The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-05-04
LTTERATURH.
RE VIEW OF VIEW B00KS.

a
TURE, AND BR1T1sH AND AMERICAN AUTHORS,
etc., by s. Austin Allibone. Vol. ii. Pub
ished by j. b. Lippincott.
The publication of the first volume of Mr..
Allibones Dictionary of Authors created
decided sensation. The research that it dis
played, and the thoroughness with which the
grand plan of the work was carried out, were
alike subjects for congratulaton and surprise.
1t was recognized not only as remarkable ex-
hibition of photographed knowledge and
well-directed industry, but as a perfectly
unique contribution to the auxiliary literature
of the day. The fault of the work was rather
on the side of too great completeness than
on that of falling short of what it promised,
and some critics objected that large amount
of space was taken up with the names of
writers of unimportant pamphlets and long
forgotten works who might as well have been
allowed to rest unrecorded Those who have
frequent occasion to refer to such q compila-
tion will be slow to admit that it can possibly
be too thorough. In most cyclopedias it is
just the out-of-the-way subjects neglected by
the editors that are most frequently searched
for, and it is because Mr.. Allibone has ex-
plored with truly remarkable fidelity all the
highly appreciated by those who are best able
to understand its real value.
The time that has elapsed since the publ
cation of the first volume made many fear
that the elaborate character of the work
would prevent it's ever reaohing n conclusion,
and the issue of this second volume will
therefore be qualification to all who have
taken an interest in the enterprise, and the
conclusion will be hopefully and anxiousy
looked for. The second volume extends from
title 'tFrancis Komer" to title "W. I. L.
Szgoma, and from page 1O06 to page 1926.
1t is of course impossible for us to give an
adequate description of the contents of such
a volume, and it is enough to say that it fully
carries out all the promises of its predecessor,
and it will be scarcely possible for the most
industrious searcher for knowledge to find
the omission of the name of any writer or
publication in the English language up to
the date of compilation. This volume is
dedicated to the publisher, Joshua B. Lippin-
colt, whose enterprise has enabled it to be
given to the world.
From Claxton, Remsen & Hatfel6nger we
have received ''Talks to my Patients, by
Mrs. r. B. Gleason, M. D. This is series
of hints on medical subjects for women from
hydropathic point of view. Mrs. Gleason is
the head of the Elmira Water Cure Establish
msnt, and in this work she has endeavored to
combine the substance of her "Parlor Talks"
to her patients. A number of valuable hints
are given, and the work can scarcely fail to
be of use if its ideas are carried out according
10 the suggestions Of the author.
The same house sends us ''The Poetical
Works of David Bates" edited by his son,
Stockton Bates. The author of these poems
died in January last, and the publication of a
complete edition of his writings in verse,
under the editorship of his son, is an act of
flial piety that to great extent disarms criti-
cism. Mr.. Bates was a man of poetical feel
ings rather than poet; and although there
are many graceful verses in this volume,
there are few that have the genuine ring of
poetry to them. Several, however, have
gained considerable popularity on both sides
of the Atlantic, and they are all of eharac-
ter to please that large class of readers who
delight in the elegant eommonplaces of what
is popularly known as magazine poetry. We
candidly think that it would have been better
to have let these verses remain in the corners
of the newspapers and in the magazines to
which they were originally contributed, with
out dragging them before cold and critical
world. But it is possible that the poems
may find admirers, for the tastes of readers of
poetrv are exceedingly various, and much
worse performances than these have passed
through edition after edition. The book is
handsomely printed on toned paper, and is
bound in neat and attractive style.
From Turner & Co. we have received
'Tn Spain and Visit to Portugal" by Hans
Christian Andersen. Published by Hurd &
Houghton. This is the fourth volume of th,
uniform edition Of Andersen's works now il
course of publication by Hurd & Heughton
by a special arrangement with the author
After his short stories for children Han
Christian Andersen has written nothing NOR
delightful than his records of travel. Hi
'Improvisatore" is one of the most exquisite
descriptions of Italy ever given, and in thi
book he relates his impressions of Spain an
Portugal with all the enthusiasm of poe
and all the keenness of vision that charactt
rizes a genuine artist. No one familiar wit
the authors style will need any special re
commendation for such work as this, an
we can bestow upon it no higher praise tina
to say that it is very delightful reading.