The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-30
LITERATURE.
Reviews Of New Books.

~~~~>~~~>~~~~~~~~~-~~~>~
Reviews Of New Books.
HISTORY OF ENGLAND FROM THE FAIL OF WoLsEY
TO THE DEATH OF ELIZABETH. BY James Anthony
Froude, NJ. A. Volumes ! and ii. New York:
Charles Scribner Co.
IL Is unnecessary. at this time, to enter upon
extended review OF this history It's merits and de-
merits have already been extensively canvassed.
With numerous others we not convinced that with
all the evidence produced Mr.. Froude has succeeded
In proving Henry VIII. to have been q helpless
victim OF circumstances. h Is however undenia-
bic that his work is OF immense value a contribu
non TO historical literature and should be read by
all students OF history The research OF the author
was extensive and resulted iii the production OF the
one OF the most interesting works has been our good
fortune to read The present edition Is popular
one, the pricc being remarkably low, placing It
within the reach Of those who are unable
to purchase the Library Edition.n The mechanical
execution Is admirable. The paper is good the type
Is large and clear and Will be easily read by the
weakest Of eyes, and the binding though plain, is
neat ard seryiceabie. Altogether these two volumes
are deserving or the highest praise. The work viii
be completed in twelve volumes, twoof which Will
appear monthly until all are published.
FROM THE CRIB TO THE Cross. A Life OF Christ in
Words Of One SYLLABLE BY Mrs. Edward Ashley
Walker. New York: George A. Leavitt.
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS FROM THIS WORLD TO
That Winch Is 10 CONE. BY John Bunyan. In
Words OF One Syllable BY Mrs. Edward Ashley
Walker. New York. George A. Leayitt.
presents to children. They are handsomely printed
and bound and in point Of appearance are all that
could be desired Mrs. Walker, too, has, on the
whole performed her work in an emnently satisfac
tory manner The subjects, as Will be perceived,
pious ones IL is a matter OF doubt In our mind
however, whether children small as to be unable
TO understand lat least readily words larger than
those OF one syllable. will be able to read patiently
through 800 pages t3l8 and 1851 OF matter,
where the type Is large, as IL the case here How
tain that Ihey mnst be- pnrchases IN No ineons,der
able numbers, and as those before us are in every
way possessed Of merit, we can recommend them.
HISTORY OF JOSEPH BoNAPARrE, KING OF NAPLES
AND OF ITALY. by John ). Z. Abbott New York:
Harper Brothers,
We believe Mr.. Abbott absolutely incapable OF
writing any other subjects than those connected
with the French Revolution OF 1889. His mission on
earth seems to be to aud the Bonaparte family, and
OF all the works OF fiction which The dazzling fame
Napoleon has given birth to his are by lar the most
amusing In the romantic history before us, for we
really cannot term 1t anything else, Mr.. Abbott
excels himself. 1t had always been idea that
Joseph Bonaparte was man Of respectable talents
man OF amiabe temper and good personal quail
ties-one, in fact who did adorn society, but man
utterly lacking in the qualities OF great ruler. At
the very moment when his capacity to govern was
most tested he was found most wanting. HIS bung-
ling management OF affairs IN SPAN not only
enabled the English to overrun the country,
but actually resulted IN the invasion OF
France by way Of Spain. However, MIR. Abbott
upsets all these notions In short order lie
proves TO his satisfaction at least that Joseph
Bonaparte was great man. We cannot agree with
him. He was man OF good intentionsv ana moth.
Ing more. He lacked hrmness and decision OF char
acter. In Naples his lrresolution precipitated a
rebellion; In Spain his blindy weak policy gave the
Kingdom TO Great Britain The loss OF the battle OF
Vltlorla was due to hts numbering. Indeed no
careful student OF the Peninsula war can avoid the
conclusion that Joseph Bonaparte was the cause of
It's disastrous termination to the French. We shall
not go INTO any further review Of this book. In all
that Mr.. Abbott says regarding the personal quail
ties OF Joseph we heartily agree. In times OF peace
he would have ranked higher than Rouher, but in
the midst OF great conflict he was entirely out OF
place HI a leader. And, by the way, what does Mr..
Abbot mean by styling Joseph Bonaparte the title
page "kIng OF Naples and OF Italyr When was he
the ruler OF any other part of italy than Naples
Even that Kingdom was ruled by HIM only two years
lsod-'s; whereas he was King Of spain for nearly
this may appear, 1t il SUFFICIENT TO snow how
carelessly the author has written the book Doubt
the standing and popularity OF the publishers viii be
the causes OF such circuaton-certainly not any
merit IN the book.
MILITARY RECORD OF CIVILIAN APPOINTMENTS IN
TIE UNITED STATES ARMY. BY Gay V. Henry.
Volume !. Carleton, publisher.
In preparing this book Colonel Henry has per
formed much needed work, which VIII taSe ITS
place with General Cunum's Typographical Register
OF the Onicers and Graduates OF West Point"
In BRIEF comprehensive form we are given the
military records OF those of1cers VINO were either
appointed direct from civil life or were promoted
from the ran KS Many OF these were distinguished
during the late war for gallant and merltorlous con-
duct on the battlefield, out except IN the Dry pages
OF the onicia Army Register their names were
hitherto TO he found In any records Here their
services 10 the country recorded 10 a. TO make
their perpetuatlon. The WORK h a most praise
worthy one, ana we trust that Colonel Henry VIII
receive sufficient ENCOURAGEMENT To enable him
70 continue y IN succeeding volumes until the record
OF every civilian olficer Is given. Carleton has pHD.
lished the book ia excellent style The paper print
ing and binding are aii admirable.
DAVE NATURE AND HER THREE DAUGHTERS. ia
Mere Gigognc ct SEES Tros fiiles) grandpapa's
tas and stories about natural history, and things
OF daily use. Translated from the French OF A. b.
salntlne. New York: Hurd h Hougbton.
Ths y charming book written In the lively,
Sivaclous style peculiar TO the French, who excel In
the method OF impartng the most valuable fnforma-
ton In the most agreeable form. We do not think
that . mother and father could spend an evening
more PLEASANTLY At any other occupation than BY
taxing tins little book and reading II to their chill
aIen VINO coud not lall to feel interested In the SUD
Jecu treated Oh instruction IL impaired Ia 80 lively
manner ana mere IL such happiness In the dcscrip-
lions, tnat we can wen Imagine group OF children
paving the most profound attention 10 the unravelDg
OF subects which had previously been untnoughtof
mysteIies. There 10 hardly anything In natural his
tory which - not here fully discussed. The book 10
worn recommending TO all parents.