The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-08-02
LITERATURE.
Reviews of New Books.

CLAUDE GUEUx. The LAST DAYS OF A CONDEMNED
MAN. BY Victor Hugo. New York: Carleton,
publisher. 1862
Some forty years ago the two stories in this
book appeared and attracted general notice for
their vigorous advocacy OF the abolition OF capital
punishment. Since then Victor Hugo has written
much that will ever rank as UNNECESSARILY superior
to Them but we doubt II Claude Gueux or The
Last Days OF Condemned Man" will cease to be
read while the laws sanction the execution OF
criminals condemned for murder or other capital
oYences In the agreeable form OF romance the
latter story depicts the agontes OF the convict,
who is made to tell his own misery to the hour
Of four O'Clock. when he hears the footsteps OF Ills
executloners ascending the stairs that lead to his
cell. The feelings Of the poor wretch are analysed
with terrible minuteness, and the narration exer-
clses O fascinating influence over the reader almost
painful In Its character. Although several years
have elapsed since we read this work. the manner
In which the subject Is treated has never faded from
memory. It does not convince one Of the folly or
crime Of capital punishment, for know there are
few such criminals as Claude Gueux who expiate
their oances on the gallows beneath the guiilo-
tine; bun, kemany works with whose sentiments
we cannot agree the wonderful genius exhibited IN
it is constructed make 1t Of absorbing interest.
The IRISH WIDOWS Son: Or, THE PIKEMEN or
NINErY-EIGHT. BY Con O'Leary. Boston: Patrick
D0nah0e. 1889.
We have here q characteristic Irish novel, and one
not badly written, by any means, although the SUBJ
ject has been introduced into several scores OF ro-
mances. It Is "a story of the irish rebellion en-
bracng historical account of the battles of Antrim
and Ballinahinch." or course there is plenty OF
love making In the book. Was there ever an irish
novel written which did not absolutely revel IN the
tender passion2 There are also enough conspra.
ces and enough hghtinQ to salty the most tnvete-
rate matters OF the "Dlarsed Brtishers" Altogether
this book Is very well written one and will doubt
less be widely read.
THE RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. BY John =. Hit
tell Fifth edition. San Francisco and New York:
A. Roman Co.
Doubtless numerous readers OF the HERALD are
familiar with this about the best work on California
tnat has yet been published 1t Is very minute and
exhaustive IN It's details. The Of the State
are fully explained and described, leaving nothing
scenery, zoology agriculture, mining anu other
branches Of industry are treated under separate
heads An Immense amount OF Information Is con-
tanned in this book which makes 1t OF value to an
who desire to become thoroughly acquainted with
the Golden STATE IL Is written In very agreeable
style. With the present edition Is an appendix on
Oregon Nevada and washington Territory It il to
be regretted that the work was not enlarged
bring 1t down to the latest date As 1t Is. however,
1t Is valuable and deserves wider circulation than
1t has yet had.
A HANDBOOK OF MAP DRAWING. By Peter Kean
and John marlborough Philadelphia: r. II.
Butler & Co.
From cursory glance over this little work we are
inclined to the opinion that 1t will be found we'll
adapted to the purpose to which It Is designed. BY
it map drawing is systemized and with the aid OF =
correct geography the pupil will be able 70 obtain
faithful and accurate knowedRe 0, sne appearamce,
OF the globe. rho book Is very neatly gotten up and
Ia easily understood.