The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-12-15
Recent Publications.
The Young Peoples Histsry Of Maine.
BY Geo. i, Varney

Enc AOuu8 feOpte's h1story OI maine.
BY Geo. i. varney. r..
Nearly dozen years ago the Governor and
Council applied to gentleman of this State,
then editor of literary magazine, now the
principal of a ladies' seminary in the West,
to write history OF Maine suitable for school
use; but for some reason the undert liking was
declined and the work has remained undone
to this day. Indeed, there are but few pos
sessing the ability who would also have the
patience to complete such task. Since Ie-
tiripg from the presidency Of Bowdoin COZ
lege, Rev. DR.. Woods has visited Europe
under the auspices of the Maine Historical
Society, discovering in the Offices of the
British government, records of great value
regarding the early movements towards
the settlemen. OF the northern portion of the
New England coast the existence of much of
this had passed from the knowledge of men.
Owing to the perseverance OF the learned
Doctor, Germany and Denmark have also
contributed of their historical treasures, nu-
merous maps and manuscripts of great inter-
est and going far back of the English settle
lnent of the country. There are also numer-
Gus town histories in which few incidents
of interest are mingled With mass of geneal-
ogy and town politics. When we look at this
vast collection OF historical material, we real
ize that Maine has an eventful past. s..
From these laboriously gathered and COM
plete data has Mr.. Varney produced ttis book
CT standard history. CHANGING over the con-
tents we notice mentioned such topics as
''The burning of Portland and Sacklng of
Bangor by the British 'sThe Hero
lc Fight at Battle Brook Georges,
the father of Maine Colonization =
"The Romantic life Of William Phipps,'
the Maine boy who was knighted;
"Ralle the Jesuit Missionary and his In
trigues;' "The Siege of Castine by the Ameri-
cans and of Machas by the British" "Our
Early Governors and the Farcial War about
the Aroostook Boundaries" etc., etc
These events are presented in continuous
narrative, as interesting as book Of fictitious
adventure, at the same time giving very
clear and comprehensive account of events in
their succession and relation. The treatment
seems to be just, the arrangement simple,
and the style easy and agreeable. 1t is q
book that will be appreciated and read with
interest by every Maine family, while for a
text book it is unsurpassed; and we hope to
see it ere long in general use in all our
schools. a...1
We notice few solecisms in orthography
and punctuation which will probably be rem
edied in later editions. The mechanical exc
cution of the book is admirable, and the print
clear and easy for the eye. The book is SUBJ
srantially and durably bound as all books
should be-bus alas! many are not-which
are intended for the wear aud tear OF school
use. ...... D.. .,...-
Dresser, Mcclellan & Co., the enterprising
publishers, are entitled to much commeuda-
ton for thus supplying want long ielt for .
school history of Maine. We provide our
pupils in the public schools with means of
knowledge of general history but leave them
necessarily and lameItably ignorant of their
own State. We should avail ourselves OF this
most obvious mode of awaking their interest
and pride in Maine and we may hope that
school committees everywhere will promptly
supply their charges with this very impor-
tant and useful work. 4 str,
Published and sold by Dresser, Mcclellan &
| Co., Portland.