The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-03-08

REVIEW or VIEW BOoKs

From Claxton, Remsen q Hafel6nger |
we have received 'Sketches of Creation" by |
Alexander Winchell, Ill. d. Published by
Harper x Brothers. This is the best popular
work on geology that has ever come under
our notice, and il is admirably adapted for
the purpose of O school textbook, as well as
for the perusal of those who wish to gain
general but accurate knowledge of the forma-
ton, development, and the ultimate destiny
of the world we inhabit. Professor Winchell
is O master of his subject, and his work
is written with an enthusiasm that
carries the reader along with him with
unabated interest as he traces clearly and
with scientific precision the story of creation
as it is written on the rocks. The author
contends earnestly that religion and science
are not and cannot be at variance. In his
preface he says, ''The elucidaton of the great
problems Of philosopic or speculative
theology is, indeed, the highest function of
science. All our learning would in reality
be but vanity, which it it is sometimes
represented with being, if it could reflect no
light upon the origin, the nature, the duty,
and the destiny of man. 1t is not for its
facts, but for the significance of its facts,
that science is valuable. To accumulate data
is good, but to interpret them is the noblest
prerogative of thinking being. Science
interpreted is theology. Science pro-
secuted to its conclusions leads
to God" There has been no formal attempt
made to set forth the relations Of science to
the system of Christian faith, but the words
above quoted will indicate the spirit in which
the work is written, and will secure for it the
regards of those who are repelled by the
speculations of many geologists. The illus
trations are numerous and good, and they
serve in very perfect manner to elucidate
the text. We heartily commend this work to
all who are interested in the mysteries of
creation or who desire to give their children
sound scientific instruction.
The same house sends us '"The Unknd
Word and other Stories," by the author of
'tJohn Halifax, also published by Harper &
Brothers. This is a series of short stories by
one of the most deservedly popular female
writers of the day, and they are we'll worthy
of the perusal of those who admire pure and
elevated fiction. Miss Mulock is a delightful
story-teller, and the most pleasing character
istics of her style are shown in an eminent
degree in these brief sketches, which many
readers will admire even more than her more
elaborate works.
From Porter & Coates we have received
f'Widow Goldsmith's Daughter" by Julie P.
Smith. Published by, Hartford & Gross
This story has very much the appearance of 6
first attempt; but if SO, it is the first attempt
of writer of real talent. 1t is crude and i'll
digested in some particulars, but it is written
in a lively, animated style that will make it
very attractive to a large circle of readers.
Considerable skill in character drawing is
shown, and there are some excellent descrip-
tions of scenery and some bits of sharp criti-
cism that give piquancy to the story and
make it very entertaining reading.
From E. II. Butler & Co. we have re-
ceived the following of Lee & Shepard's pub
lications =" The Tone Master" by tn,
author of ''The Soprano" gives sketches o
Mozart and Mendelssohn in the form of
story. The work is intended for the enter
tainment and instruction of young people o
musical tastes, and it gives the leading event
in the lives of the great composers, a de-
scription of their best works, the circum
stances under which they were written, ant
ANALYSES of their construction and peculia
excellencies.
Catalogues from Dickens" arranged b.
w. Eliot Fette, A. M, is collection G
scenes from the works of Charles Dickens
arranged as dialogues suitable for school e1
ercises and exhibitions. An index to tn
characters and costumes is given, and ais
plain and understandable stage directions
which will be of material assistance to thos
who perform the dialogues.
''Brake Up" by Oliver Optic, is the fifth {
fsThe Lake Shore Series, in which is intr
duced the same characters as appeared in tt
previous volumes This story, however,
complete in itself, although it will be mo-
interesting to read it in connection with I'll
others of the series.
j. B. Lippincott & Co. send us the Marc
numbers of Good Words, Good Words fl
the Young, and the Sunday Magazine The
periodicals occupy fields of their own, al
they do not come into competition with al
of the magazines of the day. The Sundc
MGgazt1ae is, as its name indicates, a religio
publication, and some of the most emine
clergymen and theological writer's of the d
contribute to its pages. 1t is conducted wi
an evident desire to provide for Sunday rea
ing something that will be suitable for t
day and at the same time free from the du
ness that makes so many pious stories a
essays unattractive to the majority of tho
whom IL is most important to interest