The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-04-12
Recent Publications.
The Bcrber. BY w. 9. Mayo; Author of
"Kalooiah," and Never Again."

The Bcrber. by w. 9. Mayo; Author Of
"Kalooiah,o and Never Again.
A decidedly original and powerful novel the
scene of which is chiefly laid in Morocco, af-
fording much scope for descriptive and narra-
tive ability. 1t processes to be--and very
probably is-a correct picture of the inhabi-
tants, their manners and customs. But we
confess that their language sounds to us
much like the remarkable style of oratory at
novels rescues and heroic deeds are ''execu-
ted to order, with neatness and despatch"
and with an opportuneness unparalleled ex-
cept on the boards Of minor theatres; the
heroines are evidently studies after cheap il
lustrations of Byron's works; and the heroes
are those extraordinary and all-conquering
compounds of flashing eyes. hand of steel in
velvet glove, extensive black beard and ming
led amiability and ferocity, dear to the school
girl imagination.
That the author is well conversant with
oriental scenes and languages, we do not
doubt: mais (but) we don't sehen (see) pre-
cisment avaram (exactly why) nuestro amigo
four friend) should so scope traduire (often
translate) his epeG pteroentG (winged words)
nellie lingue straniere Unto foreign tongues);
when he is obliged immediately afterward to
re-translate the same, for the benefit of the
unlettered who don't know Arabic, etc.
THERE'S, however, great diversity ofopinion
among critics in regard to DIR. Mayo's writ
ings; and each reader will no doubt form his
own opinion of them. That they give evil
dence of certain degree of force and talent,
is unquestionable.
Published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, New
York. For sale by Loring, Short & Harmon
Little Kate Kirby; by f. w. Robinson,
Sake" etc. etc.
A novel of much merit-bright, original
and well written. Those who are acquaint-
ed with former books by the same author,
will find in the present volume his customary
power OF depicting scenes and characters in
varied stations of life, his felicity in genre
sketches, and excellence in the management
of plot and incident. We refrain from MAX
ing any resume of the story, preferring to let
our readers enjoy it for themselves.
Published by Harper Brothers. For sale
by Loring, Short & Harmon.
We also receive from Messrs. Lorng, Short
and Harmon. ''Leila, or the Siege of Grana-
da" by Lord Lytton. The merits cf the ro.
mances of this celebrated author are too well
known to require commentator.
Published by Harper Brothers, New York;
in their Library of Select Novels.
New Life in New Lands; BY Grace Green
Wood.
A most delightful, piquant and attractive
volume, written in Grace Greenwood's hap
piest style-clear, witty and poetcal. The
book consists ofletters written for the New
York Times-and few journalistic correspond
ents are more valuable than its author, on
account Of her feminine quickness of insight,
combined with force AMI clearness of style,
and an irrepressible sparkle and brightness,
which make her letters thoroughly enjoyable.
Her descriptions of the gigantic glories of the
Yosemite Valley, of the scenery of the west
and of the various incidents of the journey are
admirable, striking and picturesque At rare
very rare intervals, she allows her pen to
write asentence that is 1ppant, and out of
Ike ,ping with her usual high tone and fine
TASTE ''New Life in New Lands is alto-
gether one of the very best and most charm
ing publications of the year.
Published by j. B. Ford & Co., New York.
For sale by Hoyt, Fogg & Breed.
No. of the "Halfhour Recreation, in
Popular Science is received. This number
is edited by Prof. Winchell of the University
of Michigan and its subject is. "The Geology
of the Stars - These books supply public
need for presentation of scientific topics in
an entertaining and popular style. The price
in paper covers is twenty-five cents per nupl-
Der. Estes & Lauriat, No. 143 Washington
ST., Boston, are the publishers.
Bart RidgeIy; storylof Northern Ohio.
This novel, somewhat above the average
written earnestly in a manner indicating SIN
cere thought and feeling on the authors part
is romance of Western life, and entirely
American in tone. We should fancy it to be
written by native of New England, from its
tendencies to theorizing, slight transcendental-
ism, and to aspirations, in certain moral and
literary directions. Faults and inequalities
of style, the book has, of eourse-perhaps