The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-03-15

REVIE or VIEW ROOFS.

lulS Is u WOIK ABOUT WHICH, we
should like to hear some more definite and
authentic information than is contained in a
very non-committal preface by DIR. Shelton
Mackenzie and the statement of the publish
ers that they purchased the advance preof-
sheets from Thomas @. Newly at an expense
Of two hundred pounds sterling. II processes
TO be the autobiography of the son of the
celebrated Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, and
it is written in such an extravagant vein, and
is filed with such extraordinary statements,
that it is difficult to regard it otherwise than
as fiction. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu
and her husband were doubtless quite as
odious as they are described to have been in
this book, but it is difficult to imagine a son
writing about his father and mother in the
strain that the author of this ''autobiogra-
ply" does, and we have a right to hesi-
tate about accepting it as a true history
unless some moro positive information is
given with regard to the author than is con-
tanned in the narrative. Assuming the work
to be, however, what it processes it is enter
tanning but in many places not very nice
reading. Mr.. Montagu abuses all his rela-
tives, including his father and mother, in
anything but choice terms, and his descrip-
tions of the celebrated men and women of the
early days of the reign of George are not
calculated to raise them in the estimation of
posterity. According to his own account he
was most cruelty ill-used by his parents, and
he takes his revenge by exposing all their
weaknesses and bad qualities of mind and
heart with malicious pleasure that indicates
that he inherited from them a nature that
combined most of their evils of disposition.
The book is an amusing one in some respects,
Notwithstanding the apocryphal appearance of
some of its passages-such as the account of
the interview between Lady Mary and
Pope when she rejected his love
addresses, and which the son pro-
fesses to have witnessed from behind q
screen. 1t is known that such an interview
took place, and that the conduct of the lady
on the occasion was the cause of the subse-
quent enmity of the poet; but in this in
stance, as in many others, the writer appears
to have built very large superstructure of
fiction on very small basis of fact. If this
autobiography can be proved to be authentic,
it will of course have a positive value apart
from its literary style and the extravaganza of
some of its narrations; but it ought to have
some responsible certifcation before it can be
accepted as genuine.
The same house sends us THE Transatlantic
for March 90 and AppJeton's Journal and
Ecery Saturday for March 10th.
From Il. B. Peterson & Brothers we
have received "Hans Bretmanns 5 Ballads, b,
Charles G. Leland. This handsome volum,
of 1853 pages contains all the Breitmaun bal
lads, and Mr.. Leland's other effusions in th'
same vein. These poems have attained al
extraordinary popularity, both in this coun
try and in Europe, so much so indeed that il
England alecturer has been discoursing befor
one of the learned societies on the Breitmanl
dialect. We presume that the series ma.
be considered as complete, and that th
admirers of the festive, philosophic, warlike
and religious Dutchman may purchase thi
volume with the assurance that they will fint
therein the whole career of Breitman
rounded off so that no future additions vii
be needed. The work is beautifully printe
on thick, toned paper, and is bound in hand
some style.
From Claxton, Remsen & Haffelfnge
we have received the following new novel
published by Harper & Brothers.
$50 Runs the World Away, by Mrs. A.
Steele, is an interesting society novel,
which the various phases of English life al
described with much ability.
ssUnder Foot" by Alton Clyde, is a vel
written story, in which the plot is worked OF
with much skill and the characters are draw
with firm, decided touch that brings the
prominently before the reader The story
illustrated by number of excellent drawing
by Lawton.
From Claxton, Remsen & Haffelinger, al
also from Porter & Coates, we have receive
a ''Guide to Williams & Paskards System
Penmanship for Teachers and Adopts" pu|
lished by Slote Woodman q Co., New Yor
This work gives a complete exposition of Il
Williams & Packard system, with all nece
sary directions for the learner, and an analyz
of all the letters. Beautifully engraved e
amples conduct the learner from the fiji
elements to the most elaborate penmanshi
The work is gotten up in handsome style, al
it will be found useful by all who wish
acquire graceful and elegant method of pc
manship.
The Presbyterian Publication Commit
send us ''Half- Way" by MargaretzStarr, a
''Helen's Lesson, by E. @. IT,; couple of ]
ligious stories for children, suitable for Su
day School Libraries.
Peter E. Abel sends us from his htera
curiosity shop, No. 131 S. Seventh street, t
drama of Run Bias, translated from