The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-06-29
LITERATURE.
VIEW OF NEW BOOKS


The recent death of w. Gilmore Simms
has excited fresh interest in his writings,
and his publisher, w. J. Middleton, has ac-
cordingy commenced the issue of a new
edition of his novels, the first of which, ''The
Partisan" we have received through J. B.
Lippincott g. Co. This is an exciting story
of Revolutionary times, and, Independently
of its merits as a work of fiction, it is worthy
of notice as spirited and accurate account
of the bold deeds of Marion and his men in
the swamps of South Carolina. 1t had an
immense popularity with former generation
of readers, and unless tastes have sadly
changed, it is likely to be equally well appre-
ciated at the present day 1.-THE Partisan"
will be followed by ''Mellichampe" and
''Katharine Walton, its immediate sequels,
and then by' ''The Scout, ''Woodcraft,"
t'The Foragers," and 'Eutaw, which cover
the whole Revolutionary period. These
works will be published in paper at 75 cents,
or neatly bound in cloth, library style, at
$175.
Porter Coates send us ''The Lady of
the Ice, by James de Mile. Published by
d. Appleton & Co. This story, which attracted
much attention while being published serially
Y in Applet0ns Journal, is the liveliest, bright
est, and most amusing specimen of novel
writing that has been put before the public
for many a day. Those who enjoyed the
i record of the doings of ''the Dodge Club
Il Abroad, by the same writer, will not require
specific statement of the peculiarly attrac-
u tive qualities of Mr.. De Miles STYLE and if
s'The Lady of the Ice" lacks something of the
dignity of manner that apparently belongs to a
full l-grown novel, it more than compensates
for any artistic deficiencies by the lively and
rollicking spirit in which it is written. "The
Lady of the Ice" reminds us of Levers
early works more than of any others we can
remember; and those who are seeking for
something refreshing to beguile the hours
upon hot day, will scarcely find any plea
santer reading than this very original and
very entertaining story.
Porter & Coates also send us ''Vivian
Gray" the sixth volume of Appletons cheap
edition of Disraelis early writings.
-''The Modern Job, by H. Peterson, pub
lished by H. Peterson & Co., is a poem in
which modern application is given to the
lmoral of the story of the ancient job This
1involves a discussion of the various phases of
religious belief, and the idea appears to be
to show that all forms of religion are infu-
enced by the Divine Spirit and are entitled
to charitable judgment. Christian charity,
in its largest sense, is indeed the theme of
the poem, although, in sketching some of his
characters, particularly his clergymen, the
author apparently does not reach his own
standard of perfection in this respect The
book, however, deals with the great problems
of good and evil and the eternal destiny of
mankind in a manner to command attention,
and thoughtful readers will find much in it
worthy of consideration.
MIR. Peterson's blank verse is fluent aud
easy, and scme passages are strong and sono-
rous. AS poem, however, the work is not
above mediocrity, and it is a question worthy
of consideration whether an author who is
apparently able to write good prose would not
do better to express his ideas on such themes as
are brought forward in '"The Modern Job" in
prose, rather than to attempt poem without
being sure that he can command the divine
aflatus.
e. H. Butler & Co. send us Exercises
for Translation into Latin" by William
Bingham, A. NJ. These exercises are in
tended to accompany ''Binghams Latin
Grammar, and they are well adapted for the
gradual initiation of pupils into the beauties
and difficulties of the Latin tongue.
The Transatlantic having been changed
from weekly to monthly, the July number
comes to us as full-hedged magazine. 1t is
made up of excellent selections from the best
foreign periodicals, special pains being taken
No fill its columns with good, short stories,
such as most readers will appreciate, during
the hot weather at least.
II. B. Peterson & Brothers and Turner
& Co. each send us Haaper's Magazine for
July
From j. L. Capen we have received the
July number of The PhrenOlOgIcag Journal
and Packard'S Monthly, which contain va
eiety of important information about matters
connected with the science of bumpology,
and interesting sketches and stories for gene
tal readers.
The July number of Good Health offers
to those who wish to preserve their health a
number of excellent hints as to how it may
oe done.
From the Central News Company we
have received the latest numbers of Punch
and Fan.
Massachusetts has no law regulating the
Transportation of nitro-glycerine, and the
United States law applies only where the dan
gerous material is transported from one State
10 another Congress having constitutional