The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-06
LITERATURE.
Reviews OF NeMr Boots.

Reviews OF New BOOKS
NOVELS OF GEoRGE ELIOT. Vo, -. IAe MIL on
the Floss,p with Illustrations. NJ" iQfS. Harper
Il Brothers.
Few days ago we expressed pleasure at the pub
icG,ion OF n cemplete ana uniform edition o. George
Eliots novels BY the MeEsrs. Harper. We have
since received tbs second volume, comprising "fhs
NIL On the Floss " which Is, OF course In prns ana
binding, fac-simile or the other Not TO have read
the works OF this aushoess 70 10 have missed great
literary treat Her style is unlike that OF any Other
woman writer that we kcow Of There Is q nasoa-
Unity Ia her conceptions when impart vigorous
the most perfect form. IIef men speak and act a.
sueh and not as women would II thSv were men.
Her dellneation OF the PASSIONS IS certainly uEsnr-
passed by any writer Of dctlo2 OF ths present day
Fresh and original In her conceptions, borrowing
nothing from the past without Improving upon IL.
elevated aud pure In her Tone George Eliot Is at
once the most artistic and tho most Interesting OF
English female novel writer's Ne trust therefore,
that the present edition OF her works vii, have q
large circulation.
RUBY GRAY's STRATEGY. BY Mrs. Ann Q. Ste
pnens Phnadelpha I. B. Peterson d Brothers.
five are to accept the judgment ofthe puolishsrs'
Advertisements this Is only the best ever
written by Mrs. Stephens but it la also remarkably
brilliant work. We regret that we cannot subscribe
to this opinion, so far as brilaneY 10 concerned,
although, not having read many OF Mrs. Stephens
works, we snail not deny that this is her best. Tls
novel seems to us very ordinary story, not badly
told, by any means but hardly worthy OF many
auIectlves expressive OF admiration. Ruby Cray, the
principal character Is well drawn but Moretou,
Charles Gray ana Zua Wheaton weak. The
ds1.0ueTneta Is wretcned. The indian servants
Jealousy was evidently an alterlhought Tor the pur
pose OF getting rid of Ruby. The narrative Ia inter-
esting enough to read, but that Is ALL 1t Is not with
any Keeling or pleasure that we lind ourselves unable
10 praise thus work. At all times do we prefer to
acknowledge merit where merit exists. Mrs. Ste
phens has obtained very extensive reputation as
an authoress and unfortunately. she Is not the only
one whose reputation exceeds the merits OF their
productions There Is not In the United states to-day
woman capable OF writing great romantic story;
there are NOT more than two in Europe. TO the
thousands that read such books as s'Ruby Grays
strategy" IL Is almost folly FOR US TO speak. No
amount OF remonstrance Will prevent the perusal OF
works Which are just 80 many words put togetner
In chapters, and paragraphs and sentences, and
light, and as innocent of the constructive skill
OF the artist the New YORK Academy OF Music.
"Ruby Gray's Strategy" Is more than the
generality or such storles aud 1t IL better. No
doubt 1t viii be widely read Heaven knows 1t has
been punfed enough already by the so called critics
OF the press, but people must read II WITHOUT our
recommendation
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF CLsRMoNr, on LIv-
son. Published for and III the hands only OF SUI
scrbers Clermont, n. T.: 1859.
We have here quite interesting sketch OF che
Livingston family OF this State, as well as a history
OF their family house before and during the war foe
independence In connection with the account Of
Chancellor Livngstons career is sketch OF the hrsr
steam navigation OF the Hudson by the boat OF
Fulton, who was. 1t Will be remembered, In partner.
ship with the Chancellor. The "reminiscences ara
though familiar, lose nothing by repetition. Mr..
GARRISON the author, Is descendant OF the Living
stons ana mas bestowed much time and care In tne
production OF this book. The mechanical execution
good.