The New York herald., 1870-12-10
LITERATURE.



Criticisms Of New Books.
TENT LIFE IN SIBERIA, and Adventures Among the
Koraks and Other Tribes In Kamtchatka and
Northern Asia. by George Kennan. New YORK:
@. y. Putnam b Sons.
In 1855 an attempt to connect Europe with
America by telegraph lines running across the Con-
tlnent through Behrng Straits to Siberia and
thence TO st. Petersburg. was begun. and ended only
IN 1867 when the successful laying OF the Atlantic
cable rendered the overland line unnecessary. The
work OF and surveying carried on by able
engineers through bleak and almost desert country,
OF which knew but little, naturally gave TO the
explorers and surveyors . chance TO acquaint the
world with the places they visited. Messrs. Whym.
fer and Dali have already published works descrip-
tive OF British Columbia and Alaska, and which we
have noticed. Mr.. Kennan now adds to the ltc-
nature OF the telegraph expedition one Of the
best works on Northeastern Siberia we have
read. The book II not as scientific as that OF Mr..
Dali, but IL gives complete picture OF the
country It's climate, scenery, general features and
the manners and customs OF It's Inhabitants. To
use the language OF the preface, 'it Is essentially
personal narrative OF life In Siberia and X am
tchatka" Atwo years. residence in this wilderness
OF snow AFFORDED Mr.. Kennan opportunities which
ne fully availed himself Of After two months
dreary voyage from San Francisco he landed at
Petropauloyski, In Kamtchatka. in August, where
he was agreeably surprised at the sight OF forestz
and clover nelds From this point began his adven-
lures, which we cannot follow. They were how
ever, most exciting. Mr.. Kennon and his compan-
ions were lionized wherever they went. The people
he found TO be simple, kind-hearted and hospitabe,
though very ignorant A telescope was the wonder
Of the village OF Anadyrsk. at which place ball
was given In honor OF the distinguished Ameri-
cans" which surpassed anything Of tho kind
met with In their experience. Somehow fash
ions magazine had strayed to Anadyrsk and
Mr.. Kennan was asked what the plates represented.
Upon his replying that they were American won EN-
the Korak asked, "Arc all the women In your
country as big as that at the bottomsn But even
this incident was surpassed. He saw in the hut OF
Christtanized native engraved portrait OF Major
General Dix 'posted up In corner OF the room ana
worshipped as Russian saint. gilded candle
was burning before his smoky features, and every
night and morning dozen natives said their
prayers to major general In the United States
Army Numerous other incidents OF humorous
kind are narrated, and these together with the gra
phic and animated description Of the country and
people and Of the adventures OF the expedition,
combine to make the book, as we have said above
already, unsurpassed In interest by any work OF the
kind that we have read.
TREATISE on THE VALIDITY OF VERBAL ARGUE.
AbNio, oN. ny moutSoHely Al. lHTuOp. DOssy
Co., New York.
This work Is TO consist Of two volumes. The first
volume only is before us. The second volume we
believe, Is to be published early in January, 1871.
The nrst volume contains the original statute OF
Frauds the notifications introduced In the different
States OF the Union, and general commentary
which extends as far as the third article OF the
statute. So far as the work has advanced we feel
justined In saying that no lawyers library VIII be
complete without 1t.
MODERN WOMEN AND WHAT IL SAID OF THEM
Second Series. J. 5. Redheld, New York.
This second series OF articles reprinted from the
Saturday Reutec, fs quite equal 10 the first which
commanded at the time SO much attention. As q
comprehensive study OF the female character from
semtserious semlc0mic point of view these arti.
cles are possessed of considerable value. Mr. Red
field is entitled to the thanks OF the American public
for o volume which In SO readable, SO handy and
got up with go much TASTE
On THE USE or WINE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE, By
Francis II. Anstle NJ. ID. Redneld.
DR.. Anstie, who IS editor OF the London Pyoc
tttone, does In this little work discourse most in
structively on the Of wines. The Doctor goes
thoroughly into the discussion points OUT the pro
peres OF the different Wines laying down rules for
using them IN health and Sickness Every man not
teetotaller should procure this book aud master
its contents.