The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-11-10
xxruRAruRr.
or VIEW BooKs.

A WRRATH OF RHYMES. BY Millie May6eld.
Published by j. B. Mppincott & Co.
In opening new book of poetry the critic
is very apt to be impressed more strongly by |
the Edefects than by the merits, unless, in |
deed, the merits are of very pronouced |
character. 1t is, perhaps, just as well that |
this is 80, even at the risk of some injustice |
to the writers. A large number of persons
sadly mistake poetical appreciation for poeti-
cal inspiration, and the annual issue of little
Thin volumes of thin verses by misguided
aspirants for poetical honors is anything but
gratifying to lovers of the divine art The
i'll effect of SO many weak performances in
verse is felt most severely by writer's of real
merit, who have to conquer prejudice that
ought not to exist. A new book of poetry is
now an object of suspicion, and higher
standard of excellence is demanded than is
strictly just. We make these remarks because
the volume before us, without indicating any
Z decided genius on the part of the author, is
evenly good from beginning to end when
tested by not too exalted standard, and
most of the poems are distinguished by deli
cacy and fine feeling. The influence of Ten
nyson, Longfellow, and other poetical writer's
of the day is plainly apparent, and through
out the book there are frequent but appa-
rently unconscious limitations. We do not
say this in the way of disparagement, as it is
scarcely possible for writer of verses unless
endowed with very decided genius, to escape
from the influence of the most popular works
of contemporary poetical literature. Many
of the poems in this modestly entitled
''Wreath of Rhymes" are of religious char
acter, and they are nearly all pervaded by a
tone of sadness that many readers will not
find disagreeable. Without being .distin-
guished by any very marked characteristics,
these verses are much above the average,
and there is q large class of readers who will
be better pleased with them than with more
ambitious performances.
ID. Ashmead sends us several of his new
publications:
A holiday edition of Kebles christian
Year" is very elegant and tasteful reprint
of series of poems that have well-deserved
popularity. Keble was a High Churchman,
and the theology of his poetry makes it more
acceptable to strict Episcopaliaus than to
most other readers. True Christianity, as
well as true poetry, however, is superior to
denominations and sects, and ''The Christian
Year" is a work that is steadily winning its
way on its own merits to the regards of
multitude of readers who differ widely from
the author on many points of doctrine and
discipline. Some of Kebles poems are un-
surpassed for delicacy, grace, and religious
fervor, and the whole work is one that we'll
deserves to be received into every household,
no matter what the religious opinions of the
L. 81. &C. ii
pages, and it is Fea ana TO sne
bound.
''Tom Harding and His Friends" is the
fourth volume of the ''Sunny Hour" series
by Nellie Eyster. The same characters as in
the former books of the series are introduced,
but the story is complete in itself.
'Nutcracker and Sugardolly" is a reprint
of a very pleasant little story for young chill
dren that was quite popular few years ago
''Household Receipts" by A. L. o. NJ,
comprise two hundred and seventy-four re-
ceipts for cooking, preserving picking, etc
This is cheap and convenient little hand
book for housekeepers who desire tolearn the
art of cooking troublesome dishes
Turner Brothers & Co. send us "The So
prano, musical story, by Jane Kingsford
Published by Loring This is well-writter
and interesting novel, something out of thu
usual vein.
The same house sends us Our Boys ant
Girls Magazine for November 10.
From Claxton, Remsen q Haffelfnger w
have received "Wrecked in PORT" ney
novel of English life, by Edmund Yates
Published by Harper Brothers.
The Presbyterian Publication Committe
send us ''Four Little Christmas Stockings;
''The Brick Court, and "Olden's Mission,
three religious stories for children.
-''The Early Conversion of Children"
the title of of tract by Rev. George Z
Boardman, d. d. Issued by the America
Baptist Publication Society, No. $50 Arc
street..
-GOdey's Lady'S Book for December ha
two steel engravings, one entitled ''Nameles
and Friendless" and the other christmas,
being a collection of vignettes appropriate
the season. A double-page colored fashion
plate is given, with variety of other illustr
tions. The stories, sketches, and poetry, I
less than the household receipts for temptin
eatables remind us that the holiday season
at hand.
Foreign Literary Items.