The New York herald., 1870-05-31
LITERATURE.
Criticisms Of New Books.

CrfttcieuiS OI Now bOORns
AN ESSAY IN AID or THB GRAMMAR or ASSENT.
~ John Henry Newman, d. ID. New York Tho
CathOiic Publication Society.
This IL something more than an essay. It is q
philosophical treatise, ana in many respects ex-
haustve OF the subject DR. Newman holds that
tnere are three modes OF entertaining proposi-
CORRESPONDING them, inferring them and asserting
10 them. In the case OF revealed religion man il
either sceptc; or philosopher, thinking 1t moro
or less probable considered as conclusion OF
reason; or he unhesitatingly believes. Should he
dsbelieve or dissent he Il merely asserting TO the
contradictory OF the thesis-vz., that there Is no
Revelation. Thus we have all belief resolved into
assent which the author divides Into notlonal and
real. That assent which IL notional Ia a belief in
propositions winch express distractions and which
DR.. Newman considers under five heads which he
calls Profession, Credencc, Opinion, Presumption
and Speculation. The argument here isvery able and
logical-much abler, In fact. and moro satisfactory.
paradoxica as 1t may seem, than his theories OF ana
arguments on real assent, which follow In order. IN
notional assent, writes the author the mind con-
templates ITS own creations instead OF things; IN
real 1t Is directed towards things represented by
Impressions which they nave left on the imagina-
ton. In other words notiona assent Is but tho
acquiescence to imaginary propositions while real
assent Is belief founded on substantial existing mat
ter. Where there Is no real assent the mind ls u
prey TO impulses, fances and wandering lights
whether as regards personal conduct, social and
consequently unconditional assent-rea, OF course.
Not all religious belief for Or. Newman's argument
Il one for Christianity represented by the Catholic
Church. Undoubtedly this bias In favor Of single
religious system and OF one form or such system,
rather detracts from the force OF his work; but tho
foundation or his argument-or. we may say, ex-
position OF the "grammar OF assent''-is one which
all can stand upon. Wherever he is purely phllo-
sophical his doctrines VIII be accepted by all who
entertain settled belief, not only In religion but In
numerous other things. But whether regarded for
Its philosophy or theology, the work will doubtless
be warmly welcomed in this country, as it has been
In England. II Il really a valuable production,
something worthy OF Dr. Newman and OF his reputa-
tion.
BEFORE THE FooTLIGHrs AND BEHIND THE scENHs--
Book About the ''Show Business &c. by Olivo
Logan.
This is wonderful book. It is all the title page
says It is IL tells all we wish to know about the
show world, 'from puppet shows to grand operas,
from mountebanks TO menageries, from learned pigs
to lecturers, from buresque blondes to actors and
actresses.n Olive Logan knows well the world sho
describes In II she has truly lived, and moved, and
had her being The book. In consequence, IL fun OF
life pictures. |. is q veritabe cyclopada, and may
be consulted with some profit on all subjects that re-
late to plays and paygoers. Open 1t where you may,
you find something readable, interesting, instruc-
| tive. 1t Is a book which thousands OF thousands
will buy, and which ought TO put into the pocket OF
It's author many thousands of dollars In this work
| Miss Logan has made bigger hit than she ever
made upon the stage.
Among the works recently published, 'AskarOs
Kasss, the Copt" Philadelphia: J. b. Lppincott Il
Co.., IL one OF the most interesting we have read.
1t IS written by Edwin De Leon, late United States
Consul for Egypt and gentleman well known In
literary circles. The scene OF the story is OF
laid In Egypt and the plot Is skilful and exciting.
Mr. DE Leon's knowledge Of Eastern manners and
customs naturally enabled him to draw his charac-
| tiers with fidelity. We commend the book to the
public. IL Is Just such one Will while away the
time pleasantly these present sutry anu coming hot
days.
l
Hardly so good as we might have expected from the
author OF 'Joln Halifax Gentleman" but still pleas
| ant and readable, Is "a Brave Lady" (New York:
| Harper & Brothers) 1t Is story of womans suffer
| ings and woman's fortiude through many weary
years; OF misforunes, such as seldom occur In real
! hie bravey borne, and finally OF death at an old
age. The story Is well written, but II Is unnatural
and the characters are all somDre that one Is op
pressed by perusal oil the book.
| THE YoUgG wIFE's Cook BOOK Is just such a work
| as we can praise and advise our lady readers to
purchase 1t contains nearly eight hundred receipts
| for making everything that can possibly be named
| In connection with the household One is almost be-
| wdered by the array of dishes LAID before him I'm
these pages IL Is really impossible TO tire OF food
when II can be cooked in so many ways and forms.
The book is published by Peterson Brothers, Ol
Philadelphia, ana seems to be In every respect trust
worthy.
THE MEN WHO ADVERTISE Is the title OF large
book published by George p. Rowell q Co., OF this
city, 1t contains numerous biographical sketches OF
prominent men Of wealth known TO the public as ex-
tensve advertisers. together with hints on the
| method OF advertising. The book also contains a
| directory Of all the newspapers published In the
| United states, which will be found OF value TO
| advertisers.
very pleasant little tale IL that OF "The Two
Sisters" written by Lady Herbert Boston: Patrick
DonahoeD. The story Is not an original conception,
| being borrowed from several Others and which fact
is mentioned; but II serves its object In explaining
the origin and purpose Of the 'Good Shepherd,n q
| Catholic religious institution.