The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1870-02-23


A number Of essays and papers BY Lreu Husr,
that have not hitherto been collected have been
brought together 10 nsat volume entitled Daytv
ne Fire. 0,oberts Brothers) II contains some Of
the peasantest Of Hunts always pleasant writings,
exhibiting In large measure his fine wit, fancy and
peculiar subntty OF perception and style Tue very
titles Of the essays are suggestive and attractive
Among them arc charming papers on the geni OF the
Greeks and Romans; on the genii and aucies OF the
East and the Arabian nights" on the nymphs OF
antiquity the sirens and mermaids OF the poew tri-
tons and men OF the sea giants, ogres, and Cycops;
on Cog and Magog and the wall Of Dhoulkarnein
snd on a variety OF other topics OF homeler and
more familiar interest
An old but ever interesting subject is expound-
ed In The Mysteries Of Masonry, BY L. 4. KEY
HOLDS, T. NJ =. IL. p GlppincottO This Ia avery
singular and interesting work, original In ns en"-
acer and remarkably well executed In literary point
Of view. 1t Is an explanation OF the mysteries Vi
Masonry according to the Ideas OF the swedenOor.
ldan philosophy, and especially OF the so-called
science Of correspondence. The author takes the
ground that Masonry Is a lie Of charity; that there
IL trinity In all things and that the Masonic de-
grecs. cmbcms, aud Numbers, arc all occult and
mystical and derive their origin from the remote
periods and races treated Of by swedenborg under
the name OF the Ancient Church. lie explains In
| this manner tho degrees OF Ancient Masonry, tho
cryptic degrees, and tho sublime degree OF Master
! Mason, with the strange legends OF Solomon King
| OF Israel, Hiram King Of Tyre, and Hiram Ablh.
He aims In short to give rational and coherent ex-
| PLANTATION Of what, to most Masons even, is appa-
renuy Only tumble Of nonsenec. lie has succeeded,
! m all events In making very curious book
Under tho title Of among Ny Books Fields,
| osgood & Coz, the latest and the nbest OF JAMES
RUSSELL LowElL's literary essays have been col
lccted They are ak in number, and their sub
jects arc Dryden, Shakespeare, Leasing, Rousseau,
| Wiehcran and New England two centuries ago.
| They are dedicated to +. d. L. Frances Dunlop
Lowell, tho authors wife, in the following qua
! train:
Love comes and goes with music In bis feet
An tunes Soang Rnlse1 g ms ,SSe
| Thai ne turns proser when be comes and staysf
| The essays are good specimens OF Mr.. Lowel's
| prose, which is always weishty With thought and
learning, and not unirequently enivcned by wit and
numor Of very rare and delicate quality. The au'
thor Is himself Of the truest and nobcst OF hv-
ing men, aud all that he writes In prose or verse Is
LOFTY In sentiment and sincere In intention, II not
| always sound In theory accurate IN statement,
lie has the merit, r,re in this country OF profound
and varied scholarship and he has the defect, moi
/ common to Americans, Of looking ct men and
| -, - - ~ -.
no'fy ra'ner wan hoih 'ne onshesA "aun's " p'A0
| uoh meh' nut VIZ cannot MI oe men VI ouS'nesA
hor Is" perhaps uesirap'e mat We sn0uia "i W
practical Let Ms he thankful that we have among
some sch GLARS like Professor Lowell. who live among
| their books, and keep alive In their studies tn'
| bright flames OF pure literature in q worldly ant
money-mnking agc. In these essays viii be ioun'
many fine and just thoughts, much sparkling wit
some elegant passages In style worthy OF Milton o.
Sir Thomas Browne. and great deal OF curious ans
reeondite learning especially from French, German
aud Old English sources
book from Oregon Ia novelty that deserve
welcome. The now before us, Mr.. W. II