.
On the whole though the only praise can give this
book the handsome style IN which 1t is punished
To those that read the German language and admire
German poetry we can, however, recommend It, as
the originals OF all the poems are printed on the
pages opposite the TRANSACTIONS. The selections are
IRON Rueckert, Lenau, Chamisso, Freiligrath and
Others Mr.. Wseman's taste Is far more creditabe
than his work as translator. In some OF the poems
he sacrifices metre to sound; In others he destroys
the symmetry Tor the purpose OF preserving metre.
In nearly every one his inability to translate properly
compels the Introduction OF words which read awk-
wardly. completely marring the sentiment con-
tanned In the poems and frequently leaving them
barren OF ideas. We regret having TO write thus I'M
favorably as Mr. Wiseman seems TO be gentleman
OF refined taste and TO have entered upon his work
with much enthusiasm. Bnt the very hope he ex-
presses In the preface u not realized. His inter-
not arad no MT "a